Gipuzkoa

Gipuzkoa is a province of the Basque Country, in northern Spain. It sits on the Bay of Biscay and is bordered by Biscay to the west, Álava and Navarre to the south, and France (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) to the east. The northern coast is exposed to the Atlantic. The capital and largest city is Donostia-San Sebastián, a cultural and tourist hub known for its beaches, port, and the San Sebastián International Film Festival. Other major towns include Irún, Errenteria, and Zarautz.

Geography encompasses a rugged interior of mountains such as the Aralar and Aizkorri ranges, with the coast featuring cliffs and sandy beaches. The Zumaia and Deba coast is noted for flysch formations in the Geoparkea area, a popular geological site. The Urumea River flows through the province, emptying in San Sebastián.

Most residents speak Basque (Euskara) alongside Spanish; the Basque language has official status in the Basque Country. The economy is diversified, with services and tourism playing key roles, along with industry, fishing, and food production. Gipuzkoa is renowned for Basque cuisine, Michelin-starred restaurants, and traditional sports such as jai alai and pelota.

Historically, Gipuzkoa was part of the Basque territories within the Kingdom of Navarre and later integrated into the Crown of Castile. In 1980 it became one of the three provinces of the Basque Autonomous Community under the Basque Statute of Autonomy.