Bilbao/San Sebastian highlights

Posted by: Bruce Woodhouse on 12 September 2008

We are going to be visiting Bilbao shortly, with the chance for a few days there and or along the Basque coast before heading into the Pyrenees for the rest of the holiday.

Anyone got any recommendations for places to see/stay in that area? We have car/bikes with us.

Bruce

Posted on: 12 September 2008 by rodwsmith

1) Eat atArzak in San Sebastian, if you can get in (will cost though, it has 3 Michelin Stars).

2) I found Guernica still to be a moving place, even though there is almost nothing left to show of what happened. Which I suppose is why.

3) Take the coast road where possible to see Spanish beaches which conform to the stereotypes in no way whatsoever. Wonderful, if strenuous, cycling

4) Make sure you drink some very good Albariño, whilst eating some equally good octopus, Galician style. A food and wine match from heaven.

Have you booked accommodation? The Paradores in that part of Spain are exceptional and very good value. Try at least to eat at one.

Have a great time!

Rod

Posted on: 12 September 2008 by Derek Wright

Be in fully defensive mode, do not carry credit cards, keep a watch on each others backs and bags.

Do not allow yourself to be distracted by "helpful" people offering to wash the bird muck off you.

Keep alert -

Posted on: 12 September 2008 by rodwsmith

Well of course, if I had actually read your message properly before jumping in, you were asking for places to stay, in which case www.paradores.es is the place to start...
(They often do deals on several nights in different places, and I'm sure the site is in English somewhere)

Cheers

Rod

Posted on: 12 September 2008 by Bruce Woodhouse

Rod, thanks for the tips. We hope to explore that coast for a bit, it does look great. The Parador at Hundariba was high on our list but is actually full-and actually does not have a restaurant! May stay in Getaria or somewhere in San Sebastian.

Bruce