On October 19th 1997, Bilbao, which had until then been only a steel capital in the middle of a steel-making crisis, began its new life thanks to art and titanium. The newfound celebrity soon turned it one of the most visited sites in Spain. The museum lacks a permanent collection, but the building being itself an artwork offsets that shortcoming. That architecture alone warrants a trip to Bilbao, with a night at the friendly ITHURRIENA OSTATUA inn, at the elegant LOPEZ de HARO or at the boutique HOTEL MIRO.
Near Bilbao, several picturesque fishing ports such as MUNDAKA, dot the Basque coast. MUNDAKA is known for its sand dune beach and as a surf spot. You can stay at the HOTEL EL PUERTO or the HOTEL ATALAYA. SAN SEBASTIAN (HOTEL LA GALERIA), the former seaside resort of the Spanish kings, sits further up the coast, along La Concha Bay. The lively streets of the old town are some of the most typically Basque in the region, full of pintxos taverns, where you’ll find the best Spanish tapas, and of cider-making venues, where parties last until the end of the night…..not to mention the two 3 Michelin star restaurants specialising in new Basque cuisine (Restaurante Arzak and Martin Berasategui).
The traditions and soul of the Basque country run even deeper in the villages of the hinterland. Experience them in AXPE in the MENDI GOÏKA sheepfolds or at the CASA DE AGINA in OYARZUN, a village near the French border.
Michelle Gastaut
Who we are ?
Enjoying complete independance, our authors have been writing our guides on the road for more than 20 years, allways looking to reveal the latest charming destinations.
To select them, they evaluate : comfort, serenity, the overall environment, the welcome, the sens of the statics and atmosphere..
Through our website, you can either contact the establishments directly (by phone or by clicking on their website) or reserve on line.
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Offer an escapade for two, a gastronomical stay in our charming hotels or charming Guest Houses.
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