Where can you sleep?
For those who would like to experience the busy and lively lifestyle in Bilbao, you should know the city is divided in different districts, the central one being the area of Abando. But there are many rural houses near the capital of this province if you would like to visit the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, and have a walk by the banks of the river.
If you are one of those who enjoy having a good meal and a good drink, in the Zona de Santutxu you will find plenty of streets filled with bars, whereas in Desuto you will find one of the best areas to go 'pintxo' tasting. We recommend you visit both of them, since both of them will offer you a taste of two different aspects of the same local gastronomy.
If, on the other hand, you would prefer to go deep into the rural side of Vizcaya, both in the inland and coastal towns and villages you will find a quiet and pleasant setting where you will be able to relax, away from the frenzy and loudness of the city while, at the same time, be close to it and all the important monuments and places to visit. The perfect combination for a rural getaway to the very heart of nature.
What to do in the area?
Bilbao offers an endless list of interesting activities to do here that make this city a must visit for anyone who comes to this province: explore the city center, visit the Guggenheim and Bellas Artes museums, stop by the Catedral de Santiago, and be amazed by the views of the Ría de Bilbao, followed by a visit to the Mercado de la Reina to gather your strength eating in the biggest indoors domestic market in Europe.
It is clear that Bilbao is a city with much to offer, but you will see there are many other things to see in the rest of the province; one of the most popular places to visit is the Puente Colgante, a suspension bridge that connects Getxo and Portugalete built in the 19th century and is nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sunny or not, the beaches by the Cantabrian coast provide with some of the most beautiful views of the province, such as the beach of Bakio, the largest one in Vizcaya, the ones of Laga and Laida, in Ibarrangelu, or Arrieta, in Sopelana. Thanks to the excellent geographical conditions, the beaches in Vizcaya are some of the most coveted ones amongst surfers from all over the world.
And in the natural reserve of Urdaibai you will find such views that will make you fall in love with this place, like the Bosque de Osma, a natural masterpiece where you will find the most peculiar shapes and colours, painted on the tree trunks.
What typical foods are recommended?
The gastronomy of the País Vasco has earned itself a name worldwide recognised, not only because of its prestigious haute cuisine, but also because of its long, traditional, recipe book. After enjoying of a few 'pintxos' as an appetizer, which you will see come in a great variety of flavours and shapes, a meal full of delicious dishes awaits for you in Vizcaya's menú, such as the 'bacalao a la vizcaína', 'pisto de verduras', or 'marmitako' which is a very popular stew with oven-baked bonito and potatoes. As for the local meat dishes, we suggest you try those from small game hunting, which are then included in exquisite dishes such as 'solomillo de cerdo' with Idiazábal cheese. For dessert, finish this perfect meal with some 'bollos de mantequilla', or 'trufas'.
Where are the festivities?
The regional festivities of Vizcaya are the result of their deep-rooted tradition and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. Thanks to its proximity to the sea, there are many 'romerías' or processions held in the coast, such as the Procesión Marítima del Carmen, on July 16, in Santurtzi, or the Fiesta de las Magdalenas, on July 22, celebrated in Bermeo, Mundaka and Elantxobe. Amongst the religious festivities is the Día de la Virgen de Begoña, celebrated on August 15, where more than 150,000 people walk to the Basílica de Begoña at night, and amongst the non-religious ones are Día de la Castaña, in Gaztaina Eguna, and Día de los Gansos, celebrated in Lekeitio on the 5th of September.
