Flights from London take just under 2 hours
The colourful city of Bilbao is well worth a visit(Image: © Marco Bottigelli via Getty Images)
TUI has added a new city break destination to its spring itinerary, located in an underrated part of Spain that’s gradually becoming increasingly popular with British holidaymakers.
If you’re tired of the Spanish Costas and want to steer clear of the usual crowded tourist traps, then Northern Spain is emerging as an alternative for Brits keen to experience a different aspect of the country. The Basque Country alone saw a 40 per cent increase in visitors last year, although this still only amounts to 182,000 tourists annually – a mere fraction compared to those visiting Southern Spain.
Nestled in the heart of the Basque Country is Bilbao, and if you’ve never ventured to this part of Spain before, it’s an excellent starting point for exploring the region’s unique charm and heritage. This spring, TUI will be offering city breaks to Bilbao from four main UK airports: Bristol, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, and Manchester.
The colourful buildings of the old town give Bilbao plenty of character(Image: ©fitopardo via Getty Images)
With flights from London taking just under two hours, it’s ideal for a long weekend or short getaway.
One travel writer for Lonely Planet noted: “When your plane banks toward Bilbao Airport for the final approach, the lush forest passing below looks nothing like the Spain you thought you knew.”
The climate and landscape of this area contrast sharply with the parched, sun-soaked south, providing more temperate conditions that offer respite from summer heat. Between March and April, daytime temperatures hover around 17C, whilst during summer months, they rise to approximately 26C, as the south often bakes in mid-30s temperatures, reports the Express.
The region also experiences more rain than its southern neighbours, giving the surrounding countryside a lush green character.
Bilbao sits on the shores of the Nervión River, with one of its most cherished highlights being its old town, called Casco Viejo. Boasting colourful structures from mediaeval times, a magnificent cathedral, and the beautiful neoclassical Plaza Nueva, packed with bars and restaurants, it serves as a perfect urban getaway.
The striking Guggenheim Museum offers sharp contrast to the rest of the city(Image: Kevin Schafer via Getty Images)
In contrast, the Guggenheim Museum, with its striking Frank Gehry-designed frontage, looks like nothing else in the city, but has become a hit with guests with its vast modern art collection. Even without going inside, it’s worth wandering by to marvel at its titanium-clad exterior shimmering in the sunshine.
Apart from its cultural offerings, Bilbao is renowned for its thriving food scene, and whilst wandering the streets, you’ll encounter countless pintxos venues. A northern take on tapas, pintxos are small bread pieces topped with ingredients from jamón to seafood or cheese, fastened with a cocktail stick.
Pintxos are a regional version of Spanish tapas(Image: Malcolm P Chapman via Getty Images)
Another celebrated product of Northern Spain is its Rioja wines, which provide the perfect pairing for a plate of pintxos. You can enjoy a day excursion to vineyards on the city’s outskirts, or alternatively visit one of the many wine bars for a sampling.
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