Guernica Car Hire

Guide of Guernica

Geography

Guernica is a small town located in the province of Biscay in the Basque Country, around half an hour from Bilbao. It sits near the confluence of the River Oka and River Gernika, surrounded by rolling hills, valleys and lush forest landscapes. The town is situated within the boundaries of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO for its ecological value and staggering biodiversity.

Climate in Guernica

Guernica experiences a maritime climate, with slightly cooler temperatures than many Spanish towns. The warmest time to visit Guernica is during the summertime, from June to September, when temperatures vary between 17°C and 23°C. Winters tend to be mild, with average temperatures of 8°C to 13°C. Due to its oceanic climate, the town receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, which explains its verdant and lush landscapes. The wettest months to visit are November, December and January.

Culture

Guernica is perhaps best known for Picasso’s spectacular oil painting, which depicts the suffering and tragedy endured in April 1937 when the entire town was destroyed by German and Italian forces supporting General Francisco Franco. While many of its attractions are related to the atrocity, Guernica has since become a symbol of peace and hope.

The town is also the spiritual home of the Basques. The first parliaments were held under the Sacred Tree of Guernica in the Middle Ages. Today, the town is deeply connected to its Basque traditions, identity and autonomy. The town celebrates festivals and folklore events throughout the year, which feature traditional Basque dances, musical performances, sports events like the pelota, and parades.

Things To Do in Guernica

Explore the Gernika Peace Museum

Opened in 1998, the Gernika Peace Museum tells the story and consequences of war, with a focus on the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. There are moving exhibitions, interactive displays and events exploring human rights, peace and how we can best work together to achieve them.

Get up close to the Tree of Gernika

A symbol of Basque identity and freedom, the Sacred Tree of Gernika is located next to the Casa de Juntas, a historic Assembly House (which is also worth a visit). During the Middle Ages, the first Basque parliament sat under the trees to create laws. It was here that they established Basque autonomous rule.

Brush up on local history at the Basque Museum

Also known as the Euskal Museoa, the Basque Museum houses a vast collection of artefacts, traditional clothes, tools and artworks exploring Basque culture and history. It was one of the few buildings to survive the bombing.

Hit the market

There are several markets in Guernica, but the Monday market is the most popular. The whole market square comes alive with local produce, sporting events and cultural displays, making it one of the most important markets in the Basque Country.

Get closer to nature at the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve

This Unesco-listed reserve encompasses an extraordinary variety of terrain, including marshes and wetlands, beaches, rivers and forests. It’s brimming with wildlife, home to herons, egrets, and waterfowl. There are dozens of hiking and cycling trails, as well as water sports, boat tours and plenty of picnicking spots.

Eating Out in Guernica

The Basque Country is Spain’s most famous culinary destination and is renowned for the quality and variety of its local dishes. Guernica is no exception. Pintxos are a Basque-style tapas, served on a slice of bread and secured with a toothpick. You’ll find dozens of pintxos bars peppered across the city. Heartier local specialities to look out for include bacalao al pil-pil (salted codfish simmered in a creamy sauce), marmitako (a fisherman’s stew) and idiazabal (cheese). Guernica is renowned for its Basque cider, known as sagardoa, too.

While it may not boast the Michelin stars of San Sebastian and Bilbao, there are some exceptional restaurants, bars and tavernas in Guernica. Zallo Barri offers an excellent introduction to traditional Basque cuisine through their a la carte and taster menus, as well as a very affordable daily specials menu. For fresh fish, try 1000 Kolorau, which offers local fish caught from the Bay of Biscay.

Transport

Airport

The nearest airport to Guernica is Bilbao Airport (BIO), which is located around 22 miles (36 km) miles northeast of the town. The airport is served by a range of international and domestic airlines, with flights to most European and Spanish cities. It takes around 40 minutes to drive from the airport to Guernica depending on transport. If you are relying on public transport, you will need to take a bus to Bilbao city centre, then hop on a bus to Guernica. The bus ride from Bilbao to Guernica takes around an hour.

Alternatively, you could fly to Vitoria Airport (48.2 km), San Sebastian Airport (72.1 km) or Santander Airport (92.9 km) for a greater range of flight times and options.

Getting around Guernica

Guernica is a relatively compact town and most of its bucket-list sights are within easy reach of each other. Cyclists will be happy to know that it is a bike-friendly town too, with dedicated bike paths and several shops offering affordable bike rentals by the hour or day. A local bus service connects the town to several nearby towns too, though services vary in frequency.

However, if you’re planning on getting out of the city to explore the region, we recommend hiring a car. Roads are well-maintained and traffic is rarely an issue. The city has several designated parking areas, as well as street parking too. Driving will give you the flexibility and freedom to explore lesser-known attractions at your own pace, without multiple public transport changes or pricy private transfers.