Bilbao, a bustling metropolis that serves as a gateway to the Basque Country, is located in a picture-perfect part of Northern Spain. The city and the surrounding region lure travellers with an enticing blend of art, gastronomy, and natural beauty thanks to its rich cultural history, delicious local fare, and stunning coastal scenery. If you’re looking to explore a different side of Spain and experience more than just what Madrid and Barcelona offer, this is an excellent destination. But don’t start packing your baggage just yet until you’ve read this article, we’ve got plenty of information you’ll need to make the most out of your travel.
Discovering Bilbao
Bilbao has undergone a remarkable transformation from its industrial past to become a cultural hotspot. At the heart of this transformation stands the iconic Guggenheim Museum, an architectural marvel that has become an emblem of the city. Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum’s striking titanium curves house an impressive collection of contemporary art. It’s also appeared in several media productions, including The World Is Not Enough, The Interpreter, and A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Visit this place not only to be treated to exceptional exhibitions but also to be mesmerized by the interplay of art and architecture.
Apart from Guggenheim, Bilbao boasts other remarkable cultural institutions, such as the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. It showcases a diverse collection spanning from ancient to modern art, including notable works by renowned artists. Additionally, the city’s streets themselves serve as an open-air art gallery. The colorful murals and thought-provoking street art adorning buildings and walls add an urban artistic touch to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
The Spain tour package from UK offered by Exoticca is ideal for art enthusiasts seeking to experience destinations brimming with artistic treasures. This travel company’s carefully curated holiday deals ensure that you explore Barcelona and Madrid, the country’s most renowned art-centric cities, before extending your itinerary to include Bilbao. Through such an all-encompassing journey, you can delve into the captivating art scenes of these bustling cities, each offering its unique allure while contributing to the rich cultural mosaic that is Spain.
Gastronomic Treats
The Basque Country is renowned for its culinary excellence, and Bilbao is no exception. Basque cuisine is characterized by its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and the skillful combination of flavors, offering a wide range of traditional dishes that showcase the region’s culinary prowess. Succulent grilled meats and seafood, hearty stews, and unforgettable desserts are just some of the gastronomic treats you must sample from a Basque table. Local ingredients such as fresh fish from the Bay of Biscay, artisanal cheeses, and seasonal produce take center stage, elevating every dish to a culinary masterpiece.
Pintxos represent the pinnacle of Basque cuisine, and tourists must not pass up the chance to enjoy them. These small, exquisite kitchen creations are served on skewers or bread slices and can be found in abundance in the bars and taverns of Bilbao. Taking part in a pintxos crawl, hopping from one bar to another, and sampling an array of delicious bites is an absolute must-do for food enthusiasts.
Exploring the Basque Coast
As Bilbao is on the stunning Basque coast, it’s a great jumping-off place for exploring the rest of the coast. A short drive away will take you to San Sebastian, a picturesque seaside town known for its stunning beaches and world-class culinary scene. A visit to this city is incomplete without a stroll down the promenade, a glimpse of the bay, and a meal at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants.
Getaria, further along the coast, is an enticing destination with narrow streets, medieval architecture, and a scenic harbor. Its fresh seafood, especially the grilled fish, is legendary, and the town itself exudes a relaxing, laid-back vibe. Visitors can also explore the Balenciaga Museum, dedicated to the renowned fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, who was born in Getaria.
The Basque coast is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts as well. Scenic vistas of the ocean and the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed from the many hiking routes that trace the contours of its craggy cliffs. Surfers flock to the region, drawn by its world-class waves and surfing spots. Whether you’re looking to unwind on beautiful beaches, engage in exciting water sports, or simply take in the peace and quiet of seaside panoramas, there is plenty for everyone to do along this region’s coast.
Basque Culture and Traditions
The Basque Country has a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in its history and traditions., and its people have a strong sense of identity and take pride in their unique customs. Festivals play a significant role in Basque culture, and one of the most famous is the San Fermin festival in Pamplona. The Running of the Bulls, an adrenaline-filled event that takes place during this festival, attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
Music enthusiasts will enjoy the Bilbao BBK Live music festival, a three-day extravaganza that brings together renowned international artists and local talents. This open-air festival takes place on the picturesque slopes of Mount Cobetas, offering unforgettable performances against a backdrop of natural beauty.
Basque culture is also celebrated through traditional sports, such as Basque pelota, a fast-paced ball game played with bare hands or wooden rackets. Rural sports, including stone lifting and wood chopping, showcase the Basque Country’s rural traditions and strength.
The Basque language, Euskera, holds a special place in the region’s cultural fabric. It is one of the oldest languages in Europe and serves as a symbol of Basque identity. Hearing the melodious tones of Euskera spoken throughout the region adds to the enchantment of the Basque Country.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
While Bilbao and the Basque Country offer a wealth of experiences, there are also several enchanting day trip options worth exploring. The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated site, is a natural paradise where wetlands, forests, and stunning cliffs converge. Visitors can hike along its scenic trails, spot a wide variety of bird species, and immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty.
Other nearby towns, such as Vitoria-Gasteiz and Hondarribia, offer their unique charm and attractions. Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque Country, boasts a well-preserved medieval old town and a lively cultural scene. Hondarribia, located on the French border, is a picturesque coastal town with a well-preserved historic center and a delightful culinary scene.
Wine lovers can visit the nearby wine regions, such as Rioja Alavesa and the Txakoli vineyards. These regions produce exceptional wines, and wine tours allow sampling and learning about the local winemaking traditions.
The Extraordinary Bilbao and The Basque Country
Bilbao and the Basque Country offer an extraordinary travel experience where art, gastronomy, and coastal beauty come together in perfect harmony. The striking architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, the pintxos and other culinary treats, the breathtaking Basque coastline, and the lively festivals and cultural traditions are just a few reasons why this region is well worth visiting. For a Spanish holiday that’s truly unique, skip the crowds in popular cities like Madrid and Barcelona and explore a side of the country that few visitors ever see.
