Situated along the banks of the Nervion River, Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque region of Spain. Its heritage as an industrial powerhouse can be seen in some of the rejuvenated buildings and warehouses - Bilbao is full of surprises. There’s something new just waiting to be discovered around every fascinating corner.

You’ll find Bilbao Airport just 15 minutes from the center via the N-637 and, just like home, you’ll drive on the right and overtake on the left. Driving in and around the city is relatively straightforward - the A-8 goes straight through it and will take you towards the charming coastline in both directions.

The AP-8 is one of the main routes into Bilbao. It’s just under an hour and a half to Irun, which sits right on the edge of the border with France.Heading inland will take you to the varied landscape of the Pyrenees Mountains. From Bilbao it’s around two hours to the glamorous seaside resort of Biarritz. Offering great waves and a relaxing atmosphere, this city combines superb surf with sophistication and plenty to captivate in the town itself.

The AP-8 in the opposite direction will take you out to Santander. Join the A-8 and it’s an hour and a quarter to Cantabria’s capital. This atmospheric city, a bit of a hidden gem, is full of character and boasts some of the most gorgeous beaches in the area.

Keep an eye out for tolls, you’ll need to pay these on many of the country’s major roads, although scenic, free routes are available – they just take longer. Speed limits vary and will be amply signposted – from 50 km/h in towns, villages and cities all the way up to 120 km/h on autopistas, the Spanish equivalent of freeways.

The glistening, tree-lined Nervion River saunters lazily through the city, epitomizing the laidback Spanish lifestyle. Nestled in the corner of north-east Spain, Bilbao is located close to many fantastic destinations, and you can easily turn this into either a city break, a beach vacation or the perfect combination of the two.

Feel the pinxto

The Basque version of Spanish tapas – pintxos (pronounced pin-chos – the Basque ‘x’ is said as a ‘ch’) are everywhere in the city. They might be tortilla chunks, anchovies and peppers or salt cod spread over freshly baked bread. You’ll be spoilt for choice in the neoclassical Plaza Nueva square but make sure you check out Gure Toki, known for more inventive pintxos. Many places have a house specialty – the 'specialidad de le casa’ – and you can spend a wonderful evening drifting from one place to the next just trying all of these.

There are plenty of markets to amble around, including art deco Mercado de la Ribera, a lively food hall full of bright fruit, fresh fish and delicious cheeses and hams. Buy yourself some treats and, if you pop into La Ribera bar, they’ll cook up a feast while you enjoy the live music.

The view from Mount Artxanda

Get a different angle on the city from the top of the 250-meter high Mount Artxanda. Gaze out across panoramic views of Bilbao, following the river to where it meets the sea. Spot imposing landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum and the Iberdrola Tower. 

The route to the peak is just over four miles and is incredibly popular with hikers. You can join them or, for a more relaxed journey to the top, ride the funicular through the fairytale landscape. 

If you’ve worked up a hunger on your way to the top, then you’re in luck - one of the most famous restaurants in the city is here. Txakoli Simon is known for its grilled meats, which are served on a personal coal barbeque at your table.

The city’s icon

Now that you’ve looked down on the Guggenheim, it’s time to see it up close. The museum is a staggering creation. As you walk towards it, the first thing you’ll see is the vast, sinuous Frank Gehry exterior. You’ll also come face-to-face with a giant topiary dog, Puppy, by Jeff Koons, that guards it. Arachnophobes will have to brave the 30-foot high bronze spider, Maman, by Louise Bourgeois.

The unusual museum sits on the banks of the river, so for a different view of the sparkling building, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board. A pleasant journey down the river will also take you alongside Parque de Ribera, a sprawling area of greenery and playgrounds.

Back on dry land, you might like to head inside and admire the Guggenheim’s singular art collection. Andy Warhol and Yves Klein are all in the permanent collection, while Richard Serra’s curved steel installation is towering, playful and intriguing.

Collect your car rental from Bilbao and you can easily discover everything the Basque Country has to offer, from the coastline to the countryside.