Vitoria
23 newsStories follow city events, incidents, festivals, road changes, documents, services and neighborhood issues with useful context for residents and visitors.
Laguardia Blends Medieval Walls, Wine Cellars, and Steakhouse Ambition
Laguardia in Álava is redefining rural tourism with its preserved medieval walls, underground wine cellars, and a restaurant offering steaks by cattle breed. The town’s unique blend of history and gastronomy has earned it a place among Spain’s most beautiful villages and a new spotlight in the 2026 Guía Repsol.
Storms and Scattered Rain Disrupt Bilbao’s Weather This Saturday
Bilbao faces a turbulent Saturday with overnight storms and patchy rain. Temperatures will range from 21 to 28°C. Weather conditions are expected to stabilize by the afternoon, but clouds and light showers may persist.
Vitoria’s Iconic Bazar Xu to Close After 27 Years as Owner Retires
Bazar Xu, a fixture in Vitoria-Gasteiz since 1999, will close between September and October 2026 as owner Hua Lan retires following health challenges. The shop is offering a 50% liquidation sale, marking the end of an era for generations of local residents.
Bizkaia Sets €35 Cap for Local Toll Roads, Keeps AP-68 Fee
Bizkaia will maintain tolls on the AP-68, with a single trip between Bilbao and Vitoria costing €4.20. From 2027, regular users will see a monthly cap of €35 for tolls within the province. The measure aims to reduce costs for frequent drivers.
Basque Government Expands €200 Child Benefit and Launches New Family Aid
Families in Euskadi can now apply for an extended €200 monthly benefit for each child under 4, retroactive to January 2026. New €100 monthly payments are also available for large, single-parent, and foster families with children aged 4 to 7. The changes aim to ease the cost of raising young children in the Basque Country.
Vitoria Shop Owners Demand Clear Rules After Fines for Street Displays
Small businesses in Vitoria-Gasteiz are being fined for placing products and signs outside their shops, despite a city ordinance promised in 2021 that remains unapproved. Merchants and political groups are calling for clear, fair rules to avoid further penalties and uncertainty.
International Police Dismantle Major Migrant and Drug Trafficking Network
A joint police operation has broken up a criminal network moving migrants and drugs between Algeria and Spain. The investigation began after 12 people disappeared at sea. Authorities arrested 20 suspects and seized boats, cash, and narcotics.
Volotea Drops Vitoria-Madrid Flights, Boosts Barcelona Route
Volotea will end its Vitoria-Madrid flights after low demand, while increasing weekly connections to Barcelona. The change, effective from October, alters travel options for the region and reflects shifting passenger trends.
Willy Hernangómez Set for Swap Deal Between Kosner Baskonia and Barça
Kosner Baskonia and Barça are close to a direct exchange involving Willy Hernangómez, Xevi Pujol, and Paolo Galbiati. The deal, with no financial compensation, could reshape both teams for the next season.
National Court Restores Semi-Freedom for ETA Inmate Vicario Setién
The National Court has overturned a previous ban on semi-freedom for ETA member Gregorio Vicario Setién. This decision supports the Basque Government's approach to prison policy. The case highlights ongoing legal tensions over the treatment of former ETA members.
Heated debates erupt in Treviño as residents challenge authorities over access to essential schools and medical care
Trevino: Why Residents of the Burgos Enclave Prefer Vitoria to Burgos. Tensions are growing in the Treviño enclave between Burgos and Álava. Local residents are calling for changes in governance. A resolution could reshape life in the region.
Basque authorities highlight growing voter confidence in regional parties, Vox's influence dwindles against a backdrop of a unique local political climate and historic loyalty to Basque voices
Why Vox Failed to Gain Ground in the Basque Country: Figures and Reasons. In the Basque Country, Vox’s support remains minimal. Locals trust their own parties and reject radical ideas. This shapes the political landscape and future of the region.
Attention, tenants and landlords: new rent caps are set to impact more than half of the country’s urban population, reshaping the real estate market with significant shifts ahead
Basque Country caps rent increases: what changes for residents and the housing market. Fourteen cities in the Basque Country are now subject to rent increase limits. The new regulations affect more than half the region’s population. The decision promises changes for both tenants and property owners.
Adventures, new faces and unplanned routes await the children of Cristina and Iñaki
How the Urdangarin-Borbón Family Will Spend the 2025 Christmas Holidays. Cristina and Iñaki Urdangarin's children are planning an eventful holiday season, filled with travel, family reunions, and new traditions. Discover how their winter holidays have changed.
Noticeable tremor recorded in Iruña de Oca overnight, causing panic among residents
Magnitude 4 Earthquake Alarms Residents of Álava and Neighboring Regions. A magnitude 4 earthquake struck Álava overnight, causing strong tremors felt by residents of Vitoria and surrounding areas. Authorities reported no injuries and stated that further seismic activity is not expected.
How Bilbao’s First Silent Protests Changed the Fight Against Terrorism — Why Silence Was Louder Than Words
How Gesto por la Paz Emerged and Transformed Protests Against Violence in the Basque Country. In 1985, a movement was born in Bilbao that changed attitudes toward political violence. Gesto por la Paz united people in silent demonstrations against terror. Discover how their protests shaped society.
Controversial Court Ruling: Why an Ex-ETA Member Was Freed After 25 Years
Asier Carrera Released: Parole Granted to Convicted Politician’s Killer. Asier Carrera, convicted of murdering a politician and his bodyguard, has been granted parole. The court took into account his remorse and conduct. The decision has sparked public outcry.
Amaia Arrazola: The creative journey of an artist reshaping street art and children's literature
Spanish Artist and Illustrator Amaia Arrazola: Farewell to a Vibrant Era of Art. Amaia Arrazola made a lasting impact on Spanish culture. Her works adorn cities and books alike. The artist inspired colleagues and friends with her optimism. As she departs, the art world reflects on her remarkable legacy.
Urban Experiment: How a Temporary Barrier Became a Symbol of Free Expression
A Wooden Wall in Central Vitoria Becomes a Canvas for Street Art. A striking installation has appeared in central Vitoria—a massive wooden wall. It quickly transformed into a vibrant site for graffiti, poems, and messages, sparking conversations among locals about boundaries and divisions. The project invites reflection on social barriers and the power of art to overcome them.
Bilbao and Vitoria Join the List of Cities with Rent Controls: What Will Change for Tenants
Rental Restrictions Introduced in Nine Spanish Capitals to Stabilize Housing Market. Spanish authorities are expanding the list of cities with limits on rent increases. The new measures affect Bilbao, Vitoria, and several other municipalities. The decision aims to protect tenants and stabilize the housing market. Changes to rental regulations are expected in the coming months.
Mass Arrests in Central Vitoria Amid Nationalist and Anti-Colonialist Clashes – What Happened on Spain Day
17 Young People Detained in Vitoria After Clashes at Rally. Mass detentions took place in Vitoria following clashes at a rally. Young people were at the center of events related to the celebration of Día de la Hispanidad. Details of the incident and the police response are in the report.
Meteorologists warn of a sharp cold snap and heavy rains in various regions of the country – An unexpected turn in the weather will surprise even southerners
Spain Braces for a Wave of Cold and Heavy Rain in the Coming Days. Spain is expected to experience a sharp temperature drop and heavy rainfall. In some regions, nighttime temperatures will fall below 5 degrees. Atmospheric fronts will bring instability and stronger winds.
Por qué una simple hoja de papel en el coche puede salir muy cara
In Spain, Placing a Car for Sale Sign on Your Windshield Can Result in a €1,000 Fine. In Spain, car owners risk hefty fines for placing for-sale signs on their vehicle windshields. In some cases, the penalty can reach €1,000 and the car might even be towed. We explain why this common practice is now considered a violation and what consequences it may bring.