Spain/Portugal/Gibraltar - Day trips from Bilbao

Hi there,

I'll stay in Bilbao for three nights during May. A day trip to San Sebastián is already planned - and I'd like to go to Biarritz, as well. At the moment I wonder if I should rent a car for one or two days. It looks like there are several other destinations in this area worth a visit.

The Bilbao-experienced among you could help me with my decision. What's the best mix of Bilbao and the basque region for a three-days-stay? Which spots should I see? How long does it take to see the best of Bilbao (Guggenheim etc.)=

Thanks in advance

Lennart

My partner and I did a tour of the Basque region 2 years ago. Search for the trip report. As for Bilbo, the old town and the Guggenheim seem to be the main attractions which you can easily do in a day. You could also go see the bridge in Getxo at the mouth of the river. You can do Donastia (San Sebastian) in an easy day but only if you take the autopista (free roads are slow). Getting on and off the autopistas around Bilbo can be challenging - get a good map. I think the beauty is in the country rather than the city. Gernika was bombed out and there's not much to see there other that the Basque homage site. We found Gastiez (Vittoria) to be a rather nice city (worth a few hours at least), as is the old quarter or Irunea (Pamplona).

If you get the change, go to one of the sagardotegi (cider house) around Astigarraga for a traditional meal. If they're not open, there's one open year round/daily on the waterfront (harbour-ish, not promenade) in Hondarriba.

Go to Salamanca - beautiful city as is Burgos. Both are possible. There is quite a decent Sol Melia on the outskirts of Salamanca which makes parking very convenient. There is a delightful restaurant Le Parisien I think.

Go to Salamanca - beautiful city as is Burgos. Both are possible. There is quite a decent Sol Melia on the outskirts of Salamanca which makes parking very convenient. There is a delightful restaurant Le Parisien I think.

I have to definitely give a thumbs up for Salamanca too! A lot of people like Laredo......I didn't. I love Biarritz...but a day trip there isn't enough, and you only have three days in Bilbao.