Just over 10km from Bilbao city centre, the airport is ideally placed if you want to take in this glorious city or branch out further into Spain.

If you do want to head straight to the heart of Bilbao, the quickest route to take is to head east on the N-633, before taking the southbound exit onto the BI-631. After around 3km, you should take the exit onto the N-637, before finally entering the Artxanda-Salbe Tunela which brings you directly into the city centre.

Bilbao is well-connected by road and as it straddles the Nervion river, the easiest way of moving between the two banks is by using the La Salve Zubia. For incredible views of the coast, take a drive along the A-8. Not only will this bring you along the stunning coastline, it will also connect you to breath-taking sights like the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

Driving around Spain is generally a pleasant experience. The limit on motorways is 120km/h, whereas open roads have a restriction of 90 km/h. Driving in towns carries a 50 km/h limit, though keep an eye out for 30 and 20 km/h restrictions in built up areas.

In Spain you are required to drive on the right hand side of the road, and overtake on the left. All occupants must wear seat belts, and children under 12 must travel in the back of the car.

You are required to carry your driving licence and passport at all times. And it’s also worth noting that the use of indicators is strictly enforced by the Guardia Civil. They must be used when pulling out to overtake, and pulling back in.

Bilbao, and the wider Biscay area, is a treasure trove of unique Basque delights. From sandy beaches to architectural marvels, this sun-drenched metropolis is the ideal place for a European getaway.

Gawp at the Guggenheim

Bilbao’s Guggenheim was opened in 1997 by King Juan Carlos. The brainchild of architect Frank Gehry, it’s one of modern Europe’s great feats of engineering. Sat on the Nervion river, the building takes the form of a boat, reflecting the city’s maritime past. The museum is the third to be opened by the Guggenheim Foundation, after New York and Venice.

The museum is renowned for its large-scale installations of modern art, as well as a focus on Basque and Spanish artists. When it opened, the collection was formed by a combination of existing pieces in the Guggenheim collection plus newly acquired and specially commissioned works, such as Richard Serra’s 100-metre-long Snake. Alongside the main building you will find two mesmerising pieces – Jeff Koons’ Puppy and Louis Bourgeois’ Maman.

Medieval Meanderings

The Casco Viejo – known colloquially as Las Siete Calles (The Seven Streets) – is the medieval district of Bilbao city centre. So called because the Old Town consisted of just seven streets, Casco Viejo features many interesting buildings, including Plaza Nueva (built in 1821), a picturesque square which hosts a flea market every weekend.

The Seven Streets are an ideal place to wander around and explore. The area is known for its various restaurants and taverns, where you can stop for pintxos – the Basque version of tapas – and a tzakoli (sparkling white wine). The area also houses a number of popular small food shops, where you can buy local favourites, such as snails and tinned fish.

Get Wet at Getxo

Getxo is a coastal town in Biscay. It is roughly 12km from Bilbao city centre and can be reached by car in just 15 minutes via the N-637. An affluent area of approximately 80,000 people, the town is a favourite with sun seekers keen to escape the city.

A stroll along the promenade takes in the grand seafront villas, built in the 19^th century by wealthy merchants. It’s worth stopping at one of the town’s many cafes to snack on the delicious fresh squid. After that, you’ll no doubt want to sample an ice cream from one of many the vendors on the seafront.

The town grew out of the port of Algorta, a historic shipping community on the shore of the Bay of Biscay. The 12^th century Andra Mari Church is well worth a visit, as is the Aixerrota Windmill, the only remaining antique windmill in the region. Why not purchase some of the mill’s distinctive flour and try making your own bread...?

Car hire is the perfect way to explore the area and hiring a car at Bilbao could not be easier. Visit us at the airport arrivals desk, and let us hand you over a set of keys so you can get out and explore everything this incredible region has to offer.