"This is not Spain. This is not France. This is Basque (open in new tab)."

The phrase, written in English, is spread across the walls of almost every city in northern Spain. It feels like a stern warning to outsiders. Yes, you may still be within Spain's political boundaries, on a land flanked by France, but you have entered a region with its own language, flag, cuisine, and faith. You are in a place where you are surrendering to an alien sensibility. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

Those who are willing to embrace the region as more than just a neighbor to Barcelona and Madrid will have a special experience waiting for them. (The rest of Spain is a short plane ride away, so no need to worry.) Also, because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the climate is almost always summer, allowing visitors to soak up all the sunshine they need for sightseeing. In the creative center of Bilbao, a simple walk along the river is all it takes to see the work of artists that everyone knows. (In San Sebastian, you can enjoy a world-class dining scene, with Michelin-starred restaurants and dive bars with excellent snacks. Or rent a car and head out into the countryside, where there is plenty of great architecture and small beach towns.

To inspire you to book a flight to the Basque Country, here are some of the most photogenic spots in the region. Come up with your own Instagram travel guide.

A trip to the Basque Country should start with a visit to Funicular de Alzanda in Bilbao, where a three-minute ride on the 106-year-old train tracks will take you to the top of Mount Altoxanda. From this vantage point, you can trace potential spots for later visits, from the modern pedestrian bridge Zubizuri to the architecturally decadent old town and even the nearby Bay of Biscay. When you're done admiring the view, grab a drink at one of the nearby cafes. If there is one thing the Basques know, it is that everything is better with wine.

In 1997, the Bilbao Guggenheim opened, transforming the banks of the Nervión River into a world-renowned art destination. The building's curvaceous exterior (which design buffs will recognize as a trademark of architect Frank Gehry) makes it nearly impossible to photograph the building. Its surreal exterior is embellished by accompanying art, including a fountain that erupts nightly between 9 and 10 p.m. and overgrown shrubs called "Puppies" by Jeff Koons.

The sculpture "Maman" by Louise Bourgeois on the other side of the Guggenheim deserves special mention. Bilbao is one of only seven places in the world where visitors can take a selfie with the 30-foot-tall spider (with egg sac) that the artist used to represent handiwork and maternal protection. Fog sculpture #08025 by Fujiko Nakaya fills the area with an elegant mist, giving Mom the drama she deserves.

Think of pintxos as an alternative to tapas for those who don't like to share food. This Basque snack can be found on the counter of almost every bar. For one or two euros a plate, you can experience traditional Basque flavors such as mini omelets, shredded meat and cheese, baby eels (one of the most expensive foods in the world), and grilled olive and fish skewers. Because of the many layers, it is difficult to identify the pintxos, so be sure to ask about ingredients and preparation methods if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. Many would argue that San Sebastián is the birthplace of pintxos, but the entire region prides itself on seasonal ingredients, so you will rarely encounter a bad example of classic finger food.

Maybe it's the Jeff Koons effect (after his iconic statue was installed at Guggenheim Bilbao, West Highland Terrier ownership increased), but the Basque Country really is the best place in the world for dog lovers. Many restaurants and stores even offer free water fountains. So much so that many restaurants and stores offer free water fountains. For the best dog encounters, the best places to go are the riverside walks in Bilbao and Doña Casilda Park. Yes, there is a lot of temptation to go straight to the dogs, but always ask the owner before petting them.

The former wine store is now an entertainment complex filled with cinemas, restaurants, bold architectural choices (check out the wild, cartoon-like columns!) ), and an entertainment complex filled with gathering spaces. But the real centerpiece is a sundeck with a glass-bottomed pool. Because taking pictures of the massive silhouettes has become a local hobby, the complex occasionally hosts special performances in which swimmers create elaborate choreographed shapes for the spectators below

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It is no exaggeration to say that the city of San Sebastian has some of the best beaches in the world. It is a happy place for surfers and sunbathers alike, but be careful where you put your blanket, as the amount of sand varies greatly with the tide. A beachside spa offers "thalassotherapy. Or walk to the end of the boardwalk and you will find "Comb the Wind," a twisted red metal sculpture by Eduardo Chillida that creates dramatic patterns in the spray of the waves. As the tide recedes, local artists can be seen using the sand as a canvas to sketch dramatic (if temporary) multi-dimensional designs that last only a few hours. It's magical.

Located just 16 miles outside of Bilbao, Gastelgase seems like another world. In fact, the jagged islet was used as the location for Dragonstone Castle in Game of Thrones. For an experience worthy of the Khaleesi, climb the 241 steps that rise 80 meters above sea level. When you reach the top, tradition dictates that you ring the bell outside the church three times to announce your arrival. The number of climbers per day is limited due to erosion caused by the flood of tourists paying homage to the Dragon Queen.

There are not many castles in the Basque Country, but those that do exist double the fantasy factor: the five-story Butron Castle has turrets, dungeons, and is overgrown with wildflowers. Tours are free, but unfortunately the grounds are private property, so all selfies are taken outside.

If you fall in love with the Basque Country, book a trip here (opens in new tab).

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