Nature Escapes Near Bilbao: Mountains, Beaches, And Coastal Beauty

Famous for the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art and for being the center of the semiautonomous Basque country, Bilbao is a major cultural hub and one of the most underrated cities in Spain to explore.

Along with fascinating Basque culture, including its unique language, you’ll encounter excellent art galleries, Europe’s largest covered market, unique food, and a revitalized urban core that has received the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. Also called the Nobel Prize for Urbanism, it was awarded for the urban transformation this former manufacturing city has been able to achieve.

All of these factors make Bilbao a fantastic city to explore. But that’s not all it has to offer. Even from the redeveloped heart of Bilbao, you can see the fertile green mountains that are characteristic of the Basque country. And with the wild beauty of the Atlantic Ocean just a short drive away, Bilbao makes a fantastic gateway to explore more of the countryside of northern Spain.

Far from the arid landscapes of the south of the country, Bilbao sits in a region of high mountains, dense forests, and regular rain sweeping in from the sea. And if you want to explore this natural environment further, you’re in luck.

Leave your heavy bags behind at a luggage storage facility in Bilbao and check out some of these great natural escapes for yourself. Along the way, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the natural beauty of the Basque country.

Elorritxueta / Vivero

Elorritxueta / Vivero

 

If your time in Bilbao is limited or you just don’t want to stray too far from the city, this hilltop park is a great place to get away from it all without having to go on a long journey. Located just outside central Bilbao itself, this wooded park offers incredible views over the city and the surrounding mountains, and the picnic tables and barbecue facilities make it the ideal place for a picnic.

You’ll also find plenty of walking trails both in and around this park that can lead you to other points of interest in the region. For example, there’s an old bunker and system of tunnels dating back to the Spanish Civil War just a short walk away from the park and a scenic spot that provides one of the very best views of Bilbao from above at Ganguren Mendiaren Gailurra. Easy to reach from the city itself with a drive of less than half an hour, this is a popular spot with locals that is not well-known to travelers but provides a great natural escape close to the city.

Atxabiribil Beach

Bilbao isn’t technically coastal itself, but it’s not at all far from the wild Atlantic, and in the summer, the beautiful beaches overlooking the Bay of Biscay become some of the most popular places in the area to hang out and enjoy nature.

This beach nicknamed the Wild One for its unspoiled scenery, is a beautiful example. Huge waves roll in from the ocean, and it’s rumored that this was the first place anyone ever surfed in the Basque country. That’s a tradition that’s kept alive today, with surfers traveling here from across Spain to enjoy some of the best waves anywhere in the country.

Reachable via Bilbao’s Metro system, this isn’t a place where you can expect to have the sand all to yourself, especially on a sunny day in summer. It’s also one of the most accessible beaches in the area, making it popular with families with kids. Still, if you want a beautiful beach that’s easy to reach and big enough that you can usually find some space even on the hottest day, this is a great option.

Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve

Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve

Just a little to the east of Bilbao, this sprawling nature reserve is the perfect place to get away from it all. Covering 22,000 hectares surrounding a coastal estuary, this park offers dense forests, towering cliffs, and secluded beaches that feel like the middle of nowhere.

The park is perhaps best known for its marshlands, which provide a crucially important habitat for shorebirds and other wildlife in this ocean area. That makes this a fantastic place for birdwatching. You’ll also find tons of hiking trails in the area leading you to spectacular views over the sea. If you want to get away from it all in the Basque country, there aren’t many better places to come than this.

Faro Del Caballo

For a stunning encounter with the rugged coast of the Bay of Biscay, head to this lighthouse outside Bilbao. An hour’s drive from the city, the astonishing views of the bright blue ocean and the frowning cliffs above it make it worth a special trip.

The lighthouse itself isn’t all that impressive, but with the surroundings, it doesn’t need to be. There is a long coastal trail that will take you up over the cliffs and reward you with exceptional views, and there are even places where you can jump into the water from the cliffs to cool off on a hot summer’s day.

Gorbeia Natural Park

Around an hour’s drive from the city, this natural park protects Gorbeia, the highest peak in the area and a mountain of deep significance to Basque people. Rising to 1482 meters above sea level, the mountain provides unrivaled views over the Basque country and beyond. It’s also a popular place for hiking and climbing, with a variety of trails offering everything from an easy stroll to a challenging multi-day adventure.

Don’t miss the beautiful Gujuli waterfall, and if you have the stamina for it, attempt the mountain peak. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural areas in the area, this is a place any outdoor lover will cherish.

Enjoy Basque Country

Enjoy Basque Country

Along with its artistic and cultural treasures, Bilbao is blessed with some truly exceptional scenery. Leave your bags behind and allow yourself to explore this rich natural environment on your next trip to northern Spain.

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Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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6 Best Delicious Destinations That You Can’t Miss 

BY  Sourav Oct 28, 2021

Tasty food and perfectly garnished platters are the precious heavens of many food travelers. Because when you are in the delicious destinations of the world, your taste buds and your heart is going to get full satisfaction for food travelers at each of the foodie vacation destinations. Not only the best food is going to attract you. The origin and the history of each food dish are giving you a new experience. The culinary culture of each delicious destination is gorgeous and mouth-watering. You are getting the chance to feel the most comforting tempting food in the world. Every country has a special menu in its culinary culture. And if you are a food lover and always in search of delicious destinations, this is just the right place to help you plan out your next food vacation. So let’s start with the top 6 destinations in the world.  6 Top Delicious Destinations Around The World The delicious destinations and the tasty food are the sweetest dreams of every food lover. And if you are in love with flavorful, delicious foods, do not skip these countries, Because these are not only delightful destinations, each of the dishes is the symbol of these countries. Here is the name of the seven most popular delicious destinations around the world. 1. Tokyo, Japan  The popularity of Japanese food items is quite impressive. If you want to visit the best culinary destination in the world, you must add Tokyo, Japan, to your travel list. All the different platters of Japan are carrying a unique authenticity. As they are cooking many authentic, delicious, and colorful dishes but if you want to feel the authentic taste of Japan, you must explore the Sea fish dishes of Tokyo. And ‘washoku’ is counted as the cultural heritage food of Japan. Sushi, sashimi, and Tempura are not popular items. Along with the dish, the dipping sources are carrying a unique flavor of each dish. 2. Mexico City For the spicy lover travelers, Mexico is the best bizarre food delicious destination. Because Mexico is the city of herbs and spices, you may be hearing about Mexican Tacos. But apart from the tacos, Mexico is the hub of spicy and delicious foods. Some authentic foods of Mexico are turning the country into delicious destinations. If you want to taste authentic Mexican spices, you must try the tacos and stuffed tortillas. Mexican tortillas are so delicious they used a finely grilled chunk of beef as the filler of tortillas. 3. Hong Kong, China Hong Kong foods are full of versatility. Not only your appetite and taste buds are pleasing. The garnishing style of the hong kong cushions is so unique and pleasing that before taking in the taste of the food, you are getting full satisfaction only by visualization. As most of the food travelers are thinking, all the Hongkong foods are very fewer calories. But if you want to taste the top 5 best food in the world in Hongkong. You are getting almost 500 calories by a single serving. Do you want to know the dish name? Here is the name of the winner, Hong Kong french toast. This is deep-fried with butter and filled up with peanut butter or kaya jam, soaked in egg batter. 4. Bangkok, Thailand  If you are searching for the best foodie vacations in Asia, choose Thailand as your next bizarre food destination. Among all the dishes of Bangkok, Thailand Som tam is the most popular one. Among all food destinations, only Bangkok has a wide range of street food corners as Bangkok has the largest open market in the world. Bangkok is a delicious destination for the best food in the world. Among the rest of the countries, you have to visit restaurants. But here, you only have to travel to the food market and hop from one food corner to another in Bangkok. As som tam is a common food in Thailand. Apart from som tam, the Thi fried rice, and pad Thi are very popular among food travelers. 5. Vietnam Have you tasted cold Honai beer? This is another country where you get hundreds of dish options just from the street corners. If you want to taste the top best food in the world, you must taste the well-cooked mouth-watering Goi Cuon or the delicious Vietnam-style noodles along with the chilled Hanoi beer. Goi Cuon is the authentic Vietnam cushion. It is almost like a summer roll. The thin rice roller has the filler of pork, shrimp, herbs, and rice vermicelli. The refreshing flavors of herbs erupting in your mouth. As the side dipping sauce, they serve a slightly sweet Vietnamese sauce laced with ground peanuts. And do not forget to order a Honai beer as the beverage. 6. Greece Greece is the heart of the delicious culinary destinations in entire Europe. If you want to know where the best food in the world is. The options are just right in front of you. All the seaside provinces of Greece are the ancient delicious destinations in Europe. Because from the past, the blanks of Greece is a well-known business hub. Each dish is carrying that heritage along with the special herbs and spices. The greek food tastes delicious after every meal. Your stomach is going to, thank you. When you are asking which is the best food in the world we all know for every human being the mama’s kitchen made dishes are the most delicious one. When you are in Greece, always try any sea fish dish to fill up your appetite. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is unique about Japanese food? There is never going to be a time when Japanese food culture will go extinct. Their products are shared with other Asian countries. Japanese culture has its own taste though. What Chinese food is famous? People of china strongly believe that their cuisines are special and world-known. They have the most complicated and oldest cuisine, that not anybody can master. What is the fun fact about Mexican food? In traditional Mexican cuisine, chili pepper is used the most. Even desserts have chili in them. Tortillas are highly consumed by a Mexican family per day.  Why is Thai food famous? The cuisines are very well known to the of the world and are appreciated for their distinct and strong flavors. Thai food is actually very healthy as almost all cuisine contains a lot of vegetables.  Wrapping It Up: For all the food lovers, delicious destinations mean traveling and trying the new authentic, delicious dishes. Because every dish does not only taste delightful, each platter is carrying a history and the cultural recognition of the country. One delicious dish is carrying a unique impression of each country. So what is your plan to visit the most delicious countries in the world? Do not forget to share your experiences in the comment sections. You May Also Like:  Alabama Travel Guide Batista Restaurant Las Vegas – Restaurant Info, Ratings & Reviews Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try

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Which Is The Best Time To Visit Auli? – Travel Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Jun 25, 2022

“Some hill stations are no less than crushes! Either, you end up being taken or friend-zoned! Yet, the heart keeps on beating! The feeling prevails!” I don't know if I am worthy enough to give a quote about a hill station but yes, I can truly give a statement. The above statement goes out to Auli. Well, she is like a beautiful Garhwali girl I first saw as a child and again as a grown-up. The first time, It was mere friendship, but the second time, It was love. Yes, you can fall in love with places often, and trust me, it is way better than falling in love with a human being. At times, a human being might not be worthy of the love you show but for a place it is different. The number of times you reach up to the place, it fondles you. So selfless! So tranquil! So, as a traveler and a crazy soul that seldom wanders in the Himalayas, I am here, sharing facts about the best time to visit Auli. However, this article contains some philosophy and some facts about Auli. Moreover, It contains my story from my childhood. Have a read before you head to the place! Auli- The Location Auli is situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is also known as ‘Auli Bugyal’ in Garhwali, the local language. The Chamoli district has now turned globally famous for this hill station as it is a ski resort in India. Auli has got an elevation of 2909 m above sea level and is one of the most remote locations in India. However, a bunch of local people stays on the spot for their business. This thing is probably the same for all tourist locations around the world. The love for traveling for one turns to the daily bread for another. There are not many places to visit in Auli but you can include the hill station while covering the state of Uttrakhand on a trip. It can either be a holiday on the hills or a pilgrimage. Scroll down to know the best time to visit Auli. Uttarakhand Trippings Belts With Inclusion Of Auli In this section of the article, you can check out the tripping belts of Uttarakhand in which you can include Auli. Just take a look: The Hardwar- Rudraprayag- Joshimath Belt If you have a time constraint, the Hardwar-Rudraprayag- Joshimath belt can be one of the best Himalayan getaways for you. Now, you can add a day and visit Auli from Joshimath. In this case, you have to stay in Joshimath for two nights. The Pilgrimage Belt You can also cover Auli in the Kedarnath-Badrinath-Hemkund Shahib pilgrimage belt. It is easy as you need to give a halt in Joshimath. Even after covering Auli, you can reach up to Tunganath for a pilgrimage as it is situated in the Chamoli district itself. Reaching Auli- All Facts About It Reaching Auli is a daunting task in every way but it is full of fun. You can reach here by road or by cable car. As Joshimath is the nearest city to Auli, it acts as the base. In the winter, cable cars actively transit people to Auli. On the other hand, in summer, you can reach this place in a car. No matter your travel from Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Kashmir, or Uttarakhand, you can halt at Joshimath and reach the place. These Are The Best Things To Do In Auli  Now that you know about the best time to visit Auli, you also have an idea about the activities you cannot miss here. So, let’s set the itinerary right.  Auli offers a lot of activities for adventurous souls. Skiing is already there. Further, you can try zorbing, zip-lining, paragliding and ATV quad biking. Now, many leading travel management companies offer ATV quad biking tours and before the winter season, they come up with handsome discount rates.  Currently, an ATV bike tour in Auli will cost you around INR 1000.  However, if you are someone who wants to visit Auli for an immersive experience, camping and trekking are the two best activities here.  Trekking In Auli There are primarily two trekking routes in Auli. The first one is the Kuari Pass Trek, and the second one is the Gorson Bugyal Trek. Kuari Pass Trek Kuari Pass Trek is a popular backpacking trip, and you can explore the snow-clad mountains and lush forests along the route. Further, as you trek through the route, you will meet some local tribes. This interaction will make your journey more meaningful.  At an altitude of 12,500 ft, the Kuari Pass enjoys the embrace of the mountain peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas. Nanda Devi, of course, is the most famous among them.  Moreover, this trekking route comes with an easy to moderate difficulty level.  Gorson Bugyal Trek With an average elevation of 3519 meters, Gorson Bugyal is one of the most picturesque treks of Uttarakhand.  It is also a popular skiing destination. Further, this trekking route stands out thanks to the presence of oak, deodar, and Alpine trees.  The Gorson Bugyal Trek comes with a moderate difficulty level.  Camping In Auli  Camping in Auli Bugyal is the best activity to soak in the beauty of the mountains and surrounding forests. Further, you can try stargazing at night.  The Best Time To Visit Auli If you are thinking about Auli best time to visit, you can consider visiting both in summer and winter. In summers, you can witness the green Auli whereas, in winters it is covered with snow. For me, things were a bit different, I went on a pilgrimage trip twice during the late autumn. As a child, I witnessed lush green meadows at the place but it was all cloudy. It was a memorable situation on my trip. I remember that we had a plan to visit the Auli tourist places but could not get the cable car. It was so as if we were on a Joshimath and went late to the base camp. So, the plan ultimately got postponed to the next morning. Now, the best thing that happened to us was the dawn. It is cloudy and a few drizzles occurred too. While we were in the cable car, we got some awesome views of the place. The same place had something different for me when I reached this place in my twenties. It was early November and the place was covered with virgin snow. According to the locals, it was not something uncommon but the place looked like heaven. The sky was deep blue and I could get a breathtaking view of the Nanda Devi. So, I can say, the best time to visit Auli Uttarakhand can be the late autumn and winter. Visiting the place at this time can help you to get the real vibe of the place.  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. What Clothes Can We Take To Auli In Winter? When you visit Auli during the winter, which is actually the best time to visit Auli, you need to take proper trekking gear. Moreover, you can take proper woolens for the night. 2. Is It Safe For 55-Year-Old Man To Reach Atop Auli? A 55-year-old man can reach the top of Auli if he is physically fit. However, it is better if it does not visit due to altitude sickness. 3. Is The Cable Car To Auli Active In Summer Season? No, As of now, the cable car of Auli is not active during the summer season. The best you can do is visit the place during the winter season. Since the best time to visit Auli is winter and late autumn, cable cars operate abundantly during these times. 4. Can We Visit Auli During The Monsoon? Yes, you can visit Auli during the Monsoon season. The place might be a bit risky to roam about but you can get some extraordinary views. Final Words Here are some frequently asked questions about the best time to visit Auli. At Tour and Travel, we have addressed and answered all of them based on our travel experience, research, and interactions with industry insiders.  The best you can do is get a cab till Joshimath and if possible till Auli. You can also get a good guide from the hotel who can show you some unique local spots. Read Also: Best Places For River Rafting In India Top 10 Best Travel Sites For Tour In 2022 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India

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7 Things To Take Care Of To Ensure Peaceful Holidays Abroad

BY  Barsha Dec 20, 2023

Traveling abroad for the first time is truly an unmatched experience. Not only are you surrounded by a completely different culture, but you also encounter new people, try peculiar dishes, hear unique languages, and visit various locations you’ve never seen before. While going overseas is a great way to spend holidays, you should be aware of possible safety concerns before you depart. After all, safety is a key element of any peaceful journey. Here are some essential tips to consider for an adventure you’ll never forget. Purchase A Suitable Travel Insurance Like many people, you probably have basic health insurance already. Thus, you might ignore the fact that it will not cover even a fraction of possible costs abroad. Unfortunately, any traveler can get injured or face a sickness. It’s possible to encounter other issues, too, like theft or fraud. Chances are, none of these are under the insurance you use domestically, meaning the coverage will cost a fortune in a new region unless you have travel insurance. In case you’re traveling for work, ask your company to pick a proper coverage plan for the term of your journey. If not, insure your life and belongings yourself before you leave to have peace of mind throughout the trip. Prepare Copies Of Your Documents You need your documents and other essential items when traveling abroad. That includes your passport or any other identification card, travel insurance, tickets or booking papers, and visas. It’s recommended that you leave the originals somewhere secure in the hotel room or Airbnb, opting to carry a photocopy with you. This way, if your phone runs out of battery, you still have access to important documents on hand without compromising the physical originals. Additionally, make sure you create the electronic copies and store them in your email inbox – it will allow you to log in and retrieve them at any time from any spare device. Get A Doctor'S Checkup And Important Vaccinations  Don’t ignore physical checkups before you depart for your destination. Even with health insurance, you still have to make sure you’re in the right condition for a long holiday journey. Depending on your country of choice, you might need to get a few vaccinations required for entrance. Shield Yourself As You Surf The Internet  Download a reliable antivirus software or update it if you already have one. In addition to the classic firewall protection, it will let you access any website or service securely. In the case when you’d like to be even more shielded, opt for a VPN for travel. It will allow you to use all sorts of unprotected free WiFi networks without any hassle, encrypting your connection through a third-party server. Not only will you hide your IP address, but you will also be able to reach location-restricted data. For example, watch shows from other regions on streaming platforms. Pay Attention To Your Belongings It’s generally recommended to not wear any expensive or flashy clothes, jewelry, or similar belongings when you travel. The same goes for high-end technology like phones, cameras, and other devices. Although you’d want to have incredible pictures from your destination, it will attract unwanted attention, especially that of pickpockets. And they already target tourists in busy areas regularly! If you still want to show off a little, be aware of your surroundings. Don’t put any important items in your back pockets. Avoid wearing backpacks, or try to wear them in the front. Opt for bags with several closures, prioritizing zippers. Keep your purse close when taking public transportation and moving through a busy street. When traveling, you’ll be moving around fairly quickly, from restaurants and attractions to coffee shops and hire suits. It’s common for people to leave their stuff behind on accident. Every time you change locations, look behind and observe whether you’ve got everything you need. If possible, leave your bags on your body while walking around the destination until you’re back in the hotel. Be Smart With Your Money Creating a budget for holidays goes without saying. Yet, you should be careful with the ways you store and handle the finances you prepare. First of all, if needed, carry only a small amount of cash with you, while the rest stays in your hotel room. Secondly, don’t withdraw large amounts of cash in a busy street and hide your login information when you do so. And third, use only legal and well-known currency exchange funds and ATMs. If you only use cards, choose a credit card instead of debit. Credit cards help you save more and are a lot safer if you’re ever a target of identity theft or other data breaches. In that case, you’ll be able to keep the amount of credit even if the investigation doesn’t go as planned. Using a debit card, on the other hand, can result in losing access to your funds for up to a month. Prepare For The Case Of Data Breach While you should get your documents ready in an electronic format and send them to your email as a backup option, don’t keep them in your device folders. Before going on a trip, delete all personal information, including photos of identification documents and financial PINs, and turn off access to saved passwords. Preferably, choose a good password manager to hide that data in the case of a breach or theft. Turn on two-factor authentication for all profiles and services. Thanks to this feature, cybercriminals won’t take control of your information even if they eventually find your password. They’ll still need a personal confirmation from you (in the form of a second unique code) to log into the account since a password alone won’t be enough. Finally, Are Ready To Travel Abroad At last, you are completely safeguarded. Your sensitive data is encrypted online; you know how to keep your belongings safe, what documents to take along, and how to prepare yourself for a trip abroad. After following all seven steps, you’re all set for a peaceful journey just in time for the holidays, with no hassles arising. Now, you can be sure neither your money nor personal information will be stolen, be it in person or online, as both are fully guarded by your thorough approach. Read Also: Vrbo.com – Best Review By Users In 2022 Hotwire.Com – Best Review By Users In 2022 Where To Stay In Key West? | Tour And Travel Guide [2022]