Enjoying Your Holiday at the Bay of Biscay: 7 Considerations to Enjoy the Incredible Bilbao

Feb 20, 2025

Last Updated on: Aug 25, 2025

Travel Blog

Located on the Biscayan coast, it is ideally situated just 200 meters from the beach, 12 minutes from the vibrant city of Bilbao, and 16 minutes from the airport. 

However, apart from severe weather, this place is a hotspot for marine life like dolphins and Whales. Therefore, your holiday trip to Bilbao is going to be memorable on the coast. Towns in Bilbao, like Getxo, Azpeitia, Ondarroa, Lekeitio, and more, are rich in history, where you get an opportunity to know the unknown. 

However, the Bay of Biscay, with its vibrant culture and stunning coastline, can be an inviting destination for all travel enthusiasts. We know that you are finding a scope to relax while seeking adventure on the same journey.

Normally, we divide the journey between people who love adventure and those who like to relax on holidays. However, Bilbao is going to be your memorable holiday check-in, where you can enjoy the holiday with the thrill and relaxation. 

Essential Considerations to Enjoy in Bilbao

Holiday at the Bay of Biscay

When planning your holiday, we always stay skeptical about the location and what it offers. However, instead of forming illusionary concepts, it is better to check out the place before you even check-in.

Confused? Well, when you have the chance to use the internet, scout for the place and know it properly before you practically visit there!

It will help you to plan your holiday trip seamlessly while avoiding some unexpected errors on the go. Whether you are visiting Bilbao, your family partner, or even friends, make sure you know these things before you reach there. 

1. Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Bilbao is rich in history and art. Make sure to explore the iconic Guggenheim Museum, which houses contemporary art in an architectural masterpiece. Take a walk through the historic center (Bilbao La Vieja) and visit the charming boutiques and cafés that offer a taste of local life.

2. Savor Basque Cuisine

Basque cuisine is renowned for its exceptional flavors and fresh ingredients. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in pintxos (Basque tapas) at local bars.

Also, try the specialties that highlight the region’s culinary heritage. Taste the seafood dishes and traditional Basque pastries. These foods are not available everywhere. So, when you visit Bilbao, be excited with your taste buds. 

3. Discover the Surrounding Natural Beauty

The Bay of Biscay offers breathtaking landscapes that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Consider taking a hike in nearby natural parks, such as the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, or enjoy leisurely walks along the stunning coastline. The views are sure to leave you in awe.

4. Attend Local Festivals

Bilbao is known for its lively festivals throughout the year. Check the local calendar to see if your visit coincides with any events. 

  • Aste Nagusia (Big Week) festival
  • Bilbao Night Marathon
  • Azkena Rock Festival
  • Bilbao BBK Live music concert
  • Bilbao food tour

 These are all famous festivals for locals and travelers. Here, you can experience traditional music, dance, incredible fireworks, and more. 

5. Explore Unique Shopping Opportunities

From high-end boutiques to quirky local shops, Bilbao offers a diverse shopping experience. Stroll along Gran Vía and in the Old Town (Casco Viejo) for unique finds and souvenirs. Be sure to pick up some locally crafted goods to remember your trip.

6. Serene Experience at PALACIO ARRILUCE HOTEL (a 5 Star Hotel)

While traveling to a new city, we always forget to check out the best stays. Consequences? We ended up having a bad experience without proper amenities and accommodations.  

This should not happen in your care, especially while visiting Europe. This is why we have a luxurious option for you- the PALACIO ARRILUCE HOTEL. Consider booking a room in this spain 5 star hotel which is located actually in Getxo, near Bilbao. The best part about Getxo is that you get to stay close to the shore compared to the main town of Bilbao.

Serene Experience at PALACIO ARRILUCE HOTEL

However, this elegant hotel isn’t just a place to rest!

It also offers extraordinary culinary with Spa&Wellness.

It is one of those rare hotels that comes with a comprehensive Delaunay Restaurant, famous for its gastronomy treatment. Don’t you believe that?

Well, award-winning Basque chef Beñat Ormaetxea will be at your service here! Not only that, but the hotel also offers a space for relaxation and care. 

Neguri Spa&Wellness in PALACIO ARRILUCE HOTEL is going to be your state of wellness secret this year. This 5-star hotel perfectly complements your holiday in the Bay of Biscay. 

So, what are you waiting for? Check out their website to know more and understand what you can do while staying there. 

7. Embrace the Spirit of Adventure

After we consider a luxury stay, we forget to address the benefits of adventure. While visiting a new city, never stay in one place all the time. This will completely ruin your holidays. 

Instead, step out of your comfort zone; no one will handcuff you. 

Always try new things. Wondering what you can do at the Bay of Biscay? 

Well, there are a lot of activities you can go on.

  • Try surfing in Sopela
  • Take a scenic boat tour of the bay
  • Give your partner a romantic experience with a few simple arrangements
  • Discover the world’s first underwater winery
  • Go for Eexcursion to Cabárceno Park
  • Ensure a sunrise walk to the Bizkaia bridge

The more you explore, the more you find, and there is no end if you truly want to explore the place.

Research and Travel

Trust us; you will not enjoy your holiday if you do not do your research before you visit the place. It is not just about Bilbao but any other place as well. 

Consider key things in mind regarding accommodation, adventure, and seamless traveling. Your holiday at the Bay of Biscay will create lasting memories this time! 

Whether you’re indulging in fine dining at PALACIO ARRILUCE HOTEL or exploring its cultural treasures, there is something for everyone to cherish in this captivating part of Spain.

Safe travel!

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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BY  Sibashree Jan 22, 2025

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Top 10 Beaches In Sydney You MUST VISIT! 

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You can chill around in the sand while you take local lessons to improve your surfing experience. If you don't have experience, I wouldn't ask you to go there and surf. There are other things that you can do, such as sunbathing, having a picnic, or enjoying a delicious Slurpee! Nielsen Park Nielsen Park is in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, close to the Vaucluse neighborhood. The beach is the perfect place to escape from your hectic everyday routine. You can access several facilities, such as toilets, sheltered sitting areas, and others. There is a scenic walking trail along the foreshore that you can take with your partner. There are also shaded picnic areas where you can hang out with your family, friends, or partner. Shelly Beach This is one of the top spots in Australia for diving and snorkelling! This beach is in the northern region of Sydney so that you will have some spectacular ocean views. There is a surf club at the end of the south end of Manly, so if you follow the coastline for about 15 minutes, you can reach it here. If you snorkel, you should bring your snorkelling gear to explore the shallow cove and its clear water. The cove is protected within the marine reserve of Cabbage Tree Bay. Often, Surfers plan to go to the other side of the beach through "The Bower",” a shallow-breaking surf wave. You can easily have a barbecue party as there are facilities available, along with access to a restaurant, Le Kiosk. Milk Beach This beach is found in the eastern suburbs of Sydney; Milk Beach is a perfectly quiet and small gateway! It is a cool place to perform fishing, swimming, and snorkelling activities. There are also several rock formations just at the edge of the beach. You will have a lovely sunset view with these rock formations if you see the Sydney skyline. There is, however, the issue of no facilities at the beach. You will not get any amenities or services. Hence, you must walk through Nielsen Park from Shark Beach to access toilets and picnic areas. Let's remember the Hermitage Foreshore trail, which, if you take a little hike or walk through, you can experience some of the stunning coastal views. As you prepare to return home with these unique memories of the Sydney coast, a custom keyring featuring Milk Beach rocks, sunsets, or a scenic trail will be a truly memorable choice. It will transform the beauty and leisure of the seaside into a tangible, small blessing that will accompany you through your daily journey.  Custom keyrings are available in a variety of materials, shapes, and colors, and can be shipped to you as quickly as possible after ordering. Hang the keyring on your bag or carry it with you, and whenever you see it, it will remind you of that precious travel memory. Finishing Off... To sum up, the beaches I have made a list of are some of the coolest places you can explore and visit. This collection of beaches sports soft sand, translucent water, and significant international traffic.  People want to learn about these places to plan a trip or spend time with their loved ones! If, after reading this blog, you visit one of these places we named here, you will be lucky. Comment on which beach you want to go to and why.