Vitoria

Hi David,

Most people don't know that Vitoria is actually the capital of the Basque region, it's often described as a 'hidden gem'. It's often overlooked because right next door you've got Bilbao with all its culture and the Guggenheim (just over an hour away), and then you've got St Sebastian on the other side with beaches and more laid-back surfer lifestyle. Maybe Vitoria doesn't have the same 'wow factor' as its more famous neighbours, but it's got other perks: it's not that touristy, there's a good local atmosphere, and a well-preserved medieval centre with lots of great taverns and bars sporting their extravagant pintxos displays… Basically I'd sum it up as "a nice place to get lost in", you can spend hours exploring the medieval streets and bars, sitting in parks with the locals, experiencing a bit of Basque culture… (or visiting the obligatory cathedral/ art museum if you feel so inspired)

As for accommodation, someone else might have suggestions (I just did a day trip) but it's probably just best to check the reviews on booking.com. It's probably nice in the 'casco viejo', but as you know Spanish city centres can get very noisy over the weekend, so pick wisely!!

I have visited Vitoria for the day twice with friends from Bilbao. Nice city. The Cathedral was (and probably is) undergoing a huge renovation program but still had guided tours. Of course the Camino goes right through the town center so you wioll be able to say you walked part of the route!

Stayed there two nights last year between jumping from the Camino Aragones and starting the San Salvador in Leon.

I stayed in the Abba Jazz hotel, I think I picked it because it was central and near the train station, it was clean, rooms spacious and minimal but in a good way. Just had a quick look on TripAdvisor and some of the complaints range from small to noisy, my room was big so have a look at them, I didn't notice much noise its central but not in the late drinking area which is in the old quarter 5 minutes away but spending about 30 nights in dorm rooms previously could have altered my perception of noisy.

They have a big pintxos festival in June, lots of places doing 5 pintxos with a glass of wine for 10 euros, some were really imaginative and top quality. The old quarter at night is busy but relaxed at the same time, less like Leon a bit more like Oviedo with its more left type trendy bars, places and characters.

+ don't order breakfast through your hotel unless you are sure its exceptional. On the pedestrianised streets behind the hotel, cafes and bars had really good deals on desayuno, the one I was going to gave me a glass of fresh orange, a montadito( big choice) cafe con leche and bolleria for €2.70

Vitoria (Gasteiz in Basque) is a nice and pleasant city. Great food. It got the European Green Capital Award on 2012. It definitely deserves a visit so go, explore it, get lost and enjoy.