Unique architecture and unusual 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 vary from 120 km/h on freeways (autopista) to 100 km/h on autovia, down to 50 km/h in built-up areas.

Once you arrive in the city, you can take the N-637 from Bilbao Airport and from there it’s a mere 15 minutes 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. 

The A-8 goes straight through the city and the AP-8 connects the city to the coastline in both directions. You can join this road via the N-637 from the airport, head towards the French border and it’s a scenic two-hour drive to the sophisticated seaside resort of Biarritz.

Head west on the A8 for Santander. Cantabria’s capital is off the traditional tourist trail but has lively tapas bars, atmospheric plazas and beautiful beaches.

Green, mountainous countryside surrounds this colorful and extremely good-looking Spanish city. Once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere of this beguiling city, you’ll find you’re perfectly located to explore the Basque Country on both sides of the border.

Art around every corner

Art can be found throughout the streets, around the buildings and inside the museums of this bright city. The Guggenheim Museum is its most famous home here, however.

A 30ft bronze spider and a topiary puppy welcomes you to this world-class museum, 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. This comprises the façade of the old museum, which dates back to 1908, with a newer part made of metal and glass. Here you’ll find 7,000 pieces dating back to the 12th century.

The beauty of the Basque coastline

The Basque coastline is arguably the most beautiful and varied 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 including the superb Akelarre and Martin Berasategui, but make sure you visit the pintxos – Basque tapas – bars 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 from Bilbao Airport and you’ll be perfectly located to discover everything northern Spain has to offer.