Spain’s two beautiful cities that you can visit in a weekend | Travel News | Travel
Nestled in the heart of the Basque Country are two beautiful Spanish cities boasting golden sand beaches and some of the finest restaurants in the world.
Surrounded by the Basque Mountains and sitting on an estuary that leads to the Atlantic Ocean is Bilbao home to spectacular architecture and wonderful museums.
Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque region and has become a vibrant hub for arts, creativity and culture.
The Museo Guggenheim Bilbao is one of modern architecture’s most iconic buildings and is one of the city’s key landmarks. There, you can find a large collection of modern and contemporary art.
Many opt to visit the building just to view the structure, with Canadian architect Frank Gehry’s use of flowing canopies, cliffs, promontories, ship shapes, towers and flying fins constantly being featured in many pictures of the city.
History buffs will love exploring the city’s old quarter, where they can view ornate churches. The medieval neighbourhood, known in Spanish as Casco Viejo and in Basque as Alde Zaharra, is situated with the River Nervión to the west.
Foodies will fall in love with Bilbao’s pinchos/pinxtos bars, where small plates (also known as tapas) of delicious regional specialities are paired with a local beverage.
One of the oldest buildings in Bilbao is the Catedral de Santiago. Built as the main parish church in the 14th and 15th centuries, it became a cathedral in 1950.
Just 63 miles away is San Sebastian, home to the renowned La Concha, often featured in magazines; it was named the best beach in Europe and Spain.
As the brightest jewel in San Sebastian’s crown, the picturesque beach has a mile’s worth of white sand and stands right in the city centre.
San Sebastian’s old town is protected by the sea on one side and the River Urumea on the other.
Lying at the foot of Mount Urgull, the cobbled streets are full of world-class pintxos bars, where you can immerse yourself in the local cuisine.
San Sebastian is often referred to as ‘the food capital of Spain’. This foodie paradise is home to the highest concentration of Michelin-star restaurants anywhere in the world, making for the gourmet getaway of a food lover’s dream.
With over 100 years worth of history, the Funicular cable car is the most popular way to get to the top of Monte Igueldo.
When you travel in its wooden carriages, you will be able to explore some of the best panoramic views of the city.
At the summit, there is an ancient amusement park that will delight all ages.
Monte Igeldo is located at the end of La Concha Bay, marking the limit between the city and the sea.
If both these cities in Northern Spain sound up your street, then you will be pleased to know that you can travel between the two cities very easily.
Taking just over an hour, the bus is the easiest way to travel between the two cities, and its schedule runs from 5:08am to 10:30pm.