Car rental Bilbao Airport

Once you arrive by plane, you can collect your rental car and take the N-637 from Bilbao Airport. From here, it’s a mere 15 minutes or so to the center of Bilbao. If you’re keen to see the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, you can reach it via the Artxanda-Salbe Tunela. Alternatively, you might want to feel the sand between your toes. If so, jump on the BI-637 via the N-637 towards one of the best local beaches at Sopelana. 

Unique architecture and striking sculptures can be found among the colorful buildings that line the streets of Bilbao. The tree-lined Nervion River slices the city in half while Mount Artxanda provides a magnificent backdrop, hemming the city in.

Bilbao is well connected, so it’s easy to discover everything the Basque Country has to offer. Just note that you’ll pass through tolls on many of the country’s major routes and you’ll drive on the right-hand side, just like home. Speed limits are displayed in kilometers per hour, and typically vary from 120km/h (74mph) on freeways (known as 'autopista') to 100km/h (62mph) on autovia, down to 50km/h (30mph) in built-up areas. Always check signs, however, in case of any changes. 

The A-8 goes straight through the city and the AP-8 connects Bilbao to the coastline in both directions. San Sebastian lies to the east in just over an hour, offering even more art, food and culture, while you can head west on the A8 for Santander. Cantabria’s capital is off the traditional tourist trail but boasts lively tapas bars, atmospheric plazas and beautiful beaches.

Green, mountainous countryside surrounds this colorful and extremely attractive Spanish city.

And once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere locally, you’ll find you’re perfectly located to explore the Basque Country and rest of northern Spain too.

Art on every corner

Sensational art can be found throughout the streets, around the buildings and inside the museums of this bright city. And the Guggenheim Museum is famous for a reason. 

A 30ft bronze spider and a topiary puppy welcomes you to this world-class attraction, which was hailed as one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. Towering above the river, the distinctive titanium curves of the Frank Gehry-designed building played a huge part in bringing art - and those who love it - to this city.

Step into the atrium where light pours in through the large glass walls. Among the art you’ll find creations from Andy Warhol, Robert Motherwell, Yves Klein and Anselm Kiefer all in the permanent collection while ever-changing exhibitions, screenings and installations keep it constantly fresh.

A short walk from the Guggenheim is Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.Here you’ll find around 7,000 pieces, with some dating all the way back to the 12th century.

The beauty of the Basque coastline

The Basque coast is arguably the most  stunning in Spain and it’s wonderfully close to Bilbao. Hop in your car and head for Playa de Laga. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying beach side bars and a tranquil atmosphere with views of Mount Ogono from the sandy shores.

If you’re looking for adventure, you can hike up Ogono and look back out across the golden sand and glistening waters. The sea looks incredibly tempting from here, particularly when you see numerous surfboards and kayaks taking to the waves. Why not join them and cool off once you’ve made your way back down?

Spain’s culinary capital

Bilbao has brilliant places to eat, but nearby San Sebastian is known as the culinary capital of Spain - and for good reason. Here, green hillsides and curving beaches provide the backdrop as your taste buds are tantalized by delicacies.

For the real food connoisseurs, the city has several Michelin-star restaurants, but make sure you visit the pintxos – Basque tapas – which fill the streets. You may like to visit A Fuego Negro, a modern take on the region’s culinary history with several nods to American food, or more traditional places such as Ganbara and Gandarias.

Walk in the footstep of ‘The Lions’

Soccer fans will relish the opportunity to visit the home of Atletico Bilbao or, as they are affectionately known to fans, Los Leones – the Lions. A club steeped in tradition, Bilbao is one of the founding members of the Spanish league and they showcase their glorious sporting history in a modern and interactive stadium tour.

Here you can take penalties, visit the locker room and experience the pressure of the press room before going pitch side to take in the beauty of Estadio San Mames. Named the best sports building in the world at the World Architecture Festival, this impressive stadium is the perfect setting to live out your soccer dreams.

Collect your rental car at Bilbao Airport and you’ll be perfectly positioned to discover everything northern Spain has to offer. Reserve direct today.