IF you want a Spanish break without sitting on the plane for hours on end, then the city of Bilbao is your best bet.
Not only are flights under two hours, but temperatures in the Spanish city are warm even in the winter, reaching highs of 21C this week.
Flights between London and Bilbao take under two hours, making it the fastest Spanish city to reach from the UK[/caption]
Bilbao is known for its pintxo, small gourmet bites that are served alongside drinks like Basque cider or a txakoli white wine[/caption]
Earlier this year, low-cost carrier Vueling launched flights from London Heathrow to Bilbao.
The fastest flight time, when travelling from London Gatwick, is just 1hr50, with tickets for as little as €39 (£32).
Or you can fly from Bristol to Bilbao with easyJet, also taking 1hr50 while flights from Manchester with easyJet take slightly longer at 2hr5.
Being so close, it makes for a great weekend break.
One of its main attractions is the Guggenheim Museum, which opened to tourists more than 25 years ago.
Spread across three floors, the museum houses popular work by artists like Richard Serra, Robert Rauschenberg and Yayoi Kusama.
Outside the museum sits two large Instagrammable installations, including Mamá the spider, and the ’40ft Puppy’.
Head to the old town (also known as siete calles) to experience some of the city’s more traditional charm.
Founded over 700 years ago, the area is filled with restaurants, bars and shops, and new spots keep popping up all the time.
Make a beeline for Plaza Nueva, the main square in the old town where markets are hosted.
It’s also the perfect place to sample a pintxo or two.
Pintxos are small gourmet bites, which are served alongside drinks like Basque cider or a txakoli white wine.
Diners are encouraged to eat standing, so they can move onto other bars.
Bilbao is also home to Mercado de la Ribera, which is Europe’s largest covered market serving fresh food.
Other attractions in Bilbao include Teatro Arriaga that’s considered one of the most majestic buildings in Bilbao.
The Guggenheim Museum houses popular work by artists like Richard Serra, Robert Rauschenberg and Yayoi Kusama[/caption]
Temperatures in Bilbao remain warm even in the winter, with temperatures reaching 21C this week[/caption]
The building is inspired by the Paris Opera and is dedicated to local musician Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga who is dubbed the Spanish Mozart.
Despite several mishaps, including a fire and a flood, the theatre still boasts one of the city’s biggest arts and culture programmes.
Arguably one of Bilbao‘s best-kept secrets is Zubeola Avenue, home home to English-style houses.
Accommodation in Bilbao is highly affordable too, with overnight stays in hotels from £51 per night.
What’s it like to visit Blbao?
TRAVEL writer Lee Bell visited Bilbao, here’s what he thought…
AS the unofficial capital of Spain’s Basque Country, which is known for its lush green landscapes, Bilbao is a vibrant city that recently transformed from an industrial hub to a modern urban destination.
You won’t need a cab to get around. The city is small enough to walk from one end to the other within 30 minutes. There’s also a very well-connected and affordable network of buses and trams.
With a blend of culture, art and natural beauty, it’s a compelling destination. But what really sets it apart is its culinary focus.
Casco Viejo, also known as the Old Town, is worthy of an afternoon stroll.
As the historic heart of Bilbao, this picturesque district is a treasure trove of narrow cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.
Or go off the beaten track and visit upcoming neighbourhoods Zorrotzaurre, which hosts the Open Your Ganbara flea market every month, or the arty San Francisco district.
Here you’ll find independent galleries and cafes such as Contenedor, where you can buy the very furniture you’re sitting on.
Another Spanish city has been called the “garden of Europe”.
Or head to Menorca to find the “Mykonos of Spain“.
Low-cost carrier Vueling launched flights between London Heathrow and Bilbao earlier this year[/caption]
