Hola, Bilbao! The largest city in the Spanish Basque Country attracts visitors to the north of Spain with its charming old town streets, innovative buildings and traditional pintxo bars. Nestled between the green hills of the Cantabrian Mountains and the rugged Atlantic coast, Bilbao combines the originality of Basque culture with modern influences. The top highlight is the world-famous Guggenheim Museum – an architectural masterpiece made of titanium, glass and limestone, designed by star architect Frank O. Gehry. A feast for architecture fans!
Other eye-catchers are the Ribera Market, the Zubizuri Bridge and Norman Foster's elegant subway stations. A real Basque experience is a visit to a pintxo bar in the old town around the Nervión river. Basque tapas are small works of culinary art and a delicious snack at any time of day.
Bilbao not only offers urban highlights but is also an ideal starting point for excursions to the Spanish Basque Country, known as Euskadi. The Atlantic coast attracts visitors with its beautiful beaches and excellent surfing opportunities, while hikers and nature lovers get their money's worth in the surrounding mountains of the Cantabrian Cordillera. The elegant seaside resort of San Sebastián boasts Concha Bay and one of the most beautiful city beaches in Europe. Medieval churches and traditional farmhouses are just a stone's throw away from the modern architecture that makes the Basque Country so special. A highlight is a trip to the rock church of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which can be reached via a coastal path with numerous steps. Culturally, the Basque Country is characterised by its own language, Euskara, as well as lively festivals and centuries-old traditions.
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