In the summer of 2024, lovers of Ernest Hemingway’s work have an unmissable date in Bilbao and Donosti. The International Hemingway Conference will take place from July 14 to 20, and on this occasion, the event is dedicated to exploring the profound influence that the Basque Country had on the life and work of this iconic author.
Hemingway, known for his distinctive literary style and love of adventure, had a special affinity for our region in northern Spain. From the picturesque descriptions of the Navarre Pyrenees in his first major work, “The Sun Also Rises,” to the characters who frequented the Basque bar in his posthumous novel “Islands in the Gulf,” the Basque Country left an indelible mark on Hemingway’s life and literary creation.
A glance at the Program:
The conference will be held in two stages: first in San Sebastian for three days and then in Bilbao for another three days.
Participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture, cuisine and landmarks of the Basque Country, enriching their understanding of the connection between Hemingway and this fascinating region.
In San Sebastian, the Kursaal will be the main venue for the conference and, in Bilbao, the Carlton Hotel will be the epicenter of the activities. Both cities offer great accessibility through international flights and train and bus connections from other cities in Spain and Europe.
Accommodations with a Hemingway flavor
Given the demand and prices in Donosti and, increasingly, in Bilbao, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance. The conference will take place in summer and these are high season dates.
However, if you are looking for a unique and authentic Hemingway-related experience, you can’t help but consider the Ea Astei cottages.
These luxurious cabins, located in the beautiful Biscayan village of Ea, are imbued with the author’s love and connection to this region. Here you can spend a few unforgettable days and ask Mertxe, the owner, for the objects and souvenirs she treasures of Hemingway and she can offer you valuable advice for the “Hemingway Route in the Basque Country”.
Mertxe’s admiration for Hemingway led us to organize, on September 13, 2022, a Famtrip in the Casas de Ea Astei for agents of the tourism sector, which we called “Hemingway and the Basques in Urdaibai”.
Last November the Repsol Travel Guide was in Las Casas de Ea Astei, on the occasion of the second part of a report they were doing on the route that recalls the travels that Ernest Hemingway made through the Basque Country. You can read the article in our blog, “La Guía Repsol en la ruta de Hemingway”.
One of Hemingway’s close friends, Andres Unzain, was originally from this area, which adds a special touch of authenticity to the experience.
Can you imagine staying in a place that evokes Hemingway’s own passion for the Basque Country?
La Conferencia Internacional Hemingway
The 2024 International Hemingway Conference promises to be a not-to-be-missed event for Hemingway fans and literature lovers in general.
In addition, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the world of Hemingway and the Basque Country, you can’t help but consider the Casas de Ea Astei as your place to stay..
This is a journey that combines literary passion with the beauty and authenticity of the Basque Country, an unforgettable experience of culture, heritage, gastronomy and leisure.
We are waiting for you at Las Casas de Ea Astei, your Hemingway corner in the heart of the Urdaibai biosphere reserve, in the Basque Country.
