Benny Palmer Fry

Benny has been in teaching or conservation for most of his adult life. From working in sustainable agriculture in Uganda, to teaching biology in English secondary schools, to facilitating community rainforest conservation in the Amazon, he has maintained his love of nature alongside developing a rigorous approach to tackling complex environmental problems.

He was living in the mountains of Asturias, Northern Spain, before the pandemic brought him back to the UK. He loves rugby, singing, and Otto (his scruffy dog).

Benny has now returned to Spain, settling in the Basque Country. Here, he is shaping a new project called Basque Country Like a Local, where he shares his knowledge of the region and his passion for nature and culture with others.

Benny; nature lover, surfer, teacher, traveller, loves his dog Otto

Monique Ruesink

Meet Monique, born in the Netherlands and Alicante based. She founded Alicante Like a Local 15 years ago, an online and offline platform created to raise travelers’ awareness of the truly unique places in Spain’s Costa Blanca region.

She organizes events for tourists and travelers, but she wanted to add something in her life: nature, mountains, and outdoor events.

Meeting Ben presented a unique opportunity to join forces and they’re working together to bring the Like-A-Local approach to the wilds of El Pais Vasco.

Monique; family lover, sport woman, passion for creating memorable experiences, nature lover, traveller, passion for lighthouses

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At Basque Country Like a Local our mission is to share authentic tips and insights that celebrate the vibrant culture and traditions of the Basque Country. We aim to support local entrepreneurs by highlighting their unique offerings, from family-run eateries to artisanal shops, ensuring that tourism benefits the community as a whole.

For the price of a cup of coffee, you can help us keep our website running, so we can continue sharing the best tips with you. Check out how it works here.

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Our mission

At Basque Country Like a Local our mission is to share authentic tips and insights that celebrate the vibrant culture and traditions of the Basque Country. We aim to support local entrepreneurs by highlighting their unique offerings, from family-run eateries to artisanal shops, ensuring that tourism benefits the community as a whole.

By encouraging conscious travel choices, we strive to reduce the environmental footprint of tourism while providing meaningful experiences for visitors. From sustainable accommodation to eco-friendly activities, our recommendations are rooted in respect for the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Our approach fosters a deeper connection between travellers and the Basque way of life, creating opportunities that uplift local businesses and enhance the lives of residents. Together, we can preserve the charm of this remarkable region while inspiring people to discover its hidden gems responsibly. Join us in making a positive impact, one thoughtful choice at a time.