Bilbao

As the largest city in this fiercely proud region, Bilbao provides the perfect chance to experience Basque culture – its history, its food and its people. Until the esteemed Guggenheim Museum was built, the city had a much more industrial look than it does now. However, over two decades of tourism brought about by this excellent attraction has enabled Bilbao to give itself an architectural facelift.

Now, the pointy edges and curved sides of modern buildings from the minds of Norman Foster, Philippe Starck and others have created a captivating cityscape that still leaves room for a few gems from the past.

• Flight time from London: 2hr
• Bilbao Airport: 13km from the city centre; transfer time about 15 min
• Nearest railway station: Bilbao-Abando railway station
• Currency: Euro