Window to the north: Basque Country & Cantabria

Start your trip! Depending on what time you arrive, you may be able to explore Bilbao in depth or simply get your bearings. Take a stroll or go out for dinner and a refreshing drink. You deserve a rest after your travels!

Start your day in Bilbao by going to the modern part of the city. Walk along Gran Via and discover the major commercial centre, with straight lines and bigger streets. A must-see attraction in Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum. Just viewing it from outside is a worthwhile experience, but inside you can find permanent and temporary world class exhibitions. If you are a football fan, go to see the new San Mames, Athletic Club Stadium. Alternatively, visit the outskirts of Bilbao, for example, Portugalete where you can see the famous Vizcaya Bridge. After seeing all the tourist attractions, spend the evening in Casco Viejo, moving from bar to bar and eating pintxos and drinking the night away. There is always a party happening in Bilbao.

Check out of your accommodation in Bilbao and get ready for the next stop!

TRIP  Bilbao - San Sebastian

Your day in San Sebastián/Donostia should start in the Peine del Viento, on the west side of La Concha Bay. From there you can walk almost two kilometres along the promenade, crossing the Ondarreta Beach and La Concha Beach (one of the most beautiful beaches of the country). Between them, you will find the English style Miramar Palace. Also during your walk, you will discover remnants of the Belle Epoque period, including big stately mansions like La Perla, a former aristocracy health resort, and the London Hotel. Another excellent walk follows the Urumea River, where you can delight in more of the city's big old buildings, such as the Victoria Eugenia Theatre. The best place to spend the evening is in Casco Viejo, which has one of the highest numbers of bars per square metre in the world. The night will involve eating pintxos and drinking some wine and beer. Anything could happen in San Sebastian.

Check out of your accommodation in San Sebastián and get ready for the next stop!

TRIP  San Sebastian - Santander

One way to spend an evening in Santander is to go to the area by the docks where you can walk around the Paseo y Jardines de Pereda. You will pass the Palacete del Embarcadero and the Stone Crane, to eventually reach the Maritime Royal Yacht Club, a boat-shaped building. If you are a sea lover, you can visit the Cantabrian Maritime Museum, with a huge whale skeleton in the entrance hall. If you still have some more time, walk on the beach and then make your way to the city centre. At night, go to one of the many seafood restaurants and enjoy the city's atmosphere.

You can start the day in Santander visiting the Magdalena Palace, the most remarkable building in the city, located on a beautiful green peninsula. After that, spend part of the day walking along the succession of beaches that make up the Sardinero, with some of the more excellent ones including Camello Beach and La Concha Beach, where you could also go for a surf. While walking along the promenade, you will see the Sardinero Big Casino, an imposing white building. For some top views, you should go to Cabo Mayor, following the path near the cliffs at the end of the beach. The best evening plan in Santander is to go out for pinchos. Finish the night in one of the many pubs or clubs.

If you haven't visited Magdalena Peninsula yet, the morning is a good time to do so. It's one of the symbols of Santander, with the Magdalena Palace and fantastic views. Spend the rest of the morning chilling out on one of the city beaches or explore some of the city's cultural attractions. For example, you could visit the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria. For lunch, you could stop at the market and try some local food.

TRIP  Santander - Bilbao

Spend the evening in Bilbao wandering in Casco Viejo, also known as the Seven Streets. From the Arenal Bridge, near the Arriaga Theatre, plunge into the narrow and bustling streets of the old town of Bilbao and walk towards Plaza Nueva, where there are markets on some days. Afterwards, continue to Unamuno Square and climb the hill to the Basilica of Begoña. Make your way back down and lose yourself in Casco Viejo's alleys where you will also spot the Gothic Santiago Cathedral. When you get tired of walking, take a rest with some pintxos and beers from the same area. As the evening draws on, notice the neighbourhood becoming more lively until it turns into one big party for many hours.

Sadly, the last day of your trip has arrived. Depending on the time of your departure, you could spend your final hours in Bilbao visiting some more fantastic places, or simply chill out and relax.