Bilbao, as a network hub, is the ideal base for exploring the highlights of the Basque country. Here is a selection of the sights in the surrounding area, within an hour’s drive from Bilbao.
A bit further up the coast towards France is the city of San Sebastian. This city was the former summer residence of the King, and is built around a beautiful natural bay. It is an elegant and fashion-conscious city, and the old town if full of bars and restaurants. It is said there are more Michelin star restaurants in San Sebastian than in any other city in Spain. It offers a Jazz Festival in July and an international film festival in September.
The breathtaking Laga beach sits below the rock of Ogoño, offering a sudden 400 metre sheer drop into clear, blue water. From the top there is a stunning view of the Bay of Biscay. The beach itself is stunning, set in the wild, rocky coastline.
In the small port town of Castro Urdiales, there is a unique mix of Christian architecture and Celtic mysticism. It can also offer some of the freshest fish at the Meson del Pescador.
Lekeito is a typical Basque port town with its own fishing fleet, and a picturesque old town. The drive to Lekeito is an adventure in itself as you pass through the mountains of Biscay, which part at certain points to reveal dramatic and beautiful views of the coastline.
It is not flamenco that you find in this part of Spain, but Basque drums and whistles. A great place to see them is in the medieval capital Vitoria, which maintains many of the traditional manners and customs.
The famous wine region of La Rioja is only an hour’s drive from Bilbao. The journey through the Wine Route (Ruto de Vino) is delightful, especially in autumn as the whole region burns with the reds and yellows of the turning leaves. As well as stimulating the palate, the remarkable wineries of Ysios and Marques de Riscal, designed by renowned architects Santiago Calatrava and Frank Gehry, offer a feast for the eyes.
Our special offer for 1 week
- 7 nights in a double/twin room in a pension
- 5 days surf lessons with full equipment, transport to and from the beach, and experienced surf instructor
Price: 333,-€/Person
(offer valid for June, September and October. July, August: 398,-€/Person. Single room on request, flexible arrival date!)
Click here to see where our surf camp is based on Google Maps.
Bilbao has excellent, frequent and economical connections with the UK and Ireland:
easyjet
Low-cost flights from London (Stansted) and Manchester to Bilbao.
vueling
Daily flights from London (Heathrow) to Bilbao.
Brittany Ferries
Cruise from Portsmouth to Bilbao.
Ryanair
Cheap flights from London (Stansted) or Dublin to Santander (Bilbao).
Aer Lingus
Cheap flights from Dublin to Bilbao.
While transport links are good, to really explore some of these areas a private car is recommended. At Hertz you can rent cars either at the airport of from the centre of Bilbao.
