The Basque Country is a land of bon vivants. As well as restaurants and tapas bars, there’s another place to indulge: cider houses. Perhaps you didn’t know it, but the Basque Country also has its own cider, a sparkling apple wine that’s slightly bitter and acidic. In a rustic and convivial setting, with long tables and oak barrels ( kupela), you can taste sagardoa (Basque cider) and share a cod omelette before feasting on Spanish hake or txuleta (prime rib). During your stay at our campsite in the Basque Country, be sure to discover the region’s culinary wealth! Here’s an overview of the best Basque cider houses to discover sagardoa and enjoy a traditional Basque menu.
The Ttipia cider house
Discover a unique place in the heart of Bayonne, where you can taste Basque cider and where Basque authenticity blends with a touch of modernity. This Basque cider house welcomes you in an old building made of wood and stone, preserving the charm of bygone days. To enjoy cider the way it’s meant to be enjoyed, help yourself directly from the barrel, whenever you like, or when you hear “txotx”, the little word that invites everyone to stand up and fill their glass with sagardoa. At the Ttipia cider house, there’s no shortage of traditional dishes: cod omelette, prime rib or Spanish hake. There are no sweet desserts here; to round things off on a high note, enjoy a sheep’s milk cheese with quince paste and walnut jam.
27 Rue des Cordeliers, 64100 Bayonne
Kanbar cider mill
The Kanbar cider house is a must for cider lovers in the Basque Country. The architecture of this sagardotegia, a barn dating back to the 1700s, is a harmonious blend of wood, stone, steel and glass. An authentic setting for traditional craftsmanship! Upstairs, the restaurant promises a warm and comfortable atmosphere. For a unique tasting experience, head to the txotx room and pour yourself a cider base straight from the barrel. To prolong this moment of pleasure, discover the traditional Basque menu proposed by the cider house to accompany the sagardoa: fresh wild cod, beef rib and ewe’s milk cheese.
2 Rue de la Poste, 64200 Biarritz
Berri cider house (ex-Txopinondo)
This Basque cider house is located in the heart of the inland Basque country, in Ascain, at the foot of La Rhune, the emblematic mountain of the Pyrenees. Here, the tables are large and the space is open, making for a convivial, even sing-songy meal! In addition to the restaurant space, this place produces its own cider, which is served in barrels or sold by the bottle. In addition to the unmissable txuleta, enjoy cod koskera, prawns, hake aïoli or baked lamb, not forgetting the succulent Basque cake, for a moment of sharing washed down with cider (in moderation). Animated evenings are regularly offered at this cider house in the Basque country.
ZA Lanzelai, Chem. de la Cidrerie, 64310 Ascain
La cidrerie Luzienne
Located next to Saint-Jean-de-Luz’s jaï-alaï (fronton where cesta punta is played), this Basque cider house is a place where tradition and originality meet in harmony. In this typical Basque establishment, you can enjoy Basque cider and authentic Basque and Spanish cuisine after watching a game of pelota. The cider, served straight from the barrel, is the perfect accompaniment to the generous dishes on offer: cod omelette, prime rib, chipirons a la plancha and Spanish-style line hake. To finish on a sweet note, sheep’s milk cheese with fig, quince or cherry jam is a must.
Jaï Alaï, 16, Bis Av. André Ithurralde, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz
The Iruin cider house
One of the Basque cider houses not to be missed is the Iruin cider house. Discreet and intimate, this sagardotegia is just 10 minutes from San Sebastian, 40 minutes from our campsite.
It offers a unique experience with a few tables where you can enjoy tasty cider. This cider, made naturally for over four generations, promises a memorable taste experience. On-site, this traditional restaurant invites you to discover the Sidreria menu, featuring not only Basque cider but also authentic local cuisine.
Petritza Bidea, 12, 20170 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
During your camping vacation, don’t hesitate to book a table at one of these five cider houses. You’ll get the chance to experience Basque cider, an essential part of Basque culture, and savour Basque cider while enjoying a generous meal!