Fitur ingles

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Bilbao Tourism ASHES TO TITANIUM, THE QUEST FOR BALANCE BILBAO: A DESTINATION MAKING ITS MARK THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM, A SHINING STAR ARCHITECTURE IN BILBAO: THE SPACE WE LIVE IN A DIFFERENT WAY TO DISCOVER BILBAO SHOPPING: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN...

BILBAO'S FIRST HEARTBEAT, THE OLD TOWN THE ‘ENSANCHE’, THE HEART OF THE CITY STREET ART BILBAO’S BRIDGES, THE CITY’S VITAL ARTERIES BILBAO, A COMMITMENT TO DESIGN BILBAO BIZKAIA OPEN MIND, THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW US THE NEW MERCADO DE LA RIBERA, A MUST-SEE THE POWER AND INFLUENCE OF SPORT IN BIZKAIA BIZKAIA BRIDGE: SYMBOL OF BASQUE SPIRIT TIME FOR SHARING, TIME FOR FUN WITH THE FAMILY ARTXANDA FUNICULAR RAILWAY -FAST TRACK TO NATURE

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Convention Bureau CONFERENCES & TRADE SHOWS: DESTINATION BILBAO

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Bilbao Bizkaia Eco-tourism DISCOVER THE NATURAL WONDERS OF URDAIBAI-BUSTURIALDEA AGRITOURISM: THE ALLURE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE GORBEIA CENTRAL PARK, THE PLEASURES OF NATURE ANBOTO, A MOUNTAIN OF LEGEND THE SOURCE OF THE NERVIÓN RIVER, SIMPLY SPECTACULAR FORESTS AND WOODS, A NATURAL TREASURE

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Coast of Bizkaia SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE... AN ISLAND WITH A VIEW SAND AND SURF AT THE BEACHES OF BIZKAIA CRUISE SHIP TOURISM, ON THE RISE FISHING PORTS, TOWNS WITH CHARACTER MARINAS, HARBOURING PASSION TIME FOR REST AND RESTORATION

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Historical Bizkaia PLACES WHERE HISTORY WAS MADE GERNIKA ASSEMBLY HOUSE AND EUSKERA

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Gastronomy PINTXO HOPPING IN BILBAO AND BIZKAIA TRADITIONAL OR AVANT-GARDE: GREAT PLACES TO EAT BILBAO PASTRIES, PERFECT TREATS FOR ANY DAY

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Culture FOR THE LOVE OF ART THE ALHÓNDIGA: CONTEMPORARY FORUM FOR BILBAO FROM SYMPHONY TO FOLK, A CITY AND ITS MUSIC 60 YEARS OF OPERA IN BILBAO THE LARGEST PRIVATE COLLECTION OF ROLLS-ROYCES, RIGHT HERE IN BIZKAIA CRISTÓBAL BALENCIAGA MUSEUM, THE ELEGANCE OF A GENIUS BILBAO, PORT OF ENTRY INTO ‘THE BASQUE WORLD’

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Agenda BILBAO CALENDAR OF EVENTS BIZKAIA CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Published by: Bilbao City Hall Provincial Council of Bizkaia Created by: BizkaiaTour, S.L.

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Practical Information HOTEL, TRANSPORT & TOURISM OFFICES BILBAO BOOKING & BILBAO CARD BILBAO STREET MAP & MAP OF BIZKAIA TOURISM TRANSPORT AND FREE WIFI

Tourism 2013 Bilbao Bizkaia

BILBAO TOURISM

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ASHES TO TITANIUM, THE QUEST FOR BALANCE

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t the end of the 1980s, when Bilbao's key industries – large shipyards and steel mills – were reeling from the impact of the crisis, leaving a desolate panorama of industrial decay and more than 20% unemployment, who could have guessed that in just over a decade the city would reinvent itself, rising from the ashes like the legendary Phoenix and becoming a shining example of urban renewal to the rest of the world.

The list of prestigious awards garnered by the city in recent years includes Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, dubbed the Nobel prize for cities; the Urban Best Practices Award at the Shanghai World Expo; and 1st, 2nd and 3rd Municipal Transparency Prize, awarded by the Spanish division of Transparency International in 2008, 2009 and 2010, just to mention a few. Bilbao was selected to take part in the 2010 Shanghai World Expo for its exemplary urban practices and granted the European

urban planning award by the European Council of Town Planners. The roster of world-class architects recruited to take part in the city's urban renewal included such names as Gehry, Foster, Pelli, Isozaki, Hadid, Calatrava, Moneo, Siza, Starck, Legorreta and Soriano.

The city has moved away from its grey industrial past to become a shiny, warm and welcoming city – a city that has uncovered its rich historic heritage and successfully combined it with new projects and ideas. In the process of regeneration Bilbao has emphasised factors of sustainable development that go beyond the scope of 'aesthetic' renovation.

The conversion of industrial spaces into urban use has returned the river embankment to the public.

Once used as a port facility, the banks of the river are now public spaces set aside for leisure and recreation. Major investments in environmental recovery projects have brought the Nervión River back to life after decades of urban and industrial

waste had depleted the waters of the oxygen needed to sustain life. Cultural infrastructures such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the enlargement of the Fine Arts Museum have triggered the entire process of renewal and attracted visitors from around the world. Both The Times and The Lonely Planet listed Bilbao among the 10 leading world tourism destinations in 2008. But in addition to the city itself, the metropolitan area offers a wide range of interesting destinations and activities.

A few examples include the Bizkaia Hanging Bridge, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, or any of the beaches and nearby coastal towns, such as Getxo, Sopelana or Plentzia, the latter of which can be reached by metro. Also in the vicinity are a number of options for nature lovers. Protected areas and parklands include Urkiola and Gorbea nature parks, and the Urdaibai estuary, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, now included in the UNESCO directory of biosphere reserves.

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BILBAO: A DESTINATION MAKING ITS MARK

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n an increasingly globalized and competitive world, successfully establishing a 'brand' in the international marketplace is a challenging task mastered by only a select few. Much like companies, it is highly valuable for cities and their economic activity to be identified with a unique brand. Bilbao has indeed carved a name for itself, placing the city squarely on the world map of tourism destinations.

In little more than a decade, the capital of Bizkaia has become a tourism destination with its own unique identity, able to attract visitors not only from other parts of Spain, but also from every corner of Europe and the United States.During this time, Bilbao's visitor count has experienced a stunning upward trend, from 25,000 to 726,000

visitors last year. Moreover, visitors are spending increasingly more time in the city.With these figures in hand, tourism has clearly become a sector of strategic importance for the economic and social development of Bilbao, generating an annual economic impact of over â‚Ź200 million.

Sparked by the opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997, the city now has all of the infrastructures and services that explain the boom in tourism. Bilbao offers visitors an excellent selection of hotels and more than 7,000 guest rooms.

All of the accommodations on offer are conveniently located and either housed in historical buildings or in one of the city's cutting-edge examples of architecture and design. Getting

around the city is quick and easy. Bilbao's public transport includes one of the world's most modern metro systems. Designed by Norman Foster, it is not only striking but also ranks as one of the safest in the world. Bilbao also has an innovative tram, an excellent urban and regional bus system, and a network of local commuter trains that make it easy for people travel to nearby coastal towns and parks.

Bilbao is also the most important hub in northern Spain and the Atlantic Arc countries in terms of land, sea and air transport.

The Bilbao airport now services a total of 13 airlines providing regular flights to most of Europe's major airports in under three hours, and with connections to other European and international

airports. The city is also served by a network of motorways and highways, connecting Bilbao with the most important cities in Spain and Europe.

With the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts heading the list, the cultural scene includes 11 world-class museums and over 20 art galleries and exhibition spaces, as well as an internationally acclaimed opera season.

Most of the best Basque restaurants and restaurateurs are also based in Bilbao. Dining can range from exclusive Michelin-star cuisine to traditional fare, to grill houses, taverns and cider houses. All of these ingredients place Bilbao on the world map of the most attractive city destinations.

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Tourism 2013 Bilbao Bizkaia 8

THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM, A SHINING STAR

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hen Frank O. Gehry was awarded the commission to create the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao project, he could never have known that the building which had been living in his imagination would end up becoming a masterpiece of universal architecture.

In fact, he once said that while an architect may be convinced that he has done his best work ever, he really has no idea how it will feel once he goes inside for the first time and explores its spaces.

With the Guggenheim Bilbao, Frank Gehry created a sculptural icon that is both exciting and aweinspiring in equal measure.

Despite the building’s ultra-modern silhouette of titanium-covered, undulating contours in apparently random collision with regular stone-fronted forms, the building actually reflects the history of the city, its busy port and industrial activity.

Surprisingly, its colossal size does not overwhelm the surrounding buildings as it is built on land that once belonged to the dock area on the left bank of the Nervión river, set 16m below the rest of the city. In fact, to reach the main entrance, visitors must descend a wide set of steps which run down from the esplanade at the front of the Museum, giving a sense of being submerged in the building.

The entrance hall leads into the atrium, which is the heart of the building. This 55m-high, naturally lit, glass-walled central area interconnects all the juxtaposed gallery halls. The views of the city on all sides of the atrium give the visitor a sense of walking out into the open and back in again when walking from gallery to gallery. From the atrium there are lifts to the two upper floor galleries, which are joined by footbridges and a ringshaped passageway.

The shape of the interior of each of the galleries is a reflection of its external shape. The titaniumclad contours reveal uniquely shaped interiors which have high, curved walls and complement the larger works of many contemporary artists.

Within the stone-faced, regular-shaped parts of the building are more classical square-shaped interiors, each about 3m high offering an ideal environment in which to display more classical pieces.

The different shapes and styles of the galleries lend variety to the visit while the atrium serves as a central point of reference throughout.

The building is framed by ponds on either side, one on the city side and the other on the river.

The latter has a pedestrian bridge over it joining the Abandoibarra walkway at both ends. There are two elements in particular which add singularity to the overall sculptural composition of the building.

One is the 30m+ elongated section which runs from the atrium to under the La Salve bridge and houses

an enormous columnless gallery with sculptures

by Richard Serra; the other is the stone tower built at the end of this section which appears as if it were wrapped around the overhanging bridge.

With the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Frank Gehry created a masterpiece, giving the city the sense of renewed optimism it needed to ensure the success of the revitalization process for which the city has become famous.

www.guggenheim-bilbao.es

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ARCHITECTURE IN BILBAO: THE SPACE WE LIVE IN

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f all the artistic disciplines, architecture is perhaps the one that plays the greatest social function and which puts the greatest demands on artists. The role of the architect is not just to excite and move us, but to create spaces that fulfil their intended function or purpose.

The process of urban renewal at the end of the 1980s enabled Bilbao to convert centrally located port and industrial spaces on the left bank of the river into areas designated for public use.

Today it is undeniable that Bilbao did an excellent job putting the large tract of abandoned land known as Abandoibarra to good use. Today the area is a shining example of Bilbao in the 21st century.

In fact, Bilbao's process of urban renewal has garnered many awards and international accolades, including the Citta D’Aqua prize awarded in 2004

by the Biennial of Architecture of Venice from among 19 candidate cities; the European urban planning award, granted by the European Council of Town Planners in 2004 and 2006; and the 2005 Award for Excellence from the International Society of City Regional Planners (ISOCARP). Bilbao was also selected as one of the cities to represent achievements in urban best practices at the Shanghai World Expo.

A number of world-class architects were recruited to take part in Bilbao's urban renewal. A walk along Abandoibarra will showcase some of the extraordinary feats of architecture and reveal Bilbao's constant eye on the future: the Metro designed by Norman Foster; the Tram; the Zubizuri brid-

ge designed by Santiago Calatrava and the Pedro Arrupe footbridge, by José Antonio Fernández Ordóñez; the Guggenheim Museum by Frank O. Gehry; The Euskalduna Conference Centre and Music Hall by Federico Soriano and Dolores Palacios; the new hotels designed by internationally recognised names including Legorreta, Miró and Mariscal; The Deusto University library by Rafael Moneo; University of the Basque Country auditorium by Alvaro Siza; Iberdrola Tower by César Pelli; Plaza Euskadi by Diana Balmori; and the Isozaki Towers.

The architectural boom can be seen not only in the Abandoibarra area but throughout the entire city. Virtually every neighbourhood is dotted with large- or small-scale projects, creating 'mini-spaces' for social integration and contributing to community development. Many of the projects impact people's daily lives, such as the new Miribilla church with its 24-metre glass belltower.

The white facade contrasts with the colourful stained-glass windows which allow the sunlight

to filter into the building's stark minimalist interior. This unique church was conceived by IMB, the Bilbao-based architects' studio also responsible for the Regional Government library, the commuter train vestibule at the Amézola station and the Bilbao town hall enlargement project.

Located in the city centre, La Alhóndiga is a former wine warehouse remodelled by Philippe Starck. The building's 43000 square metres is now a large multi-purpose arts and activities centre.

Facilities include a cinema, exhibition rooms, a multimedia library, restaurants, a cafe, and a spectacular glass-bottomed swimming pool that seems to hover over the building's central atrium.

The atrium itself is supported by 43 huge columns, each with its own unique width and design.

As for the immediate future, Bilbao is currently focusing on Zorrozaurre, a major urban regeneration project twice the size of Abandoibarra designed by internationally acclaimed British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. The Zorrozaurre masterplan includes the construction of 5,473 homes, half of which will be protected housing, on a surface area of 579,945 sq metres, and another 201,360 sq metres for workshops, labs, studios,

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and offices for nearly 6,000 working people.

Two thirds of the surface area will be set aside for public use, including 155,893 sq metresof open space and 84,936 sq metres of infrastructure.

The Zorrozaurre masterplan will create a waterfront park for the neighbourhood of San Ignacio, and three new park areas totalling 33,470 sq metres. Bilbao's firm commitment to quality architecture is rooted in the conviction that architecture shapes the space in which we live and move.

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A DIFFERENT WAY TO DISCOVER BILBAO

BILBAO TURISMO OFFERS GUIDED TOURS OF THE OLD QUARTER & THE ENSANCHE - ABANDOIBARRA AREA

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ilbao Turismo invites visitors to join a professional tour guide to learn about Bilbao's past, present and future. Two different itineraries are available – one of the Old Town and the other of Bilbao's Ensanche-Abandoibarra district. The tours are offered on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Don't miss out!

INSIGHT INTO THE CITY'S ORIGINS A fascinating itinerary takes you back in time to medieval Bilbao to see the cobbled streets, hidden corners and delightful squares that once witnessed the bustling trade of a thriving port city. Discover the city walls, the Gothic cathedral of Santiago, the 19th-century Plaza Nueva, the emblematic church of San Antón, the ancient ruins upon which the city was built, and the busy Mercado de la Ribera – more than 500 years in the history of a remarkable city seemingly unaffected by the passing of time. WHEN: Saturday and Sunday mornings at 10.00 throughout the year. MEETING POINT: Bilbao Tourism Office (by the Arriaga Theatre).

Pictures of some of the sites included in the Old Town guided tour. Upper left: church and bridge of San Antón. Above: Bilbao City Hall. Directly above left and right: the Arriaga Theatre and a street in the Old Town. Below: Plaza Nueva.

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CITY EXPANSION, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE This tour explores Bilbao's architectural and urban development from the 19th century to the present, taking a look at the throbbing heart of a city where tradition and modernity converge. A walk through the Ensanche and Abandoibarra districts is a good way to discover Bilbao's enterprising spirit. Enjoy a veritable open-air architecture and sculpture museum, a clear example of a city with its sights set on the future. WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays at 12.00 noon throughout the year. MEETING POINT: Bilbao Tourism office (by the Guggenheim Museum).

JOIN A TOUR If you're interested in a walking tour, simply show up at the meeting point 10 minutes before departure time.

Tours are conducted in Spanish and English. Either of the tours can be arranged at different dates and times for groups of 15 or more. Group tours: Tours are also available in Basque, French, German and Italian. Advanced booking is required.

Price: Individual â‚Ź4.50 / Groups â‚Ź4.00 per person Each tour lasts approximately 90 min.

Information: (34) 94 479 57 60 informacion@bilbaoturismo.bilbao.net

Pictures of sites included in the EnsancheAbandoibarra guided tour. Above: Abando gardens. Left, above and below: Plaza Circular and Abando Metro station. Below: Isozaki towers.

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SHOPPING: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

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he San Antón bridge and church feature in the coat of arms of Bilbao. What the coat of arms doesn't reveal is that the church stood at the entrance of the largest covered market in Europe. Today, the recently refurbished Mercado de la Ribera is a must-see. The market is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the treasures of Bilbao’s 'Siete Calles' – the seven original streets of the medieval city – and from there, the neighbourhoods that expanded once the old city walls came down.

The culture of gastronomy is an important part of life for the people of Bilbao. This passion can be seen in what is one of Bilbao’s most beloved traditions, the txikiteo.

At certain hours you're likely to see groups of locals partaking in this Basque version of bar-hopping, enjoying a small glass of wine (txikito) or 'mini-beer' (zurito), generally accompanied by a mouth-watering bite-sized pintxo. And if there's one place to see Bil-

bao tradition at its best, it's the Old Town, one of the most important city shopping districts in Europe.

The gardens are an oasis in the city, planted with oak trees, chestnuts, acacias and a lime tree, the symbol of Bilbao. A number of curiously shaped fountains provide a cool fresh atmosphere, and the Kiosko de la Música, an old-style bandstand, adds a touch of romanticism.

The medieval Old Town provides the perfect opportunity to discover the essence of Bilbao and its longstanding tradition of trade and commerce.

It's not easy to stroll through the streets of the Old

Town without being lured into one of the more than 500 shops, bars and restaurants. Shoe shops such as Foxter, clothing companies such as Olañeta, Cardenal, Skunk Funk, Loreak Mendian and Gili Gili, the well-loved almond nougat shop Turronería Ivañez and the Bizkarra pastry shop, just to mention a few.

La Bacalada codfish sellers is another Bilbao favourite. Located on Calle Belosticalle, La Bacalada is situated in the ground floor of the building that once housed Almacenes Amann, Bilbao's first department store. The beautiful Palacio Allende Salazar building is home to Rafael Matías, Europe's leading purveyor of fashion designer fabrics.

These Bilbao classics sit side by side with the some of the city’s trendiest boutiques. And when it’s time for a break from shopping, there are several fantastic cafés in the area.

Plaza Nueva is both a national monument and a place of time-honoured tradition. Under the arches

that frame the neoclassical square, visitors can enjoy a wide range of gastronomic experiences at restaurants including Víctor or prize-winning pintxo bars such as the Bilbao or the Gure Toki. Every Sunday morning Plaza Nueva also becomes the setting for Bilbao's weekly stamp and coin market.

A walk through the streets of Bilbao is a walk through history with a vision for the future. Bilbao is a city that has reinvented itself, a city that shines with its own light, a place that makes us want to show visitors the best of ourselves. We Bilbainos are very proud of our city, a city where dreams come true.

ABANDO, THE NEW BILBAO Any which way you approach the city, you'll inevitably head down a road that ends up in a plaza. For example, the busy avenue Hurtado de Amézaga leads to Plaza Circular, the beginning of the Ensanche district.

One of the city's major shopping streets, Gran Vía, radiates out from this large circular plaza. Here visitors will find department stores such as El Corte Inglés interspersed with modern boutiques including For and Moca, as well as a traditional pastry shop or two such as Pastelería Arrese. Only in Bilbao can you try our delicious locally made butter buns. Bilbao is known throughout Spain for its wide selection of excellent confectionery. The vintage café and restaurant La Granja can also be found on Plaza Circular. If you head towards the Plaza del Sagrado Corazon, with its towering statue of the Sacred Heart, and turn on Calle Berástegui, you'll reach Jardines de Albia. On one side of this park is Café Iruña, a long-time favourite meeting spot for many Bilbainos.

Parallel to Gran Vía are the pedestrianised street Calle Ledesma and the shopping street Colón de Larreátegui. A number of traditional shops can be found on Ledesma alongside the Asian restaurants Sumo and Asia Chic and the clothing label For46.

Colón de Larreategui is known for its shoe and accessories shops, as well as several particularly attractive establishments like Arnaga stationers, and boutiques including Falstaff and B54.

Another beautiful part of Bilbao is the Ensanche district. The Mercado del Ensanche building, home to the Bilbao Turismo Office, is surrounded by streets lined with quality boutiques, design and home decoration shops and galleries. The entire Ensanche area is known for its excellent cafés and restaurants, including the Ein Prosit, run by the Thate brothers, specialists in German cuisine.

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When you walk along the streets of Bilbao, you're walking on a bed of roses – well, almost! The flagstones on our city sidewalks are designed with a flower pattern. Loewe, the luxury brand specialised in leather goods, can be found on Plaza Moyúa. And be sure not to miss the tasty pintxos and drinks served at the bars and cafés on Calle Diputación, La Viña, La Olla, El Globo and Embrujo just to name a few.

If you ask the locals for a good place to taste the typical Bilbao sandwich, there are bound to recommend the Eme, next door to the Bodeguilla Vallejo. Several main arteries radiate out from the colourful Plaza Moyúa, with streets bustling with shops, bars, cafes and pastry shops. Martina de Zuricalday, Pastelería la Suiza, Pastelería Don Manuel, Jauregui…

On the stretch of Gran Vía between Plaza Moyúa and Plaza del Sagrado Corazón a number of shop windows are sure to catch your attention, including

Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, and the jewellery shops Suárez and Eguzkilore. Also worth mentioning is the home decoration shop Máximo Aguirre.

rre streets. And don't forget to stroll down García Rivero to experience one of the liveliest streets in the city, known for its high concentration of pintxo bars. Ercilla is a pedestrianised street where visitors will also find excellent shopping. And if you continue down Alameda de Urquijo, you'll arrive at San Mamés, home to the Athletic de Bilbao football club.

This is where you want to be to feel the excitement in the air when our team plays at home.

The Indautxu district has recently undergone major urban renewal. Plaza Bizkaia, the peaceful Plaza Arriquibar, with its giant lime trees, and Plaza Indautxu, at the heart of this residential area, mark the borders of a top-notch shopping and entertainment district.

Fashion boutiques are concentrated mainly on Iparraguirre, Ercilla, Rodríguez Arias and Máximo Agui-

Hours before a match Calle Licenciado Poza is packed so tightly with people donning the team's colours – red and white – that there's barely room for a pin.

Fans of all ages make the most of the minutes before a match to get together with their friends.

Some of the favourite restaurants on this street are famous Serantes, Viejo Zortzi, Lasa and Enol. As for bars, the traditional meeting places include Mugi and Huevo Berria.

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WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN…

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hen the sun goes down, the nightlife in Bilbao takes over – and goes on and on! It starts when the Bilbainos finish their workday and ends when the vast array of bars, cafés and nightclubs shut their doors in the wee hours of the morning.

In every corner of the city, from the Old Town to Indautxu to Ensanche to Deusto, the traditional txikiteo, a kind of ritual bar crawl, kicks into high gear. Every day groups of friends meet up in their favourite txikiteo neighbourhood, each person catching up with the group as he or she gets off work – no need for a rendezvous time or place in this popular past-time.

Many of these groups of people, cuadrillas as they're known locally, are life-long friends who once played together as kids. Even as they grow up and embark on their careers, this consecrated tradition keeps the bonds of friendship strong.

Some of the most veteran cuadrillas prefer the Old Town and some of the other traditional txikiteo areas. It's not unusual to hear someone in the cuadrilla spontaneously break into song, soon joined by the rest of the group or even passers-by.

After dinner, in the same areas and in other parts of the city the short, stemless txikito glass is replaced by the cocktail glass.

Bilbao offers visitors a vibrant nightlife. When the restaurants close, a wide variety of nightclubs and bars keep the action going late into the night.

The long list of venues ranges from bars, pubs and discos to fancy ballrooms and cabarets, each with its own ambience. Visitors of all ages will find a dynamic nightlife in a safe environment – and where walking is the preferred means of transportation.

Enjoy a relaxing drink on the outdoor terrace at the La Alhóndiga followed by a thrilling evening at the casino. Stroll past the numerous bars

offering live music. Discover the beautiful 19th century cafés or the trendy cocktail bars in some of the city's most lively nightlife streets, such as Alameda Urquijo and the stretch along Licenciado Poza, locally known as 'Pozas'. Bilbao's nightlife boasts something for every age group, and as the night progresses, the number of people in the streets turn the city into a giant pedestrian walkway.

Not far from the centre is the Deusto area, a favourite haunt for students, who frequent the café-theatres and pubs in Abandoibarra and Indautxu. And for jazz fans, there's a concert held every Thursday night at the Bilbaina Jazz Club in the basement of 'La Bilbaina' building next to the Arenal bridge.

Although it might sound like just another selftouted Bilbao claim to fame, there's nothing quite like a delicious Bilbao gin and tonic. In fact, Bilbao-born David Ríos, owner of the Kobuk café in Barakaldo, was awarded the gold medal for the best gin and tonic in Spain!

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BILBAO'S FIRST HEARTBEAT, THE OLD TOWN

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lmost every town and city has interesting sites and beautiful nooks and crannies. If properly preserved, these are the places that give a city its unique character and essence, the things that set it apart and define the soul of a city.

But it is the origin, the starting point of every settlement, of every town and city, where the first heartbeat can be heard. This is where the town’s genetic code is kept, the beginning of its history and, in many cases, its very raison d'etre. In Bilbao that first heartbeat emerged in the seven streets that run parallel from the right bank of the Nervión River to the church of San Antón.

Bilbao was once known as the 'Bocho', a tiny town born in a narrow valley between two rows of mountains, the town that would become one of the most important ports on the Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages, exporting wool from Castile and iron from the mines of Bizkaia to the rest of

Europe. Although Bilbao was not granted its city charter until 1300, we know that there were settlements here dating back to earlier times. In recent years the remains of the old wall, possibly dating to the 11th century, were found underneath the church of San Antón. After excavating the site, a glass window was installed in a section of the church floor to allow visitors a glimpse of Bilbao’s past.

The church of San Antón, which by the way features in the city's coat of arms, is an excellent place to begin exploring Bilbao's Old Town and the seven streets where the medieval town took root.

Next to San Antón is the Mercado de la Ribera, the largest covered market in Europe, currently undergoing a major project to refurbish it back to its original Art Deco splendour.

From the Mercado de la Ribera any of the seven streets lead to Santiago Cathedral and plaza, or to the church of Santos Juanes. Next to Santos Juanes visitors will find the Museum of Archaeo-

logy and Ethnography. Just a few steps from here is Plaza Nueva, built in the 18th century as an expansion to the seven original streets. Under the arches surrounding the rectangular square are several lively taverns serving delicious local tapas, known here as pintxos.

As you leave Plaza Nueva via any of the streets in the Old Town, make sure you look up at the houses. Many of the facades are decorated with beautifully glazed balconies, and a number of solid stone houses feature impressive family coats of arms, bearing testimony to the success of many Bilbao merchants.

The city eventually decided to expand to the other side of the river, with Arenal Park marking the border of the Old Town. Here, the church of San Nicolás was constructed in the late 18th century and the Arriaga Theatre opened its doors a little more than a century later. Today the Old Town is known for its excellent shopping, where classic shop windows intermingle with trendy boutiques and modern chain stores.

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THE ‘ENSANCHE’, THE HEART OF THE CITY Bilbaína building, and if we continue on up to the Plaza Circular, we can see a statue of the founder of the city, Don Diego López de Haro. On the left is the Abando railway station with its enormous ironwork structure featuring beautiful stained glass scenes of activities associated with Bizkaia’s economy. Oppo-

site the upper end of the station, at the beginning of Calle Bertendona, is the Teatro Campos Elíseos.

The theatre was designed by Acebal and Frenchman Darroguy, and is sometimes referred to as ‘the Bertendona bonbonnière’, its Modernist doorway considered a prime example of Art Nouveau in Bilbao.

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ike many other European cities at the beginning of the 19th century, the population of Bilbao was growing and there was a need for the city to grow with it. In fact, Bilbao’s first plan for expansion, or ensanche, was proposed by architect Silvestre Pérez in 1801, although the project was ultimately rejected.

The growth in mining and the technological revolution in the iron and steel industry led to a population explosion and the emergence of a new middle class.

In fact, the population of the city grew five-fold in the second half of the century, from 18,000 in 1857 to 85,000 by the end of the century, making it

impossible to delay expansion any longer. Following the ambitious scheme put forward by engineer Amado Lázaro, which was again met with rejection, the subsequent expansion project proposed by architect Severino Achúcarro and engineers Pablo Alzola and Ernesto Hoffmeyer was approved in 1876. Bilbao finally crossed the river and República de Abando became part of the city.

The 1,600m long and 30m wide Gran Vía formed the axis of the new urban expansion scheme, and the area became known as the ‘Ensanche’ district. Soon the main institutions, banks and major companies moved their main offices there, thus giving the new city their seal of approval. These companies generally had their headquarters designed by the leading architects of the day and the buildings now represent some of the best examples of 20th century urban architecture. If we start at the Arenal, at the edge of the old town and cross the bridge heading uptown, we come across a fine collection of buildings. Just across the river is the wonderful façade of the Estación de Santander and the Sociedad

Continuing along the Gran Vía, half way between Plaza Circular and Plaza Elíptica, is the Provincial Government building (Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Bizkaia), a solid, elegant building with a dressed stone façade, pedimented windows and an imposing balcony over the main entrance. The entrance hall has a majestic and imperial stairway and is decorated with stained glass windows, sculptures, and frescoes by Anselmo Guinea. To the right of the

Gran Vía, surrounding the tranquil and leafy Jardines de Albia park, are some wonderful buildings by renowned architects. The Bizkaian poet Antonio de Trueba died in one of these buildings and his remains are buried in the nearby 6th-century Basque Gothic-style church of San Vicente. San Vicente boasts an open nave, renaissance portico with triumphal arch and altarpiece. A statue made in

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1895 by Mariano Benlliure stands outside to commemorate the poet. On one corner of the park stands the Café Iruña, with its beautiful neo-Moorish interiors.

Along the streets off this square there are excellent boutiques, home design shops, art galleries and so on housed in elegant buildings dating from the 20s, 30s and 40s, many of which have decorated façades and glass-enclosed balconies.

A block away, you can visit the recently pedestrianised Plaza de Jado with its spectacular marble fountain surrounded by three lions.

A block further is the Plaza Elíptica, which splits the Gran Vía in half and is the true centrepoint of the Bilbao expansion. All the major streets spread out from this point.

A few metres away we find the Palacio de Ibaigane, a Basque-style mansion designed by architect Gregorio de Ibarretxe for Sir Ramón de la Sota.

The building was purchased by the Athletic Club de Bilbao football club and completely refurbished some years ago. Nearby is the old market building in the Plaza del Ensanche.

There are two noteworthy buildings on the plaza: the Carlton hotel, a combination of the Paris Ritz and the London Carlton, designed by Manuel Mª de Smith e Ibarra, declared a building of cultural interest; and the Palacio de Chávarri, a mansion once owned by the Chávarri brothers, engineers who made a significant contribution to the industrial development of Bizkaia.

This beautiful building by Atanasio de Anduiza y Uribarri was completed in 1894 and is currently the headquarters of the local Civil Government.

Its most outstanding feature is that no two windows or balconies are alike.

Tourism 2013 Bilbao Bizkaia 20

STREET ART

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ilbao's 11 museums house a wealth of artistic treasures, from avant-garde expressions of modern art at the Guggenheim Museum to masterpieces of religious art at the Diocesan Sacred Art Museum.

Museum, and Maman, the huge spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, on the river side of the Museum. Not far from the Museum, on Paseo de la Memoria, we find Maia by William Tücker and Explorer's Book by Sir Anthony Caro, as well several other sculptures. In front of the town hall is a work by the great Basque sculptor Jorge Oteiza entitled

Ovoid Variant of the Idleness of the Sphere.

And the streets of Bilbao are not only decorated with sculptures.

On one side of Plaza Indautxu sits the socalled 'Casa de los Aldeanos', a house built by architect Adolfo Gil for Luis Lerchundi.

But not all of Bilbao's artwork is hidden behind the walls of museums and galleries.

The streets of Bilbao are an outdoor museum, adorned with sculptures created by wellknown artists.

Built in 1930, this house earned its nickname from the frescoes that adorn the façade. The multicoloured frescoes depict traditional scenes from rural Basque life – villagers at work, peasants, fishermen and processions.

Next to the Bizkaia Provincial Government building on Bilbao's Gran Vía, we find El Caminante by sculptor José Ramón Gómez Nazabal, and just a short distance from there, a bust of one of the framers of the American Constitution, John Adams, by Lourdes Umerez.

The 16 scenes painted on the walls are arranged in pairs, framing the building's eight balconies.

The Abandoibarra area is also graced with sculptures, not least of which is Jeff Koons' Puppy, the gigantic flower-festooned terrier that sits at the entrance of the Guggenheim

The romanticised folk decor now sits in stark contrast with the recently refurbished modernstyle city square. These examples of architecture, painting and sculpture are an invitation for passers-by to discover the many other works of art that brighten the streets of Bilbao.

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BILBAO’S BRIDGES, THE CITY’S VITAL ARTERIES

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ilbao owes its very existence to the Nervión river, evolving as a natural port in the city’s earliest history. Over time the river became the city’s life force, playing a key role in its thriving development. Through the different eras, this growth was accompanied by the building of bridges to join the different parts of the city as it spread out downriver towards the sea.

Recognition of the importance of bridges in the city’s history is reflected in its crest, which features San Antón, the first bridge to be built and now the symbol of the city.

Nowadays, thirteen bridges cross the river and a simple glance at their style and architecture reveals a lot about Bilbao’s past. The bridge furthest inland, in fact located upstream from the San Antón bridge, is the imposing 50-meter-high Miraflores viaduct, one of the main access routes into the city.

Downriver, there are three bridges which join the city’s historical areas – Bilbao’s old town (Casco Viejo) and old Bilbao (Bilbao la Vieja): the San Antón bridge, the Ribera footbridge, adjacent to the market, and the Merced bridge, which gets its

name from the historic convent and church nearby.

While they have all faced the ravages of time and been partly or fully rebuilt over the years, they are a part of the city’s history that remains very much alive today.

A sudden growth in population led to expansion of Bilbao towards the República de Abando district of the city, and the Arenal bridge was the first part of the new expansion scheme to be built.

The city continued to grow and in the 1930s, the Town Hall bridge was built. Like the Arenal bridge, it too was originally a bascule bridge.

Bilbao’s urban revitalization process initiated in the 1990s led to the dockland area of the city being moved out from the city centre to the area

known as the Abra, or open sea at the river mouth, allowing the city’s inhabitants to repossess the dockland for recreational and other civic purposes.

To this end, three new bridges were built: the Euskalduna bridge, and the Zubizuri and Pedro Arrupe footbridges, facilitating access to the city’s new cultural venues: the Guggenheim Museum and the Palacio Euskalduna Conference Center and Concert Hall.

Between the old and the new are two more bridges built during the boom era of the twentieth century: La Salve bridge, built to cater for the sudden and dramatic growth in traffic in the second half of the century, and the Deusto bascule bridge, which joined the parish of Deusto to the city at the beginning of the century.

There are two more bridges which are outside the city limits, strictly speaking, but are in fact considered part of it, based on the city charter which states that the river is part of Bilbao until it reaches the Abra or open sea. The first of these is the Rontegui bridge, built at the beginning of the 1980s and is now one of the main arteries to and from greater Bilbao. The second is the Bizkaia Bridge, locally known as the Puente Colgante, the oldest transporter bridge in the world, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2006.

Turismo 2013 Bilbao Bizkaia 22

BILBAO, A COMMITMENT TO DESIGN

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esign is a constant presence in our daily lives even though we are often not even aware of it.

Good design is about combining functionality, convenience and visual appeal in many of the objects and processes we use almost every day. Good design enhances people's lives.

With this in mind, a number of public and private organisations have joined forces to raise the profile of design in Bilbao and the rest of the Basque Country. Sponsors include the Basque Government, Cebek, the Chamber of Commerce, architects and economists associations, Basque universities and institutions associated with innovation, design and business development, and partner organisations such as the Automotive Intelligence Center, LastTour International, Microsoft, the Basque Audiovisual Cluster, Basquegame, Basque Habitat & Contract Cluster, BBVA, Iberdrola, Fundación Euskaltel, BBK, Petronor, Gamesa and MCC. One of the first actions was to present Bilbao as a candidate city for the World Capital of Design in 2014.

Fifty-six cities from 24 countries vied for the chance to become World Design Capital 2014.

Although Cape Town was ultimately designated as

WDC, the institutions involved in the initiative consider the campaign highly successful since Bilbao was among the three cities shortlisted for the final selection.

They are also aware of the fact that as a result of preparing Bilbao's candidature for WDC 2014 a number of activities were defined and set in motion in Bilbao, Bizkaia and other parts of the Basque Country, ushering in a new era for design and creative economy.

In this regard, the organisations responsible for the Bilbao candidature uphold their commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the propo-

sed activities. The activities fall into three major areas:

• • •

Art + Technology Urban solutions + Ecotechnology Tourism, Health + Well-Being.

The spectacular urban revitalisation of Bilbao over the past few decades has been a long journey, an experience that will further strengthen the commitment to make design a vital element for the economic development of the Basque Country.

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Tourism 2013 Bilbao Bizkaia

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BILBAO BIZKAIA OPEN MIND, THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW US

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ince its origins in Bilbao has been a city with a great industrial tradition . However at the end of the 20th century the iron and steel industry experienced a dramatic slump, forcing the city to rethink the basics of its economic development. This uncertainty was captured by Juan Carlos Salaverri in an article published in 1988 by journalist Juan Carlos Salaverri in 'Ajoblanco' magazine, a leading cultural reference of the time, entitked 'Is Bilbao Moving?' The article closed with the question: 'Is Bilbao moving or dying?' Twenty years later, we know the answer.

The institutions of Bizkaia made a commitment to transformation, making Bilbao an example of urban regeneration and a benchmark for the rest

of the world. Bilbao has regained its dynamism by becoming a city of services and embracing environmental and urban recovery.

Former industrial land along the banks of the river has been transformed into new modern spaces for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

atre and shows, an opera season, countless art galleries, world-renowned museums, trade fairs and congress centres. In Bilbao visitors will find major fashion labels:

This spectacular change has transformed Bilbao into an essential point of reference in the European panorama.

Carolina Herrera, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Loewe, etc.

Along side the European designers, with Basque fashion playing a leading role through brands such as Mercedes de Miguel, Alicia Rueda, Ion Fiz, Skunkfunk, Loreak Mendian and Miriam Ocariz.

Today the capital of Bizkaia is an international symbol of dynamism and creative diversity, a a meeting place for all who are interested in architecture, design, gastronomy, leisure pursuits and culture. Nowadays, the Greater Bilbao area offers broad-ranging proposals including film, the-

Gastronomy is another highlight in Bizkaia and Bilbao, with many illustrious restaurants serving contemporary cuisine and also cosy local establishments offering up the finest of Basque fare. Bilbao is a city that looks to the future, its buildings reflecting its unstoppable transformation, some

designed by prestigious architects such as Norman Foster, Cesar Pelli, Rafael Moneo, Santiago Calatrava, Frank O. Ghery, Zaha Hadid and Arata Isozaki, but it is a city that never forgets where its true heart resides: on the streets of its old quarter. However, Bizkaia is much more than just Bilbao.

Visitors who come drawn by the lure of modern, cosmopolitan Bilbao will also discover Biscay, a privileged region filled with natural landscapes and idyllic beaches. In less than half an hour, thanks to a modern public transport network, you can visit enchanting coastal towns or delve into rural Biscay and its natural parks and marvellous enclaves, with its green hills and the hospitality of its inhabitants keeping you company on your travels.

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THE NEW MERCADO DE LA RIBERA, A MUST-SEE

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arkets are always a great place to start when visiting a city for the first time.

This is where you can see locals going about their daily business of shopping and discover the kinds of foods they buy, the different stalls on display, how the products are presented and the variety and quality of locallygrown produce.

The recently refurbished Mercado de la Ribera, located on the banks of the Bilbao estuary, is a point of reference throughout Bizkaia, combining the old and the new under one roof. It is well worth a visit.

The refurbished market is a modern space adapted to today’s needs, with all of the comforts and convenience for both merchants and shoppers alike. The market houses 59 stalls, the same number as the original design. But the layout has undergone a significant change.

The same types of products are no longer all found on the same floor. Instead, each floor is divided into different areas, which allows shoppers to find fish, meat, fruits and vegetables, delicatessen items and so on all on the same level.

HISTORY OF THE MARKET In the 14th century Bilbao's market was established next to the church of San Antón in the main square, considered the nerve centre of the town.

In the words of Emiliano de Arriaga, known for his 1896 lexicon of popular Bilbao terminology, the market offered 'an excellent variety of products that would please the palate of even the most discerning gastronomer.' By 1870 a roof covered all of the market stalls to provide them shelter from the weather.

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THE POWER AND INFLUENCE OF SPORT IN BIZKAIA

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or Bilbainos and Vizcaínos the Athletic Club de Bilbao represents much more than a football club; it is the symbol of their collective spirit, what sets them apart from others. In essence it is a long-standing source of intense, shared emotion.

The Bilbainos took up the sport with great gusto over one hundred years ago when it was brought here by English engineers who came to Bilbao to work at the famous Altos Hornos de Bizkaia ironworks. Today, football is still tremendously popular with a great number of fans in Bizkaia and beyond who share a unique

understanding, admiration and affection for the game.

Their centenary club still stands by the principle of selecting young players who have come up through the ranks to play on their first division team, often putting the value of hard work and effort ahead of potential victories that could be won by signing expensive players from other clubs. Despite this policy, the Athletic Club de Bilbao has enjoyed many moments of glory. Their teams have won 8 league and 24 cup championships, and players of the calibre of Zarra, Gainza, Iriondo, Iribar, Clemente, Rojo and Guerrero have left an indelible mark on the history of football.

And since there is more to life than just football, sports such as basketball have become extremely popular over the last 10 to 12 years. For many nostalgic fans, the new Bizkaian basketball team founded in 2000, BilbaoBasket, has filled a void left behind by previous clubs. The Bilbaobasket supporters regularly fill the magnificent 9,400-seat ‘Bilbao Arena’ stadium, which was finished in September 2010, fulfilling the fans’ long-held ambition to have a worthy venue in the city to host tournament

matches. There are also many other sports with equally loyal and staunch followers. ‘Pelota’ (Basque handball), rowing regattas and cycling must be given a mention considering the huge following, tradition and achievements of local sportspeople in these fields. We heartily recommend that visitors to Bizkaia not miss the chance to see a live pelota match, whether played with wooden bats (‘pala’), bare hands (‘mano’) or a curved leather basket-like glove (‘remonte’). Whatever your choice, the power and speed of this sport, coupled with the excitement of the crowd, are well worth the experience.

If you have the chance to watch a game at the recently inaugurated Frontón de Bizkaia, located in the modern Miribilla district of Bilbao, you’ll be able to see some of the recent innovations to this deep-rooted Basque sport: instead of the traditional green, the court is now black and grey. Closely associated with the tradition of the arrantzales (fishermen), many rowing regattas are held

throughout the summer months along the entire coast of Bizkaia. Each rowing boat represents a coastal town and each boat and its oarsmen sport a particular colour, which is also worn by the supporting spectators. Every competition is a very colourful event indeed with each team and followers readily identifiable. Cycling has provided numerous memorable and joyous moments in Basque sporting history. There are many cyclists, cycling teams and races. There are also many young cycling professionals in training here, and the number of wellknown local cyclists who have made it professionally is testimony to this. There are also many amateur and recreational cyclists riding on the roads of Bizkaia.

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BIZKAIA BRIDGE: SYMBOL OF BASQUE SPIRIT

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n 13 July 2006, the UNESCO Committee declared the Bizkaia Bridge a World Heritage Site.

With this recognition, the bridge spanning the river Nervión became the first World Heritage Site in the Basque Country, and the first Industrial Heritage Site in Spain.

Known by Vizcainos as the 'Hanging Bridge of Portugalete', a name consecrated in a popular song, the bridge was described by UNESCO as 'a spectacular and aesthetically pleasant addition to the river estuary and an exceptional expression of technical creativity reflecting a completely satisfactory relationship between form and function.'

The Bizkaia Bridge, or Puente Bizkaia, is considered one of the greatest monuments of the Industrial Revolution and one of the few surviving representatives of that period. During the latter half of the 19th

century iron was considered the most powerful symbol of progress. Iron and steel were used to build machines, ships, railways, and towers (such as the Eiffel Tower), as well as the massive halls of the Universal Expos and, above all, the increasingly slender and audacious new bridges in Europe and America.

At the end of the 19th century, the Bilbao estuary was experiencing the Industrial Revolution as a period of extraordinary economic activity linked to the mass export of a rich seam of iron ore over 25 kilometres long in the Bizkaia mines.

From the very beginning the Bizkaia Bridge was considered the triumphal arch of the burgeoning industrial civilisation. It was the world’s first metal-structured transporter bridge, and is located at the mouth of the river Ibaizabal, where Bilbao's navigable estuary flows into the sea. The Bizkaia Bridge was inaugurated on 28 July 1893, designed to connect

the towns of Portugalete and Getxo, one riverbank rocky and steep, the other low and sandy, with its huge iron bodywork. The bridge greatly facilitated communications between these two summer seaside resorts without disrupting sailings in and out of one of busiest river ports in Europe.

The bridge was designed by Alberto Palacio y Elissague, also renowned for his participation in the building of the Crystal Palace in Madrid’s Retiro Park.

French engineer Ferdinand Joseph Arnodin was responsible for the construction of the structure and Bilbao textile impresario Santos López de Letona was the principal guardian and financier of the project.

Reconstruction work was carried out in 1999 to improve some of the functional aspects after a century of use. This spectacular living monument is a surprising piece of construction, in a harmonious combination of beauty, esthetics and practicality.

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TIME FOR SHARING, TIME FOR FUN WITH THE FAMILY

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amily holidays are a great opportunity to spend time together and build memories for the future. There is a huge variety of activities for families to enjoy together ranging from nature to museums and city life. There is something to suit everyone.

An early morning outing on skates or by bicycle along the riverbank is a fun way to start the day.

There is an extensive network of cycling lanes, or bidegorris, as well as a municipal bike rental service. To avail of this service, all you have to do is to drop into Bilbao Turismo at the Teatro Arriaga and fill in a form.

After a bit of exercise, a trip to the Maritime Museum or the Guggenheim Museum is a nice way to relax. They both offer special workshops to keep children busy while their parents enjoy a leisurely walk around the museum. The Alhóndiga also has a special area for children called Txikiland, where they can get involved in different multimedia activities. On the other hand, if they prefer outdoor activities, they can visit the Doña Casilda park playground. Regeneration of the Nervión River started 25 years ago and since then the river has slowly but surely come back to life. As a result, nowadays a range of recreational and educational activities are now available. A trip by boat along the river offers the visitor a new perspective on the city

increased the city’s parkland by one million square meters; there are now over 20 city parks, complete with benches and children’s play areas.

Access to the natural parks around the city (Artxanda, Monte Avril, Arnotegi, Pagasarri and Arraiz) is easy and within reach, and they offer excellent and helps to explain its history. RK Abentura and Bilbobentura organize activities to suit all tastes: boats, kayaks and canoes can be hired with or without a guide. The two outfits also offer activity camps for children. Back on land, you can further enjoy nature-related activities on the city’s Anillo Verde or green circuit. The aim of this ring of green areas is to join the public forest parklands located on the hills surrounding the city with the innercity parks. Just over a decade ago, in 1999, there were six square metres of green parkland per inhabitant.

Currently, this figure stands at 24 square meters per person. In 10 short years, the Bilbao Town Hall has

ted. A different and fun way to get to these open green spaces is to take the Artxanda funicular railway from the station on Calle Castaños, which runs parallel to Campo Volantín. On the way up, visitors can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Since its founding in 1915, the funicular has had a tumultuous history, and service has had to be suspended for certain periods of time.

At the very beginning, it was even used for transporting calves. Nowadays, having undergone a complete overhaul, it offers access within minutes to the wide open space of Monte Artxanda, traditionally one of the city’s favourite spots for family outings.

views of the city. Over the last few years 18,500 trees have been planted in these parks, most of which are native to the area, such as birch, indigenous oak, ash and beech, but some foreign species, e.g. lime and American oak, have also been plan-

www.bilbao.net/anilloverde www.bilbao.net/funicularartxanda www.rkabentura.com www.bilbobentura.com

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ARTXANDA FUNICULAR RAILWAY -FAST TRACK TO NATURE

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ntil cars became commonplace in the second half of the 20th century, Mount Artxanda was the most convenient place for the people of Bilbao to escape the city and enjoy the outdoors. The residents of the "Bocho", the part of the city nestled at the foot of Artxanda, would look up at the fields and woods, and make plans to climb up and enjoy a bit of nature on their next day off.

The 1915 inauguration of the Artxanda funicular railway was a great event for the people of Bilbao, who could now reach Mount Artxanda in just a few minutes from the Calle Castaños station behind Campo Volantín, near the town hall.

There they could go for a brisk walk, enjoy a leisurely meal and a glass of txakoli at one of the many open-air restaurants in the area, or visit the former casino. The funicular has had a tumultuous history, and service has had to be suspended for certain periods of time. At the very beginning, it was even used for transporting calves.

Nowadays, having undergone a complete overhaul, it offers access within minutes to the wide open space and fabulous sports facilities of Monte Artxanda, traditionally one of the city’s favourite spots for family outings.

The funicular railway climbs slowly up the steep slope between Campo de Volantín and the station at Mount Artxanda, offering sweeping views of the city and all the way to the river meets the sea.

ter. The Larreineta funicular, inaugurated in 1926, was originally designed to transport goods. The two areas were now linked by a 10-minute funicular railway, replacing what had been an arduous climb up a path that took over an hour.

With the mines now closed, the Larreineta funicular is now an enjoyable tourist attraction. The ascent begins at the base of the Trapagan Valley at La Escontrilla and covers a distance of 1198 metres to the neighbourhood of Larreineta.

From the top of Larreineta visitors can enjoy excellent views of Bilbao, the estuary and the sea, as well as abandoned mines and scattered farmhouses in the Trapagan Valley. From the top of the funicular, a track leads to La Arboleda, 400 metres in elevation, now a popular recreation area that features the nearby lagoons of El Negro and Ostión.

www.bilbao.net/funicularartxanda

LARREINETA FUNICULAR: MINING PAST, TOURISM PRESENT At the end of the 19th century, large-scale mining operations in the mountains around the Trapagaran Valley, where iron had been mined since Roman times, led to settlements in the upper part of the valley.

Mining towns sprung up in the upper valley, while the lower region kept its rural charac-

The tracks of the Larreineta funicular are peculiar in that they take a sharp right-hand turn before reaching the top.

BASQUE RAILWAY MUSEUM: A TRAIN RIDE THROUGH HISTORY FROM AZPEITIA The Basque Railway Museum opened in Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa in 1993. The museum, one of the best of its kind, offers fascinating insight into the history of the railroad in the Basque Country, from the first steam engines

during the Industrial Revolution, to the modern-day tramway. Visitors can also see the repair shop, at one time a cutting-edge railway workshop, and now in full operation again thanks to the collaboration of technicians from the Elgoibar Machine Tool Museum.

The Railway Museum also houses one of the best collections of railway clocks in Europe, and a display of railway workers' uniforms dating since the late 19th century.

But perhaps the most exciting thing at the Basque Railway Museum is that from Tuesday to Sunday during the months of July and August, and every weekend until November, visitors can take a ride on a vintage train with wooden seats and open-air platforms to the station in Lasao. Let the sound of the steam engine and the clankety-clank of the cars take you back to bygone days.

www.euskotren.es

CONVENTION BUREAU

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CONFERENCES & TRADE SHOWS: DESTINATION BILBAO WHEN BUSINESS TRAVEL IS A PLEASURE

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Architecture, design, transformation, culture, economic activity...

All of these ingredients have turned Bilbao into an avant-garde city and a major destination for both business travellers and tourists. Bilbao has also become a leading destination for international conferences and trade fairs.

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, the Basque Country's prominent position in the industrial ranking, especially when it came to industrial enterprises on the left bank of the river Nervión, spurred the development of trade fairs in Bilbao.

Today the process of urban renewal has provided Bilbao and its metropolitan area with new cuttingedge installations that have pumped new life into the city.

In fact, the Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall won the 2003 Apex Award for the 'World's Best Convention Centre'.

conferences and festivals. The department has a team of skilled professionals and all of the infrastructure needed to advertise and promote all types of events in the city. The Bureau provides the following types of support for organisations interested in hosting their events in Bilbao: •Technical support in presenting Bilbao as a candidate venue for congresses.

•Institutional contacts.

•Locating meeting venues •Management services and liasing with firms active in the sector.

•Information on activities for guests of conference attendees.

•Calendar of cultural and leisure activities in Bilbao and Bizkaia.

•Tourism materials for event attendees.

A wide range of hotels, modern air and land transport infrastructure, internationally acclaimed cuisine and a rich calendar of entertainment and cultural events all come together to make Bilbao the ideal place to host a conference or professional event. And if you're here to attend a trade show or festival, Bilbao invites you to join in the life and energy of the city. www.bilbao.net/bilbaoturismo www.euskalduna.net www.bilbaoexhibitioncentre.com

Earlier, in 2001, the Euskalduna won the Enric Miralles Architecture Award and in 2003, the National Award given by the Spanish Association of Congress Centres. The Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) in Barakaldo has replaced the old Bilbao fairground, a venue whose central location suffered from space restrictions. The BEC has 150,000 m² of exhibition space distributed over six column-free pavilions.

Flexibility and versatility make the BEC the perfect venue for organising any type of event. The convention centre, BEC CONVENCIONES, has 118,000 m² of space distributed over multiple levels. It is a multipurpose space equipped with the most sophisticated communication systems. The complex also boasts the BIZKAIA ARENA, a multi-purpose hall that can be adapted to host a wide range of events.

The city also has a special department, the Bilbao Convention Bureau, charged specifically with providing support for the organisation of trade fairs,

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BICB@BILBAOTURISMO.BILBAO.NET

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ECO-TOURISM

DISCOVER THE NATURAL WONDERS OF URDAIBAI-BUSTURIALDEA LESS THAN 45 MINUTES FROM BILBAO

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picture is worth a thousand words, as the saying goes, and at Urdaibai it's more than evident. The Mundaka estuary sits at the centre of this exceptional site, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1984.

Twelve kilometres of sand forms at the mouth of the River, where freshwater and saltwater clump together to form the largest wetland in the Basque Country. The Busturialdea region, one of Bizkaia's natural treasures, is made up of 20 municipalities, 12 of which are located

entirely within the boundaries of the reserve: Mundaka, Sukarrieta, Busturia, Murueta, Forua, Gernika-Lumo, Ajangiz, Mendata, Arratzu, Kortezubi, Gautegiz Arteaga and Elantxobe. Most of another two municipalities, Muxika and Ibarrangelu, is included in the reserve, and Bermeo, Nabarniz and Ere単o account for over half of the total acreage.

Gernika-Lumo, a town steeped in history, home to the Casa de Juntas, the assembly hall where representatives of the Bizkaian parliament have met for centuries. Most of the other towns within the reserve are small villages filled with history and beautiful natural landscapes.

Arrieta, Errigoiti, Morga, Amorebieta-Etxano and Munitibar-Arbatzegi-Gerrikaitz occupy just under a third of the surface area. The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve sits in the valley of the river Oca. The largest centre of population is

Urdaibai is a strategic location for watching birds as they escape the cold Northern European winters and take refuge in the warmer conditions of the biosphere wetlands. The reserve is a rest area and wintering ground for

BIRDWATCHER'S PARADISE

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many species of migratory birds not commonly sited in the Iberian Peninsula – grey heron, cormorant, tern, spoonbill, and a large number of waders or shorebirds that feed on animals buried or semi-buried in the sand and mud.

The reserve is an absolute must-see, especially for birdwatchers. There is a bird observation deck situated in the San Cristobal neighbourhood of the town of Busturia.

THE MUNDAKA ESTUARY The Mundaka estuary is at the heart of the Urdaibal Biosphere Reserve. The marshlands

offer spectacular scenery at both high and low tide. Low tide reveals an extensive sandy area near Laida known as Kanala.

local mountains, with elevations no greater than 900 metres, are easily accessible and afford stunning views over Urdaibai.

The area is ideal for a walk along the salt flats, a swim in the sea, or just sitting back and enjoying the beauty and wonder of nature.

The panoramic views in the area are spectacular from virtually any point along the estuary.

The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, with its coastal habitats and inland countryside, is an ideal combination of nature and culture. The seascapes and salt marshes provide a stunning contrast to the green mountains and hillsides. The

Another must-see in the area is Cape OgoĂąo, an impressive limestone outcropping which provides shelter for the European shag and the peregrine falcon, and is easily reached via a well signposted footpath. Below is Laga beach which, despite its popularity with swimmers and surfers, still preserves the flora and fauna of the sandy beach and dune habitat. www.busturialdeaurdaibai.com

Tourism 2013 Bilbao Bizkaia 34

AGRITOURISM: THE ALLURE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE

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ore than 20 years ago the first ‘agrotourism’ establishment to open its doors in the Basque Country was Txopebenta, located in the town of Gautegiz-Arteaga, Bizkaia. Today over 40 farmhouses and country homes are included in Bizkaia's agrotourism network, offering nearly 500 beds to visitors who want to experience rural Basque lifestyle in close contact with nature.

Agrotourism establishments are located on actual working farms and many of the farmhouses where guests are lodged are splendid examples of traditional mountain or rural architecture. A number of the properties are nestled amidst spectacular seaside or mountain scenery, and the farms often have a centuries-old history of coexistence with the natural surroundings. More than just accommodation, farm and country houses give visitors the chance to experience a different kind of travel in a warm welcoming atmosphere. Farmhouse hosts open the doors to their homes allowing guests an intimate glimpse into local lifestyle and culture.

No one knows than they do about the activities and highlights of each place, and they're generally delighted to share their knowledge on local treasures: geography, places of particular interest, gastronomy, history, and anything having to do with local customs, art, culture or archaeology – in other words, everything that makes Basque culture what it is.

In fact, as farmers generate extra income, many of the proprietors are encouraged to protect and preserve the traditional farm tools, implements and household belongings handed down for centuries, giving insight into what life was like for our ancestors.

Nekatur, the umbrella group for 85% of the farm and country houses in the Basque Country, guarantees the quality of its members by establishing requirements and quality standards for eligibility and participation in the association.

The Nekatur website, www.nekatur.net, and Bizkaia agrotourism website, www.agroturismosdebizkaia.com, offer detailed information, a full list of properties, and booking services.

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GORBEIA CENTRAL PARK: THE PLEASURES OF NATURE A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED VISIT ONLY 40 MIN FROM BILBAO

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ORBEIA CENTRAL PARK will tickle the fancy of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the simple pleasures of nature. The green mountains, peaceful woods and spectacular scenery are what make this place so special.

Fully aware of this natural treasure, the rural development association of the Gorbeia region and authorities from the Zuia region of Alava have drawn up a tourism plan in line with today's trends.

Taking into account the park’s unique features, the plan includes a tourism offer aimed at visitors looking for something different like stargazing, trying one's hand at sheepherding for a day, or a workshop in traditional medicine.

The choice of experiences offered at Gorbeia Central Park is designed for people who want to enjoy tourism without the crowds, people wishing to

experience the real atmosphere and feel of the place, with its traditions, festivities and customs. The parklands of Gorbeia encompasses Bizkaia’s Gorbeialdea region and the ‘Cuadrilla de Zuia’ in Alava, two areas sharing two mountain ranges – Gorbeia and Urkiola, both declared 'natural parks' for their unusual beauty and wild landscapes. Both places are well worth a visit, and the perfect alternative for nature lovers and enthusiasts of outdoor activities.

A mountain lovers' paradise. Visitors can climb the high peaks of Gorbeia Central Park, walk through its lush forests and valleys, and discover a number of simply 'delicious' nooks and crannies. The area's new tourism strategy promotes Gorbeia as a meeting point, the 'Central Park' of Euskadi – open 24 hours a day.

24 HOURS In addition to pure air and lush scenery, you'll also

find countless gastronomic, entertainment and outdoor sport activities. After a long walk through the woods and green meadows, get a good night's sleep at one of the many traditional farmhouses and country homes located near Gorbeia Central Park.

Start another day of adventure with a hearty traditional farmhouse breakfast prepared from fresh local products.

If you're seeking a quiet place to relax far from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can also experience the comforts and conveniences of a 3- or 4-star hotel. Wherever you stay, you're sure to enjoy the solitude of nature.

Tradition is also highly valued at Gorbeia Park.

Learn about the lifestyle and deep-rooted traditions of the Basque people. Experience their age-old professions, festivities, ceremonies, local gastonomy ... and the oldest living language in Europe.

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ANBOTO: A MOUNTAIN OF LEGEND LESS THAN 40 MINUTES FROM BILBAO

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nboto is a mountain steeped in Basque folklore and legend, its impressive grey limestone summit rising like a giant more than 1300 m above sea level.

This legendary mountain is part of Urkiola Natural Park, which forms a natural border between Bizkaia and Alava.

Submerged beneath the sea in past geological ages, Anboto's limestone layers reveal fossils found deep in the rock.

There are trails to the top of the mountain for every type of hiker, with trail heads located on all sides of the mountain. One possible route starts mid-slope at the Santuario de Urkiola, at an elevation of 750 metres. The most demanding routes begin from the valley of

Arrazola, and require a climb of over 1000 metres.

Several other routes leave from the spectacular and magical Atxondo valley, and from the Aramaio valley in Alava.

Visitors not quite up to the challenge can still enjoy the unparalleled beauty of the area, opting instead for a more relaxing walk along one of the many signposted trails in the valleys below.

And it goes without saying that everyone can enjoy the local cuisine served in numerous restaurants in the area.

Favourite local dishes include milk-fed lamb, known locally as arkume, and gatzatua, the natural junket-like dessert made from the milk of sheep grazing in mountain pastures on

the slopes of Anboto. A number of excursions also start at Urkiola pass (Alto de Urkioloa), and on snowy winter days the gentle slopes become a favourite for sledders.

And while you're here, be sure to visit the sanctuary where every year on the feast day of San Ant贸n, the local stock-owners bring their animals to be blessed.

Anboto is also home to Mari, the Lady of Anboto, who lives in a cave called Mariurrika perched in the rock wall 1000 metres up.

Legend has it that on bright sunny days you can see Mari combing her thick blond hair with a gold comb. At other times she can be seen as a burst of fire moving suddenly from Mariurrika over the rocks to her other cave dwellings scattered throughout the mountains of Euskal Herria.

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THE SOURCE OF THE NERVIÓN RIVER, SIMPLY SPECTACULAR 50 MINUTES FROM BILBAO

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he Nervión river is the largest and most well-known river in Bizkaia. It is famous for its estuary, which flows from the city of Bilbao out to the Bay of Biscay. The Nervión estuary has played a key role in Bilbao’s history and in the industrial and social evolution of the city in recent times. However, the river’s headwaters could not be more different from the waters at its mouth.

It’s true that by the time the river reaches the sea, its waters have been somewhat mistreated (albeit less so in recent years) along the way by effluent from nearby towns and industries. However, at its source, it is free-flowing and crystal clear. The source of the Nervión starts as a spring which emerges in a forest of beech trees in the Gibijo mountain range near Orduña pass. It rushes through the Delika gorge and on through the province of Bizkaia in search of the sea.

The river forms a spectacular 270-meter high waterfall during the months of heavy rainfall, as it plummets over the enormous limestone wall of the Gibijo mountain range. The waterfall can be admired from the Mirador del Nervión viewing point built at Orduña pass. While the waterfall tends to dry up over the summer months, leaving a trickling stream that is sometimes hardly visible, the area surrounding the Salto del Nervión waterfall is so beautiful that it is still well worth a visit.

Those who wish to explore the Delika gorge further can take the 7km walk (full circuit - there and back) from Delika along the bottom of the gorge through oak and beech trees. The steep rock walls of the gorge are inhabited by a large colony of birds of prey, most noteworthy of which is the Griffin Vulture (Gyps fulvus). In times gone by there

used to be a lot of wolves in this mountainous region, but with the spread of sheep-farming, the wolves were hunted and killed until they became virtually extinct. In fact, there are four wolf traps on Monte Santiago consisting of 2 two-meterhigh stone walls which converge at the bottom creating a deep well-like hole.

HOW TO GET TO THE NERVIÓN VIEWING POINT Take the A 625 from Orduña in the direction of Miranda del Ebro up to the Orduña mountain pass (alt. 900m) and follow the directions along the mountain track. This can be used by cars. About 3 kms along this road there is a car park and a short path which leads up to the impressive overlook.

The Nervión viewing point is perched on the very edge of the top of the rock-face, offering the visitor a vertigo-inducing view down the 300m to the bottom of the Delika gorge. Visitors can watch the thin stream of the waterfall as it plunges down and finally disappears into the darkness of the bottom of the ravine.

ACCESS ROUTES Our point of departure is the town of Delika in the municipality of Amurrio, Alava. To reach Delika we must first go to Orduña, the only town in Bizkaia to be granted ‘city’ status in the Middle Ages.

This is because Orduña was a strategically important commercial enclave, since goods from Castile

(mostly wool) had to pass through the city on their way to Northern Europe. Orduña is 38 kilometres from Bilbao. To get there, take the A-8 motorway, direction San Sebastian (through the Malmasín tunnel), and take the first exit marked Arrigorriaga.

Drive through Arrigorriaga and continue along the BI625 through Miraballes, Arrankudiaga, and past Llodio and Amurrio, continuing straight on to Orduña.

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Continue driving through Orduùa following the signs to Vitoria until you reach a crossroads. Turn left and carry on for three kilometres to Delika. Drive through the town and after passing under a railway bridge you’ll come to an open-air car park next to a bar and restaurant. This is where the excursion starts.

ITINERARY The route sets off from the car park in Delika. Wal-

kers should take the path that goes off to the right from the bar and runs parallel to the river. After a five-minute walk, climb over the stile and then turn left onto a fairly wide path.

The path runs along the river for the entire walk and is easy to follow. All you need to do is to head up the gorge and follow the river, crossing it when necessary. There should be no difficulty unless there is a lot of fast-flowing water in the river. Once

you reach the end of the gorge and are standing facing the waterfall, you can get closer to its base by scrambling over the rocks in the riverbed.

The entire walk takes about four hours. This spectacular excursion is best enjoyed in late winter or early spring when the waterfall is in full force.

This walk can be done with children as it is not difficult. You can stop and rest along the way and take in the wonderful views.

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FORESTS AND WOODS, A NATURAL TREASURE ALL LESS THAN A 45 MINUTE DRIVE FROM THE CENTRE OF BILBAO The best way to approach the forest is from the cave of Santimamiñe, the most significant archaeological site in Bizkaia. Inside the cavern are Upper Palaeolithic cave paintings and remains dating to the Magdalenian period (14,000 to 9,000 B.C.).

From here a dirt track will take you to a forest of Monterrey pines on which Ibarrola painted brightly coloured human, animal, and geometric figures that line up and take different forms as you walk through the forest.

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ne of Bizkaia's greatest attractions is the rich variety of protected public lands and spectacular scenery – from lush green meadows to dense beech and oak forests. In fact, with two-thirds of the land covered in forest, a walk through any of the wooded areas is food for the soul. There are two very special places in Bizkaia where visitors will enjoy a unique magical experience.

Between Gernika and Lekeitio, in the Urdaibai Nature Reserve, is the Forest of Oma in the municipality of Kortezubi. This 'enchanted forest’, created by Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola, is a fantasy world where nature and art go hand in hand and where the perspective of the visitor is key.

Ibarrola's project was part of a trend known as Land Art, a movement that emerged in the late 1960s, in which artists used nature as their form of expression, their canvas, their frame and their work materials. Other places of interest in the vicinity of the enchanted forest are the 16th-century chapel of San Mamés, opposite the cave, the Olakoerrota mill, once part of an ironworks operation, and the Goikolea mill. More energetic visitors might want to continue walking to the chapel atop Mount Ereñozar and take in the spectacular views of the Urdaibai Nature Reserve.

Also highly recommended are two protected areas: Ranero Betayo and Sierra Salvada.

In the northeast corner of Bizkaia bordering Cantabria is the incredibly scenic area of Las Encartaciones. In the westernmost corner of Las Encartaciones is the Karrantza Valley, well worth a visit for its beautiful natural setting. The 20-hectare Karpin Abentura Eco-park gives visitors the chance to see wild animals native to the Iberian Peninsula and Europe living in enclosures that resemble their natural habitats. www.karpinabentura.com

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COAST OF BIZKAIA

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SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE...

AN ISLAND WITH A VIEW

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ast of Bakio in the municipal limits of Bermeo, the island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe affords visitors spectacular views of the Bay of Biscay. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and its equally beautiful neighbouring island, Aketze, are part of protected biotope which extends from Bakio to Cape Matxitxako.

Perched atop Gaztelugatxe is the tiny chapel of San Juan, the origins of which date back to the 10th century. Visitors can reach this miraculously built church by zigzaging up 231 steps carved into the stone. The climb is well worth the effort – there's nothing quite like looking out into the horizon and gazing at the gorgeous seascape around you.

The island is a strategic lookout point which dominates a large stretch of the coastline. Over the course of history it has been witness to historical events and legends.

Historic documents tell us that the first building that stood atop the island was erected in the 10th century. In 1053, Don Iñigo López, Lord of Bizkaia, donated the small hermitage to the monastery of San Juan de la Peña in Huesca. In 1593 the hermitage was sacked by British buccaneer Francis Drake.

It later caught fire and was totally destroyed. The chapel we see standing today was built in 1980.

TRADITIONS Following a long-standing tradition, locals climb the 231 steps to the chapel, ring the church bell three times and make a wish.

Legend also has it that ringing the bell will frighten away evil spirits.

Another seafaring tradition linked to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is that when fishermen set out from Bermeo, they turn port and then starboard so that Saint John (San Juan) will bring them good luck.

Various healing powers are also attributed to the

island. For most visitors, however, the island of Gaztelugatxe is simply a beautiful spot with spectacular panoramic views. To reach the island, visitors should take the road between Bakio and Bermeo and leave their car in the small parking facility.

From there a paved path leads to the area where the climb begins.

Another option is to leave your car next to a restaurant called Eneperi in the town of Bakio and follow a footpath to the site. In either case, comfortable footwear is highly recommended.

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GETTING THERE From Bilbao: Take the BI-631 in the direction of Mungia. At the last roundabout follow the signs for Bakio. In Bakio, take the Bermeo road. In 3 km you'll find two overlooks on the left-hand side. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is well signposted along the route.

Estimated travel time from Bilbao: 45 minutes

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SAND AND SURF AT THE BEACHES OF BIZKAIA YOU CAN REACH PLENTZIA BEACH BY METRO

Getxo. . All of these beaches offer full facilities: Las Arenas (Las Arenas), Ereaga (26) (Algorta), Arrigunaga (25) (Algorta), Gorrondatxe-Aizkorri (24) (Andra Mari), BarinatxeLa Salvaje (Andra Mari).

Sopelana. Barinatxe (23) aka 'La Salvaje'. Every year in mid-July quite an original nude race takes place on this beach.

Arrietera-Atxabiribil (22). The swells at this beach are good for surfing and bodyboarding.

Meñakoz (21). Isolated beach with no buildings and its own special charm. Often used as a nudist beach.

Gorliz y Plentzia. Lage attractive bay shared by the

THE BEACH BY METRO

towns of Gorliz (17) Plentzia (18).

Bakio. The beaches of Armintza (16) and Bakio (15) are separated by a stretch of wild coastline. Bakio is the most extensive beach in Bizkaia, 1 km.

There aren't many places in the world where you can go to the beach by metro. Surf enthusiasts in Bizkaia can: From the centre of Bilbao, the Metro goes all the way to Plentzia beach.

Bermeo. Aritzatxu (14) . Beautiful small cove, difficult access. Mundaka. Beaches located in the river mouth.

www.metrobilbao.net

Lekeitio. Isuntza (ISO 9000 & 14000), Karraspio (2) and Salvaje (the latter two beaches belong to the town of Mendexa), next to the island of San Nicolás.

Zierbena. La Arena (28). This beach has recreational facilities for visitors of all ages.

Ondarroa. Arrigorri (1) and Saturrarán, the latter located between Ondarroa and Mutriku.

Other beaches: Isuntza, Ogella, Ea, Laga, Laida, Kanala, Kanalape, San Antonio, Toña, Laidatxu, Hondartzape, Muriola, Barrika and Areeta.

MUNDAKA BOASTS THE WORLD'S LONGEST LEFT-HAND WAVE Surfing is attracting more adepts every day, people chasing the adrenaline rush only a surfer can describe. There are a number of surfing schools for anyone who wants to learn.

And for well-versed surfers the coast of Bizkaia offers some of the best waves on the north coast.

Sopelana, Bakio and Zierbena are prime surfing beaches. But Mundaka, with its world-class lefthand wave, the longest in the world, is a must for both surfers and spectators alike.

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CRUISE SHIP TOURISM, ON THE RISE

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t the Port of Bilbao the most impressive cruise ships include the 294-metre Queen Victoria operated by the Cunard Line, the 294-metre MSC Poesia, and the 290metre cruise liners from P&O Cruises, the Ventura and the Azura.

FERRY TO PORTSMOUTH The Cap Finistère is a 204 metre ferry built in 2001 and operated by Brittany Ferries.

Currently, the ferry sails twice a week from Portsmouth to Bilbao and back. Once a week it includes a stopover at the French port of Roscoff.

The Cap Finistère bolsters the connection between Bilbao and the south of the UK, reducing the sailing time by three hours, while providing superior passenger comfort and greater capacity for trucks and tractor trailers. The new ferry docks at Pier A3 in the port extension, near the beginning of the Zierbena jetty.

NEW PASSENGER TERMINAL The Bilbao Port Authority has built a new passenger terminal in the port of Bilbao to provide better service to cruise ship passengers.

The terminal, which has been in operation since September 2010, has a check-in area, waiting lounge, baggage drop-off and collection depots, rest rooms and a tourist office.

EU1.9m was invested in this project.

A GROWING INDUSTRY Despite the economic crisis, the industry continues to grow. In 2012, the Bilbao Port Authority reported that 50 cruise ships carrying 65,953 passengers had docked in Bilbao.

In 2005, the figure stood at 21 cruise liners, and a total of 13,300 passengers; the following year, the figure rose to 22 liners with 16,600 passengers aboard; in 2007, the number of major cruise liners was 21, carrying 23,000 people on board; in 2008, 38 transatlantic liners set anchor at the port of Bilbao, carrying 37,000 passengers; in 2009, the figure

stood at 30, carrying 30,000 tourists; in 2010, the number grew to 33 and 43,400 passengers; 2011 was a record year, with 53 cruise liners carrying 77,000 passengers. This was a landmark figure for the port of Bilbao, which had never before experienced such huge numbers.

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FISHING PORTS, TOWNS WITH CHARACTER

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he Basque people have been linked to the sea and seafaring activities since time immemorial. Euskadi has been the birthplace of great sailors whose names and deeds have marked the course of

history.

Fishing also has a very long history in the Basque Country, coupled with the important role local shipbuilding played in the Middle Ages. Many of the major advances in marine technology can be attributed to Basque shipbuilders, paving the way for transatlantic feats and the development of trade with 'the Indies'.

Documentation shows that as far back as the 13th century fishermen's guilds were already in existence. Much like today, the guilds were set up to regulate fishing activities, trade and working conditions for their members.

Both then and now, guild members are shipowners and other people working in the fishing industry who join together to establish norms and protect industry interests. Over the centuries ports and

towns have emerged up and down the coast of Bizkaia in the natural estuaries, mouths of the rivers, and the protected coves nestled in the rocky shoreline.

Until very recently, the people of these communities have thrived on the bounties of the sea.

Some of the smaller fishing ports, such as Zierbena, Plentzia, Armintza and Mundaka, home to wooden shallops and shallow-water vessels, Lekeitio, Ondarroa and Bermeo, where larger tuna boats dock, still have all the flavour and character of their seafaring past. Long gone are the days when Bas-

que sailors plied the waters of Newfoundland in search of whales. Today Bizkaia's 150-vessel fishing fleet – 104 shallow-water boats, 24 deep-sea vessels and 25 tuna boats – keep the fishing industry alive, and the ports full of colour and charm.

It goes without saying that one of the attractions of Basque fishing villages is the wealth of products from the sea, intertwined with a rich gastronomic tradition.

Grill houses and restaurants offer the best selection of local seafood, directly from the sea to the plate.

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MARINAS, HARBOURING PASSION

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ll along the 80 kilometres of Bizkaia's coastline, in broad estuaries and sandy cove at the base of the cliffs, are a series of harbours and fishing villages that for centuries have provided shelter for the many Basque ships and legendary sailors. It's no wonder that this tradition, once reserved for

professional mariners, has given rise to a range of water activities and entertainment.

Every year, 200 new recreational vessels are registered in Bizkaia.

Many of the ports that in past centuries harboured only merchant ships and fishing vessels are now home to sailboats and other recreational craft.

Today, 12 ports and marinas between Zierbena and Ondarroa offer more than 3000 boat slips for recreational vessels. People who enjoy sailing or angling will find a place to moor their boat in villages with a long seafaring history – Lekeitio, Ea, Elantxobe, Mundaka, Armintza, Plentzia and Bermeo – or at the docks of the Real Club Marítimo in Getxo, Abra, Arriluze, Santurtzi and Zierbena.

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TIME FOR REST AND RESTORATION

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aking time out to rest and restore our health is the best way to recover from the relentless pace of everyday living. Indeed, the old adage Mens Sana in Corpore Sano applies now more than ever.

and rheumatism sufferers, therapies to help with stress, insomnia, sluggishness and back ailments, and rehabilitation and beauty treatments.

refurbished and equipped with the latest technology. The town has a rich historical heritage and beautiful natural surroundings.

Facilities include a heated swimming pool, hot tubs, waterfall jet, jacuzzi, sub-aquatic jets, horizontal jets, high-pressure shower and circular shower.

Nearby is the headwaters of the Nervi坦n river, with its 250m-high Delika waterfall which can be observed from the viewing point built on Ordu単a pass.

The Ordu単a spa waters, emerging from the spring in the vicinity of La Muera Arbieto, are particularly recommended for the treatment of rheumatic disorders and joint pain.

Situated 50 km from Bilbao in the beautiful coastal town of Lekeitio is the Emperatriz Zita Spa Hotel, built on the site of the Uribarren ancestral home, once residence to the last Empress of the AustroHungarian Empire.

Here you will be pampered and restored in a wonderful fishing-town setting. Overlooking the beach next to the gothic church in the centre of Lekeitio, the spa offers specialized treatments for arthritis

The spa offers seaweed and mud wraps as well as saunas, massages, yoga sessions, and wine, chocolate and relaxation therapy, among others.

Travelling 47kms inland from Bilbao is the Ordu単a Spa Hotel. The imposing 18th century building used to be a Customs post where wool merchants en route to ports on the Cantabrian seaboard would pay their dues. The outer structure of this 18th century neoclassical building remains intact while the interior of building has been completely

People regularly take the waters to prevent anaemia and respiratory illnesses, improve blood circulation, and soothe skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne. But for those who need to relax and enjoy the dolce far niente without leaving the city, there are also a wide range of city spas on offer in Bilbao.

www.casavicentepallotti.com www.aisiahoteles.com/derio www.aisiahoteles.com/orduna www.aisiahoteles.com/lekeitio www.balnearioareatza.com

HISTORICAL BIZKAIA

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PLACES WHERE HISTORY WAS MADE

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very street corner, town and square has a story to tell, its history the chronicle of bygone events and happenings, sometimes solemn and unique, sometimes commonplace.

We are well aware that there is not enough space here to adequately describe all of the historical towns in Bizkaia, many of which are equally worthy of mention. However, we have selected a particular choice of destinations which for one reason or another are of particular importance in the history of Bizkaia.

Eufemia, the Neoclassical church of Santa María, the Town Hall, the town’s medieval streets, the Ercilla tower and part of the original town walls.

If we head inland from Gernika-Lumo, we’ll come across the town of Durango, built on the site of a previous settlement called Tabira. The surrounding Durango valley and the town itself belonged to the Kingdom of Navarre until the 13th century. It was then annexed to the Kingdom of Castile for 12 years until 1212, when it became part of the Señorío of Bizkaia.

As well as the wonderful palatial mansions such as the Zabala, Etxezarreta or Garai ancestral homes, visi-

Obviously, we have to start off with a visit to Gernika-Lumo, the town in Bizkaia which has possibly had the greatest historical impact internationally. The valley of Gernika has been inhabited by man since prehistoric times, as attested by the beautifully preserved cave drawings in Santimamiñe.

tors can see the 15th-century Kurutziaga cross. The Gothic style cross is the only one of its kind in Europe, erected in memory of the act of heresy committed by Friar Alonso de Mella. Mt Amboto together with Urkiola park help to make this area unforgettable. If we carry on through the valley as far as the border with Gipuzkoa, we come across Elorrio, which today encompasses the original 13th-century town and the parish of San Agustín de Etxebarria.

The caves were inhabited as far back as the Magdalenian period, 15,000 years B.C. However, it is the Assembly House (Casa de Juntas) and the symbolic tree of Gernika, around which the representatives of the towns or parishes would traditionally assemble to make the laws governing Bizkaia. Destruction of this symbolic place was the main objective of the massive air-raid attack on Gernika-Lumo during the Spanish Civil War, an event that would thrust the town into the international spotlight.

If we head out towards the sea, on the headland on the left bank of the Gernika estuary is the town of Bermeo. Founded in 1236, Bermeo was the capital of Bizkaia from 1476 to 1602, when it was the most important town in the seigniory, or señorío, in close competition with Bilbao. The fact that the king and queen would come to make vows in the church of Santa Eufemia whenever they were in Bizkaia gives us an idea of the importance of the town at the time.

Nowadays, Bermeo is primarily a fishing town but still takes great pride in its rich historical heritage.

Today, visitors can enjoy a variety of interesting sites and buildings such as the Gothic church of Santa

As is common elsewhere in the Basque region, the remains of pre-Neolithic settlements have been found

in the area. A collection of tombstones discovered on the outskirts of the town is the pre-Christian Argañeta burial site. The townspeople of Elorrio were actively involved in trade with the New World and the gains of this successful and lucrative pursuit are visible to this day in the over 20 imposing mansions and ancestral homes along its streets. Continuing inland in a

westerly direction is the town of Balmaseda, located in a region known as Las Encartaciones. Balmaseda was the first town to be awarded the status of villa in Bizkaia and is the entry point into the Basque Country from Castilla y Leon. Balmaseda’s strategic location, and the fact that it had an old Roman road, led to the development of important trade routes.

In fact, it is almost certain that it was John the II of Castile who turned it into a ‘dry port’, a place where taxes were paid inland on goods en route from Castile to ports on the Cantabrian seaboard. The streets

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have beautiful palatial mansions such as the Horkasitas or Irrutia ancestral homes as well as the churches of San Severino and San Juan Bautista.

Another interesting site is the former La Encartada beret factory, which has been turned into a museum, and the old bridge, or Puente Viejo.

Quite nearby is the town of Orduña, although it once belonged to the Señorío of Bizkaia, is actually an enclave within the province of Alava. The natural protection provided by the mountains made the town an

important defence post for Bizkaia throughout its history.

Like Balmaseda, Orduña was a ‘dry port’ and taxes on Castilian wool destined for export to Europe were paid to the Orduña customs until 1841.

Therefore, the original 13th-century villa was granted city status in the 15th century. The renaissance building that was once the customs’ house is now a spa hotel and is testimony to the town’s splendorous past. The old part of the town, which has been declared a historic site, is the largest medieval town centre in Bizkaia and the remains of its old walls surround a rich monumental heritage.

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GERNIKA ASSEMBLY HOUSE AND EUSKARA SACRED ICONS OF BASQUE CULTURE

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or the Basque people the Gernika Assembly House (Casa de Juntas) is a sacred symbol of their ancestral culture. The building represents the earliest form of democracy for the Basque people, since it was on this spot, under the canopy of an oak tree, that representatives of the cities, towns and rural parishes of Bizkaia would meet to discuss matters and reach agreements affecting the community. It was also here that they swore before the Lord of Bizkaia, and later before the king of Castile, to uphold the fueros, a set of special laws and privileges that were ultimately abolished in 1877.

Earlier there had been two other assembly houses – Avellaneda, where representatives of the towns in Las Encartaciones met, and Gerediaga, home to the Durango area assembly. However, the Gernika Assembly House has lived on as a symbol of the democratic values of the Basque people. This was precisely why Nazi German aircraft targeted Gernika during the Spanish Civil War, the scenes of carnage immortalised in Picasso's famous painting.

Beside the tree of Gernika stood the church of

was never built. The Tree of Gernika, the most universal symbol for the Basque people, stands in a grassy area adjacent to the building. The lehendakari, or Basque president, takes the oath of office under the tree.

The tree standing today is actually a descendant of the 'old tree', its trunk displayed in the garden to one side of the building. The tree was declared dead in 2004, and in the spring of 2005 was replaced with one of its own saplings. A number

elsewhere. German linguist and diplomat Wilhelm Von Humboldt (1767–1835) once said that Euskara was the language that God had given to mankind.

Santa María de la Antigua, where the community leaders would often take refuge during their gatherings. This is the site on which the Assembly House we see today was built. The 1833 neoclassical building was designed by architect Antonio de Echevarria, who created the structure based around the old church.

The assembly house stands on a hill, overlooking views of the Gernika estuary. The site includes the oath-taking tribune, the tree of Gernika and the assembly house.

Echevarria's plan was to build a rectangular, symmetrical building with rational proportions. The church and assembly hall would stand in the centre, and archive rooms would be built in the wings. A gun room was also included in the original plan but

Over the centuries Euskara has suffered the vicissitudes of history, including the banning of the language for years during the Franco dictatorship. of descendants of the old oak now grow in various places around the world. The Basque language, Euskara, known by the Romans as Linguae Navarrorum, is the other cornerstone of Basque culture and its very soul. Linguists have not been able to establish links between this ancient language and other Indo-European languages, and therefore it is thought to be a preIndo-European survivor. The language has sparked interest over the years both here and

Today, nearly one million people speak the language and half a million more understand it but have difficulty speaking. Transmitted orally until relatively recently, the Basque language – spoken throughout the Basque lands on either side of the border and in Navarra – has a number of different dialects. The Royal Academy of the Basque Language, Euskaltzaindia, headquartered in Bilbao's Plaza Nueva, is the body in charge of preserving the language and establishing standards of use.

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GASTRONOMY

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PINTXO HOPPING IN BILBAO AND BIZKAIA

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asque cuisine is undergoing a major transformation which, beyond the humble Spanish tortilla, has also affected the traditional pintxo, as the tapa is known in the Basque Country. Today the visitor can try veritable miniature delicacies in most of the bars in Bizkaia and throughout Euskadi.

A pintxo was traditionally a small slice of baguette-style bread covered with some sort of savoury topping. The name pintxo literally means the little cocktail stick sometimes used to hold whatever was on top of the bread in place.

Cold pintxos are normally laid out on the bar counter for customers to help themselves, while hot pintxos must be ordered as they need to be heated or prepared by the kitchen staff. The

pintxo has a very important place in Basque gastronomy, as pintxos are eaten regularly to accompany a drink before lunch or dinner, often a small glass of red wine (txikito) or a half-glass of draught lager (zurito), and sometimes cider or white txakoli wine.

In theory, virtually anything can be put on top of bread to make a pintxo, but in practice they generally feature ingredients commonly found

in Basque cooking: fish (such as particular hake, salt-cod, anchovies and ‘gulas’, an elverlike fish product, etc.) potato omelette, stuffed peppers and croquettes, among others.

However, there is a new trend spearheaded by the numerous young Basque chefs coming out of haute cuisine cookery schools and upmarket restaurants.

These chefs are very keen on creating new, exciting complex and sophisticated pintxos, and on offering a never-ending stream of new ideas, recipes and innovative approaches.

It is becoming clear that traditional fare and miniature cuisine can live side by side in perfect harmony. The most common practice is for people to help themselves to the pintxos on the bar as they stand around with their friends chatting and having a drink.

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PINTXO ROUTES AROUND BILBAO Bilbao’s Casco Viejo, or old town. The pedestrian streets in the oldest part of the city are an open invitation to visitors to wander around and take in the atmosphere. The bars conveniently located along the route offer a select range of pintxos to suit every taste and pocket. Calle Perro, Calle Santa María and Calle Jardines, the streets around the Plaza Nueva, should not be missed.

The Abando route is more spread out than the route through the old town, but it is closer to the city centre. A visit to Calle Ledesma is a must and leads onto the pedestrian street Calle Diputación. From the classic Bilbao bars found in this area, we move across the Gran Vía to Plaza Eguillor, where the pintxo hopping continues.

The route around the area of Indautxu is another of the city’s most popular pintxo spots. The bars on Alameda de Urkijo and Alameda San Mamés are found on the

intersection of the Abando and Indautxu routes. To get to Indautxu, you can follow Alameda Urkijo, turn down towards the Plaza Campuzano and sample the fare in the bars on Calle Maestro García Rivero.

La Casilla-Amézola is another well-loved route and one of the most traditional. It takes in the area surrounding the Casilla sports pavillion and includes Calle Zugastinobia which runs behind it.

The route around Deusto. The Deusto part of town has very much its own personality and lifestyle and indeed its own area in which to enjoy good company and a pintxo or two. Don’t miss Calle Blas de Otero, Calle Rafaela Ibarra, and Calle Heliodoro de la Torre.

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TRADITIONAL OR AVANT-GARDE: GREAT PLACES TO EAT

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he popularity of Basque cuisine is neither new nor entirely due to the number of prestigious international gastronomic awards reaped by its celebrated chefs. The truth is that nowadays you can eat well practically anywhere in the world on any budget.

What makes eating in the Basque Country different, however, is the huge choice of places where you can eat well in such a relatively small region. It is truly a gift for the senses.

Food and gastronomy form part of Bizkaia’s cultural heritage. Treasured recipes handed down over generations pay homage to the prized quality of locally-grown produce and fish handled and prepared with almost reverential care everywhere, from the humblest household kitchen, to the most unassuming local tavern, to the finest up-market restaurant. Indeed, there are restaurants in Bilbao and in Bizkaia that have been awarded prestigious Michelin stars, including Andra Mari in Galdakao, Boroa in Amorebieta, Etxebarri in Atxondo, Azurmendi in Larrabetzu and Etxanobe, Mina, Zortziko and Nerua in Bilbao.

Alternatively, popular bistro-style restaurants serving wonderful fresh hake in a light batter or charcoal-grilled sea-bream can be found in any town along the coast. And local cider-houses serve the most incredible dry-aged beef steaks. In fact, some of the local dishes such as Bacalao al Pil Pil (made with salt cod, garlic and olive oil) or Merluza a la Ondarresa (Ondarroa-style hake) are so popular that they can be found on menus in far-flung places. But there’s nothing quite like enjoying them here in the Basque Country.

Among our most distinguished local products is Txakoli from Bizkaia, a local white wine which has been made for centuries from indigenous coastal grapes. This white wine is coming back in popularity and marries well with any of the Bizkaian dishes. It’s also the perfect accompaniment for pintxos.

And finally since the ideal ending to a good meal is a good dessert, we must mention some of the Bizkaian cakes and pastries exclusive to the area, such as the pastel de arroz, a baked ground-rice tart, bollos de mantequilla, sweet rolls with butter filling or canutillos de crema, custard-filled puff pastry cornets.

SLOW FOOD: THE JOY OF EATING AND LIVING Faced with the stress and hurry of western-style living, Italian-born Carlo Petrini started up the Slow Food movement in 1986. Soon many chefs and ordinary people joined the movement and started calling for the need for a healthy diet of good wholesome food. Three years later the Slow Food movement became an international non-profit organization.

Currently it consists of over 850 local chapters called ‘convivia’, with more than 100,000 members in 132 countries. On July 5th, 2005 at the “Guri zer” local club in Munguía, the Bilbao-Bizkaia Slow Food convivium was set up by a group of people who shared an interest in the rural environment and a desire to preserve the pleasure of good eating by promoting food culture, defending biodiversity in the food supply and protecting culinary heritage. With this in mind, they started networking with producers, launching campaigns to protect traditional foods and encouraging chefs to use local produce and working with schools to help teach the young about the importance of food and taste.

To counter the lifestyle typified by fast food, the Slow Food movement seeks to defend of the joy of eating and promote a more meditated and slower pace of life. This is why they place great importance on the pleasure associated with food and eating, and educating the palate. The three main premises of the Slow Food philosophy can be summed up as follows: the food we eat should taste GOOD; it should be produced in a CLEAN way without harming the environment, animal welfare or our health; and the producers should be paid a FAIR price for their goods.

To achieve these aims, the convivia organize small-scale projects aimed at providing advice and support for artisan farmers, be it to form associations, promote their products collectively, or lend them assistance in establishing guidelines for produce authentication or making investment decisions.

The Bilbao convivium has undertaken projects to promote Mungía cornbread, the euskal txerria (an indigenous Basque breed of sheep) and the Zalla red onion. One of the most noteworthy Slow Food initiatives is the Arca del Gusto, whose aim is to recover and record tastes from the past and ultimately rescue quality gastronomic products in danger of extinction. They are trying to bring back heirloom produce by raising awareness about the value of locally grown food.

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BILBAO PASTRIES, PERFECT TREATS FOR ANY DAY

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ll too often when we talk about the cuisine of a particular place, we tend to concentrate on savoury dishes – especially in Euskadi, where it’s difficult to ignore the meat, fish, vegetables, and of course the ubiquitous pintxos.

Although visitors tend not to pay too much attention to sweets, this is in fact where the locals turn to for one of life's little pleasures – a treat to help make it through a hard days' work or to sweeten up a lazy Sunday afternoon.

CAROLINA This meringue pastry is both funny.looking and extremely popular. It is made with a shortcrust pastry base topped with swirls of fluffy meringue and decorated down the sides with egg cream and chocolate. You can be sure that they taste every bit as good as they look.

PASTEL DE ARROZ Contrary to its name, not a single grain of rice goes into making this 'rice pastry'. It is a light shortcrust pastry tart filled with a cross between egg custard and crème pâtissière.

Counter at the Arrese pastry shop

The people of Bilbao keep the custom very much alive. Traditional home-made pastries, with about half a dozen trademark Bilbao specialities, haven't kowtowed to the onslaught of industrial cakes and cookies – or to the war on calories.

The city has a long-standing tradition of cafes and bars, where every day thousands of people take a break to enjoy a café con leche (made with strong coffee and concentrated milk) accompanied by one of the traditional pastries. Every day the pastry shops buzz with elegantly dressed businessmen and hordes of housewives. Even teenagers stop in between classes to munch down a pastry or a buy bagful to share with their classmates.

One might say that in Bilbao pastries have always been what pintxos have aspired to be over the past decade: a daily dose of affordable haute cuisine.

JESUITA BOLLO DE MANTEQUILLA The indisputable king of everyday treats. A light buttery bun sliced down the middle and filled with whipped pastry butter, but not at all like the butter you buy at the grocer’s. This filling is much creamier, more like a combination of butter and whipped cream. You can find these buns at virtually every pastry shop in the city, and in countless cafes, bars and shops.

The jesuita (yes, the Jesuit!) is a triangular puff pastry with a glaze on top. Some are filled with pastry cream and others with a sweet cabello de ángel pumpkin jam. Scrumptious!

PASTEL RUSO This well-known pastry takes on a life of its own in Bizkaia. The recipe is quite simple: mix egg whites and sugar to make a meringue. Bake the mixture in sheets and fill with a sweet buttery cream. Then cut the cake up into squares and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

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In addition to traditional Bilbao pastries and cakes, visitors will also find an endless assortment of other types of pastries, such as this brioche cake sold at La Suiza. Photographs by Gonzalo Iza. www.delifunart.com

Addresses: Pastelería Arrese. Gran Vía, 24. Phone: 944 234 052.

Pastelería Nietos de Martina Zuricalday. Plaza San José 3 (Corner of Colón de Larreategui and Iparraguirre). Phone: 944 241 346.

Pastelería La Suiza. C/ Marqués del Puerto, 4. Phone: 944 23 86 25.

Pastelería New York. C/ Buenos Aires, 19. Phone: 944 232 517

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CULTURE

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FOR THE LOVE OF ART MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN BILBAO

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here is no question that the Guggenheim Museum has brought millions of art lovers from every corner of the world to Bilbao since it first opened its doors in 1997.

Frank Gehry created an architectural masterpiece whose sculptural stone and titanium shell enshrines uniquely sinuous spaces and dizzying heights. These shapes are juxtaposed against classically proportioned rectangular galleries to provide a more appropriate setting for works of art with more conventional formats, and for large installations or colossal sculptures by contemporary artists.

In 1908 it was also the love of art that prompted artists, citizens and public institutions to found the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, which opened to the public in 1914, and later, the Museo de Arte Moderno, which opened in 1924. The two institutions and their respective collections ended up joining forces in 1945, and that same year the first Bilbao Fine Arts Museum building was erected.

In 1970 a new wing was added, and after a major renovation completed in 2001, the Museum as we know it today took shape. The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum Collection is made up of more than eight thousand works, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper and applied arts. The Museum's holdings represent an outstanding repository of art

from the 12th century to the present. The Collection presents antiquities, modern and contemporary artworks, with a particularly interesting collection of paintings from Spanish and Flemish schools and large collection of paintings by Basque artists. In the Museum's various galleries, visitors will find works by Bermejo, Benson, Mandijn, Vredeman de Vries, De Vos, Moro, Sánchez Coello, El Greco, Pourbus, Gentileschi, Ribera, Zurbarán, Van Dyck, Murillo, Bellotto, Goya, Paret, Villaamil, Madrazo, Gauguin, Sorolla, Guiard, Ensor, Regoyos, Romero de Torres, Zuloaga, Sunyer, Arteta, Gutiérrez Solana, Vázquez Díaz, Lip-

chitz, Delaunay, González, Gargallo, Bacon, Palazuelo, Oteiza, Chillida, Caro, Millares, Tàpies, Saura, Lüpertz, Kitaj, Blake, Arroyo and Barceló, among others. It was precisely this appreciation and love of art that led to the founding of the Bilbao Museum of Reproductions. The Museo de Reproducciones Artísticas was originally created as an educational resource for teaching the History of Art based on reproductions of masterpieces. With the opening of its new location in the church of Corazón de María, the Museum seeks to broaden its original scope, adapting its aims to the current educational environment.

At the same time, the Museum wants to be a point of reference in Bilbao la Vieja, an area that is undergoing a process of urban renewal and attracting a number of young artists and designers. The Museum of Reproductions also wishes to dedicate part of its art programme to the goals of the International Association of Educating Cities.

GALLERIES: ART IN THE CITY The opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997 made Bilbao an international destination for cultural tourism. In addition to the extraordinary museum designed by Frank O. Gehry, Bilbao offers more than 100 cultural spaces, exhibition halls and art galleries, many of which enjoy a long and distinguished history. Aficionados and connois-

seurs can chose from among a wide variety of world-class art by Basque artists and leading names in art from around the world. Near the Museum, the Abando district is known for its longstanding art galleries. However, in Indautxu, the Old Town and throughout the city the numerous spaces dedicated to painting, sculpture and photography have put Bilbao on the map as a city on the cutting edge.

www.guggenheim-bilbao.es www.museobilbao.com www.museoreproduccionesbilbao.org www.euskal-museoa.org www.museomaritimobilbao.org www.eleizmuseoa.com www.museo-benedicto.net www.museodepasosbilbao.org www.plazatorosbilbao.com www.athletic-club.net www.euskararenetxea.net

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THE ALHÓNDIGA: CONTEMPORARY FORUM FOR BILBAO

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fter a long process of transformation, one of the most representative buildings for the people of Bilbao re-emerges in the city centre – La Alhóndiga, the wine warehouse designed by Ricardo Bastida in 1909. The newly named AlhóndigaBilbao offers activities for everyone, and aims to become another driving force behind cultural and leisure pursuits.

In 1905, a very young architect by the name of Ricardo Bastida was given the task of building a new corn exchange on the outskirts of the city. He created a big industrial, functional and innovative building which was used as a warehouse for wines, liquors and other spirits. Designed in a modernist style, it was built with reinforced concrete and brick and finished in 1909. In the 1970s, the business was moved to a new location in the Recalde neighbourhood, and the Alhóndiga remained empty, awaiting another use. The old modernist wine warehouse, declared of Cultural Interest by the Basque Government in 1999, celebrates its 100 years of existence

with a newly restored exterior and a remodelled interior. French designer Philippe Starck, commissioned with the construction of the new spaces, says that modern architecture is not a matter of creating a new shape, but of achieving a modern way of using that space.

ses that will leave no one indifferent. Starck wanted to create something different, something artistic and creative. For this, he turned to Italian set designer Lorenzo Baraldi and together they developed the design for the 43 colossal columns that support the interior of the original Bastida building.

Starck is a tireless artist. When he visited Bilbao it was love at first sight, with both the city itself and the AlhóndigaBilbao project. As a result of this relationship, a new urban space has sprung up – a solemn, unique and very original space full of surpri-

Starck has managed to develop an open space that is hard to classify, a place that will remain in people’s minds and where Bilbao’s energy takes on a life of its own. The AlhóndigaBilbao culture and leisure centre spans 43,000m2 of space dedicated to culture, physical activity and recreational pursuits.

The building houses a multimedia library, a cinema, auditorium, exhibition rooms, cafeterias, restaurants and a shop. Facilities include a bar and outdoor terrace, and a spectacular glass-bottomed indoor swimming pool which seems to hover over the building's atrium below. AlhóndigaBilbao hosts a busy calendar of activities throughout the year, including exhibitions, workshops, courses, conference series and congresses.

Fotographs by Eva Zubero

www.alhondigabilbao.com

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FROM SYMPHONY TO FOLK, A CITY AND ITS MUSIC

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rom pop to symphonic to folk to modern … music has always played a central role in the cultural life of Bilbao and Bizkaia. A good example of this is Bilboko Orkestra Sinfonikoa (Bilbao Symphony Orchestra), which gave its first concert in 1922 at the Arriaga Theatre and over the years has been accompanied by such illustrious names as Kreisler, Piatigorsky, Rubinstein, Eisenberg and Zabaleta.

Older still is Bilbao's choir, Coral Bilbaína. Over its nearly 130 years of history the choir has reaped some of the most coveted awards both natio-

BILBAO IS MUSIC

FUNDACIÓN BILBAO 700-III MILLENIUM www.bilbao700.com Bilbao offers both residents and visitors alike a calendar of musical events that reflect the city's cosmopolitan open atmosphere. Three different programs are on offer, designed to capture the interest of all types of audiences. nally and internationally, and its members have sung under such outstanding directors as Rostropovich. Coral Bilbaína is also deeply committed to education, leading a music conservatory and organising music workshops for beginners.

In addition to these deeply-rooted Bilbao institutions, there are also a number of great names in classical music associated with Bilbao. Pianist Joaquin Achucarro, soprano Ainhoa Arteta and violinist Félix Ayo are acclaimed by audiences throughout the world. Traditional songs and tunes and popular Basque music are also very much alive and kicking. Musicians such as accordionist Kepa Junkera and the traditional music group Oskorri have carried the sounds of Basque music to audiences the world over, often fusing traditional ballads and music with new vitality. Songwriter, singer and guitarist 'Fito' Cabrales is another well-loved Bilbao native with a loyal following and a long list of recordings.

MUSIKA–MÚSICA March. Euskalduna Palace Musika-Música is a cultural event that since 2002 has managed to break down people’s biases against classical. Original programming, a wide variety of classical pieces, top-notch musicians, an adaptable space that can accommodate up to seven performances at a time, and affordable prices have all contributed to the success of MusikaMúsica. Some of the composers featured in this unique programme include Haydn, Mozart, Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Schubert, Bach, Chopin, the great Russian composers such as Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Rimski-Korsakov, the leading Spanish and French figures from the second half of the 19th century to the mid 20th century, Albeniz, Granados, Falla, Debussy, Ravel and Bizet.

BAS-BILBAO ARS SACRUM March / April The Church of the Encarnación Musical expressions reflecting the spirituality of different religions come together in Bilbao Ars Sacrum, BAS, a multi-cultural encounter with the voices and melodies of religious sentiment to herald Easter week in Bilbao. The church of the Encarnación will set the stage for religious music from different cultures, featuring a wide repertory of styles, genres and rhythms. Classical music, cantatas, choirs and soloists offer musical prayers that seek a dialogue with different expressions of divinity, performed by a careful selection of internationally acclaimed musicians.

365 JAZZ BILBAO – ALL YEAR, ALL JAZZ Jazz has become part of the rhythm of Bilbao.

It is a musical style that is always alive and in constant change, heard throughout the year in theatres, universities, clubs, museums, and even in certain hotels. 365 JazzBilbao brings Bilbao audiences the best sounds and musicians on the international jazz scene today, ranging from classic jazz to more experimental styles. Concerts are held at various venues, with stages shared by local and nationally known bands, and some of the biggest names in jazz today.

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60 YEARS OF OPERA IN BILBAO A BILBAO FRIENDS OF THE OPERA

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or this season the Bilbao Friends of the Opera Association (ABAOOLBE) has put together a varied programme featuring five premieres and 60 performances. For 60 years, season after season, the ABAO has offered a programme acclaimed both nationally and internationally, drawing as many as 110,000 spectators.

The Association enjoys a loyal audience supportbase of some 6,500 members, who have been able to attend stellar ABAO performances by legendary names including Del Monaco, Simionato, Aragall, Bruson, Freni, Scotto, Calas, Pavarotti, Kraus, Caballé, Carreras, Nucci, Bergonzi, Capuccilli, Gencer, Raimondi and Flórez. In addition, the ABAO organises activities designed to foster an appreciation for opera among society as a whole and young people in particular.

Activities include Opera Berri a programme specially designed to inspire young opera singers,

offering special prices for under 26s; an educational programme, which has just completed its 22nd year, offering events and workshops for schools; ABAO Txiki, a special opera season geared for kids, and concerts featuring the best voices of the moment, among other activities.

Seville), La Princesa Árabe (The Arabian Princess), El Traje Nuevo del Emperador (The Emperor’s New Clothes) and other performances specially suited for children.

www.abao.org In 2006 ABAO launched TUTTO VERDI, a signature programme which intends to stage all of the Italian composer's operas over the course of 15 years, and which has thrust the ABAO into the international Verdi limelight.

The different programmes feature several of the Italian maestro's works such as La Traviata, Les Vêpres Siciliennes and Un Giorno di Regno ….

Other operas are also on the ABAO line-up including La Bohème, Tosca and Maria Stuarda.

Among the numerous concerts and activities included in the ABAO Txiki programme for children, are Pedro eta Otsoa (Peter and the Wolf), El Superbarbero de Sevilla (The Super-barber of

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COLLECTION OF ROLLS - ROYCES, RIGHT HERE IN BIZKAIA

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ven if you are not an automobile enthusiast, let's face it, a RollsRoyce is a Rolls-Royce. A symbol of quality, perfection, elegance and luxury, the RollsRoyce was a gold standard for the British Empire until 1989. (Today the Rolls-Royce is owned by the German automobile manufacturer BMW.)

For the numerous fans the world over, there is nothing better than to discover this legendary brand in the great outdoors.

Nestled among the woods and hills is the town of Galdames, home to the fortress-like Rolls-Royce museum, the only museum in the world dedicated

exclusively to the Rolls-Royce. In the region known as Las Encartaciones, bordering on Cantabria, a 13th century defensive tower rises over the surrounding countryside. Visitors are invited inside the drawbridges, moats and walls to discover the fantastic collection of luxury automobiles on display.

The 35-kilometer journey takes you from Bilbao up a gentle pass past cows and sheep grazing placidly in the fields. The museum's enthusiastic owner opened this peculiar monographic museum over two decades ago. Today it is the only museum in the world that boasts every model of Rolls-

Royce that has ever been made, in addition to an important collection of other luxury vehicles such as Ferraris, Jaguars and Lamborghinis.

Spread out over six large pavilions, the collection includes cars from every decade of the 20th century, from a 1899 Allen Runabout, to a 1914 RR Silver Ghost Alpine Eagle, to a 1956 Phantom IV, to a 1990 Silver Spur. There are also a few sports cars such as a Ferrari Testarossa. All of the vintage vehicles on display are in excellent condition and are perfectly roadworthy.

Open Sundays and bank holidays. www.torreloizaga.com

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CRISTÓBAL BALENCIAGA MUSEUM, THE ELEGANCE OF A GENIUS

C

hristian Dior once said, "With fabrics, we do what we can.

Balenciaga does what he wants." And what better way than to see it for yourself?

Just 55 minutes from Bilbao is the town of Getaria, Gipuzkoa, birthplace of the acclaimed fashion designer and now home to the recently opened Cristóbal Balenciaga

Museum. The young Cristóbal spent his boyhood years playing on the steep cobblestone streets of Getaria before setting up shop in San Sebastián as a young man, and later moving to Bordeaux and Paris to further his career. he Balenciaga Museum is housed in a new building annexed to Palacio Aldamar, the stately home formerly owned by the Marqués and Marquesa de Casa Torres, Balenciaga's mentors in his early years.

The museum's collection consists of approximately 1200 pieces and is not only the most extensive collection of Balenciaga creations in the world but also the most representative both in terms of quality and the time span covered.

It undoubtedly takes pride of place among the most important fashion collections on the inter-

national scene today Cristóbal Balenciaga is unanimously considered one of the most outstanding and influential couturiers of the 20th century. A tireless perfectionist, he had a full command of couture techniques and dedicated his life to refining the construction of his designs, introducing extraordinary innovations that allowed him to evolve towards greater simplicity and purity of form.

Balenciaga’s exceptional genius inspired him to create bold designs in terms of shape and aesthetics which had huge international impact and became fashion trends season after season. His mastery earned him the respect of his

colleagues and made him the indisputable king of international haute couture until his retirement in 1968. www.cristobalbalenciagamuseoa.com.

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BILBAO, PORT OF ENTRY INTO ‘THE BASQUE WORLD’ THERE ARE MANY PLACES OF INTEREST TO VISIT LESS THAN TWO HOURS’ DRIVE FROM BILBAO. BELOW IS A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE BEST SUGGESTIONS, INCLUDING DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIÁN, BIARRITZ, VITORIA-GASTEIZ, PAMPLONA, RIOJA ALAVESA AND THE CABARCENO WILDLIFE PARK.

BIARRITZ, CÔTE BASQUE The town of Biarritz, one of the loveliest on the Basque coast, will forever be associated with royalty and emperors, including Napoleon III, who chose it as their holiday destination in times gone by. Originally home to a small whale-fishing fleet, Biarritz became a fashionable spa resort at the beginning of the last century and has always been accepting of outside influences without losing any of its own particular charm. Broad-minded and cosmopolitan, Biarritz brings together a mixture of seemingly contradictory styles, with very up-market shopping, top international fashion brands, an Art Deco aquarium and renowned dance festivals. A few kilometres away is Saint Jean de Luz, one of the highlights of the region. www.biarritz.fr Estimated travel time: 1 hour 40 minutes.

RIOJA ALAVESA: THE WINE CAPITAL Rioja Alavesa is perhaps the best-known part of Alava. It is worth visiting as much for its historic sites as it is for its excellent wines. Situated in the Ebro river basin in the southernmost tip of the Basque Country, it offers a completely different landscape, wonderful walled towns and renowned wineries. One winery deserves special mention: Marqués de Riscal in the town of Elciego, designed by architect Frank Gehry. www.turismoriojaalavesa.com Estimated travel time: 1 hour 25 minutes.

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CABÁRCENO, WILDLIFE The Cabárceno Wildlife Park is neither a conventional zoo nor a nature reserve. The 750 hectares of karst terrain, originally an open quarry, was landscaped to give it a park-like setting. The park is home to one hundred species of animals from all seven continents living in semi-freedom. The park is divided into large areas shared by one or more animal species. www.parquedecabarceno.com Estimated travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes.

VITORIA-GASTEIZ Vitoria-Gasteiz served as inspiration to writer Ken Follet when he visited the city’s old town and the restoration work on the beautiful and unique Cathedral of Santa Maria. A visit to Plaza España, the Town Hall, Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, and the Bendaña and Montehermoso mansions will complete your trip to the capital of Alava. www.vitoria-gasteiz.org/turismo Estimated travel time: 1 hour.

PAMPLONA The San Fermín festival kicks off every year with the chupinazo, a rocket fired from the balcony of the Pamplona town hall at 12 midday on July 6. The event ends at midnight on July 14 with the woo-is-me farewell song Pobre de mí. San Fermín is best known for the Running of the Bulls, or encierro, an event which takes place every morning at 8 am from July 7–14. Pamplona comes alive for the duration of the festival. www.turismodepamplona.es Estimated travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes.

DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIÁN, EXCELLENCE Voted European Capital of Culture 2016, Donostia-San Sebastián is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, a place where tradition and modern living, together with a certain reminiscence of the Belle Époque, exist quite happily together. The impressive calendar of events includes world-class international jazz and film festivals.

Another very important part of the culture of the city is its food, with restaurants boasting a record-breaking total of 16 Michelin stars and an array of internationally recognised chefs. In fact, gastronomy vies with scenery in the top attraction stakes. Other interesting places to visit are the recently inaugurated Basque Culinary Center and the newly restored San Telmo Museum. Not far from Donostia-San Sebastián is another museum devoted entirely to the work of the master of fashion, Cristóbal Balenciaga, in his home town of Getaria. www.sansebastianturismo.com Estimated travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes.

BILBAO CALENDAR OF EVENTS MUSIC ÓPERA- ABAO For more than 60 years, ABAO (the Bilbao Friends of the Opera Association) has put on its nationally and internationally renowned opera season.

Throughout its history, major figures such as Del Monaco, Aragall, Freni, Callas, Pavarotti, Kraus, Caballé, Carreras and Flórez, among many others, have appeared on stage. Each season, which runs from September through May, ABAO stages 7 operas in addition to a full programme of concerts, conferences and educational programmes to instil in young people a love for this art form.

In 2006 ABAO embarked on the Tutto Verdi project, an unprecedented venture to bring to the stage the full repertoire of the Italian composer’s operas over the course of 15 years. www.abao.org

BOS On the verge of celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Symphony Orchestra of Bilbao (BOS) made its debut in the Arriaga Theatre in 1922, and since 1999, has been based in the Palacio Euskalduna, which features a magnificent auditorium with exceptional acoustics. The BOS concert season, under the direction of Günter Neuhold, begins every year in mid-October and runs until the end of May. During the season they perform around 20 symphonic concerts and a dozen chamber concerts. Over the years BOS has played with worldclass musicians such as Kreisler, Piatigorsky, Rubinstein, Eisenberg and Zabaleta. www.bilbaorkestra.com

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365 JAZZ BILBAO 365 Jazz Bilbao is a concert series that runs year round and is a regular event for the city’s jazz lovers. The line-up features notable figures in the international jazz scene performing in the city’s major music halls and theatres.

Additionally, at weekends outstanding local and national ensembles give concerts in various hotels throughout the city. 365 Jazz Bilbao is committed to promoting and spreading culture in Bilbao, making it affordable to all audiences while upholding quality. www.365jazzbilbao.com

MUSIKA-MÚSICA Since 2002, Musika-Música is a cultural event that has been helping people to overcome their prejudice against classical music thanks to original programming, a wide variety of pieces performed, quality musicians, an adaptable performance space that can accommodate up to seven concert halls at a time, and affordable prices. www.bilbao700.com

B.A.S. BILBAO ARS SACRUM

BILBAO BBK LIVE FESTIVAL Nestled in the green rolling hills, with spectacular views over the Bilbao metropolitan area, Kobetamendi park will once again be the venue for the Bilbao BBK Live music festival in July. In 2010 this popular summer event was nominated for Best Foreign Festival at the UK Festival Awards. Bilbao BBK LIVE bands and performers have included legendary groups and on the international concert circuit. The event has

As a preface to Holy Week, the Bilbao Ars Sacrum music series offers a sampling of religious music and the sacred traditions of people and cultures around the world. The spiritual and solemn atmosphere of the Iglesia de la Encarnación is the ideal setting for this musical event www.bilbao700.com

become a signature event for fans of the latest trends in rock music, featuring concerts by groups such as ColdPlay, Chemical Brothers, Pearl Jam, Rammstein, Placebo and Depeche Mode. Bilbao BBK LIVE 2013 invites Depeche Mode back this year, sharing the stage with Green Day and Kings of Leon. www.bilbaobbklive.com

MUSIKETAN For 21 seasons Musiketan has offered highquality on-going music programmes with international artists playing concerts in intimate venues. www.musiketan.com

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POP-ROCK VILLA DE BILBAO The Pop-Rock Villa de Bilbao competition is geared towards new young European music groups. It was born in 1988 with the aim of promoting and spreading the music of emerging bands and solo artists.

The competition has become a point of reference for the current European music scene.

ZINEBI

KALESZENA

ZINEBI, the festival of documentary and short film, has been part of Bilbao’s film scene since 1995.

Held yearly in mid-November, films are shown in the three Official Selection categories: documentaries, short films and short animated films. In addition to the films in competition for the festival’s Mikeldi prizes, the festival programme is rounded out with out of competition sections and screenings. www.zinebi.com

During Holy Week Bilbao offers cultural and leisure activates for visitors and residents who want to take advantage of the holiday and enjoy street life.

Kaleszena puts on small stage performances, Basque folk music performances and other street entertainment in the town centre and in the Old Town. www.bilbokokalealdia.com/es/kaleszena

DANTZALDIA During the days of autumn, for over 10 years, dance performances have graced some of the city's most

FILM, THEATRE AND DANCE B.A.D.- BILBAO ANTZERKI DANTZA At the end of every October Bilbao welcomes a vanguard of the performing arts, Bilbao Antzerki eta Dantza (Bilbao Theatre and Dance), whose programme includes theatrical debuts, dance spectacles and multidisciplinary performances by both local and international artists. Each year more than 20 groups perform their artistic projects on various stages throughout the city. www.bad-bilbao.es

FANT- FESTIVAL DE CINE FANTÁSTICO DE BILBAO Every spring at the beginning of May Bilbao hosts FANT, the Fantasy Film Festival. This event premieres fantasy and terror films in the Official Selection.

It also gives special attention to young Basque filmmakers by showing their work in the FANT Short Film Section and through the creation of a special prize awarded to the best Basque short film. www.fantbilbao.net

ZINEGOAK With ten years of experience, Zinegoak, the Bilbao Gay-Lesbian-Trans Film Festival, brings to Bilbao each February the latest gay-lesbian-trans audiovisual productions that have been screened at major festivals around the globe, in addition to productions whose content or background take a fresh look at LGBT people living in different parts of the world. www.zinegoak.com

KALEALDIA When the month of July arrives, the streets and plazas of Bilbao’s Old Town and Ensanche district are converted into open stages for Kalealdia, a festival that celebrates street theatre and spectacle created and performed by local and international artists. Among the rich variety of street performances are itinerant musicians, vertical dancing on building facades, traditional street theatre troupes and various types of circus acts. www.bilbokokalealdia.com

prestigious stages. In addition to the programmed dance performances, there will be parallel activities such as master classes open to the public, round table discussions with artists, and more. www.dantzaldia.org

MENDI FILM FESTIVAL In December 40 films will compete at the International Mountain Film Festival. The festival will also include several film retrospectives and parallel activities for people of all ages. Some of the best known female mountaineers will attend the event. www.mendifilmfestival.com

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LITERATURE AND ADVERTISING GUTUN ZURIA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL The International Literary Festival, Gutun Zuria, running in April, is a rendezvous with big names from the world of literature and a space to discover new authors. While underway, the Festival, which has been taking place at the AlhóndigaBilbao since 2008, draws international attention to the city. This gathering between authors and readers offers the public the chance to meet outstanding writers including Salman Rushdie, Elena Poniatowska and Hanif Kureish and film directors like Alex de la Iglesia and David Trueba. With the slogan “Readers/Writers and their Fables”, at this year’s edition authors such as the Canadian writer Margaret Atwood and the Argentinian-Canadian writer, editor and literary critic Alberto Manguel will explain how and why they made the shift from reading to writing. One of the results of this rendezvous with literature and thought is the creation of a network of contacts with culture centres and institutions in Russia, France and Korea, among others, and with national bodies too, prompting the launch of important cultural projects for the city. www.alhondigabilbao.com

LA RISA DE BILBAO In October the Biscayan capital celebrates La Risa de Bilbao, a festival dedicated to humour in literature and the arts. The weeklong event hosts numerous activities such as conferences, exhibitions, microcinema, book presentations, etc. www.larisadebilbao.com

SOL In May Bilbao hosts the Latin American Advertising Festival, known as SOL. This annual meeting showcases the best examples of creativity in advertising in the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world.

While the festival focused on television advertising in its early days, today it is a multimedia affair that includes all expressions of commercial communication and advertising in all areas and media. www.elsolfestival.com

CELEBRATIONS GAU ZURIA NOCHE BLANCA In mid-June between the hours of 8:30pm and 2am Bilbao celebrates Noche Blanca, or White Night, by inviting both locals and visitors to experience a night of entertainment and leisure in which a dozen activities are on offer at the city’s major museums and cultural centres. White Night encourages

residents to see the city and its main cultural attractions in a different light by taking a magical night-time walk through the streets to enjoy music, dance and theatre performances, short films, poetry readings and the vibrancy of street life at night. www.bilbao700.com

ce 1964, on every 11 October, the day dedicated to Our Lady of Begoña (known as Amatxu de Begoña to locals), groups of txikiteros hold their own celebration known as "Txikitero Eguna" or “Txikitero Day”. The txikiteros go from bar to bar in the Old Town, singing songs of local origin known as bilbainadas, and they make an offering to the statue of the Virgin found at the intersection of Santa María street and Pelota street.

DESIGN SELECTED GRAPHIC DESIGN ASTE NAGUSIA Bilbao’s Aste Nagusia, or Big Week, begins on the first Saturday after Assumption Day, during the second fortnight of August. From its beginnings 30 years ago, this popular and well-attended celebration floods the city each summer with activities, music, performances, fireworks and above all else the festive and welcoming spirit of Bilbao’s residents. In 2009 Bilbao’s Aste Nagusia topped the list of 10 Treasures of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Spain by popular vote. www.astenagusia.com

TXIKITERO EGUNA The txikiteo or poteo, a tradition that spans generations, is one of the typical ways that residents participate in the city’s social life. A txikito or pote is a short wide-bottomed class whose contents are usually consumed along with one of the most authentic Basque culinary specialties: pintxos. Sin-

The Selected Graphic Design from Europe event that takes place in March brings together different designers from throughout Europe so they can share experiences and discuss current topics in design. The intensive two-day event features conferences, workshops and other supporting activities, all geared to creating synergies between local and international designers and creatives. www.bilbaointernational.com

CREATIVITY MEETING POINT Creativity Meeting Point is an international forum held in Bilbao for the creative industries. People involved in creative endeavours share best practices in an international environment. The Creative Trade Mission takes place during the event, giving entrepreneurs from Europe the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with all participants. www.creativitymeetingpoint.com

BILBAO INTERNATIONAL ART & FASHION Bilboost is a professional network for young designers that aims to provide virtual spaces where young creators from around the globe can meet and foster the development of new trends as well increase interest in their work through exposure to companies in the sector. The springboard was the bi-annual Bilbao International Art & Fashion event, the only event in the world that combines fashion and art and is geared toward young designers of clothing and accessories between the ages of 18 and 35. www.bilboost.com

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SPORT BILBAO TRIATHLON The Bilbao Triathlon takes place in May. Over 500 participants enter this demanding competition consisting of swimming, cycling and running trials, each cheered on by enthusiastic spectators who support the colossal efforts of the athletes as they make their way through the city. www.bilbaotriathlon.com

BILBAO NIGHT MARATHON Since 2009 athletes have been taking to the streets of Bilbao in this unique night-time foot race. Limited to 5,000 registered athletes, beginning at 9pm all runners participating in this popular contest will run one of three distances: a 42-km marathon, a 21-km half marathon or the 7-km Pirate Run for beginners.

This will be the fourth Bilbao Night Marathon. www.bilbaonightmarathon.com

PADEL PRO-TOUR/COPA JULIO ALEGRÍA This veteran tournament has been running since 1996 and garners international attention. The Cup has been held every year since then, and it is one of only two international Grand Slams held in Spain licensed by the International Padel Federation. The Cup is named after Bilbao’s own Julio Alegría, the first president and founder of the International Padel Federation and tireless promoter of the sport. The annual competition brings together internationally renowned padel tennis players in addition to offering numerous clinics open to aficionados. www.julioalegriacopa.com

BILBAO CHESS MASTERS FINAL In October Bilbao will host the final round of the international Grand Slam Chess Masters tournament organised by the Bilbao E4 Chess Club. Bilbao has played host to the prestigious round-robin tournament since 2008. After playing the first round in another city, six of the world’s best chess players will face off in the final round in Bilbao. Biswanathan Anand, Magnus Carlsen, Levon Aronian, Vasili

Ivanchuk, Francisco Vallejo and Hikaru Nakamura will be the stars of the second half of the chess final, playing their games in a specially-designed soundproofed glass box. www.bilbaomastersfinal.com

that connect the five hills in Bilbao. Mountain bike cycle-touring with beautiful scenery without having to leave the municipal limits of Bilbao – an adventure sport that everyone can enjoy. www.jfgsport.es

BILBAO-BILBAO CYCLING CLASSIC

ATHLETIC CLUB DE BILBAO

Designed as an authentic cycling fest, the Marcha Cicloturista Bilbao-Bilbao has been held every year since 1988, bringing together thousands of cycling enthusiasts whose main purpose is to have fun and promote the use of bicycles. With no categories or podium at the end of the ride, everyone is a star. The streets of Bilbao are the starting and ending point and the roads along the route are closed to traffic. www.bilbaobilbao.com

Bilbao lies in the origins of football in the Iberian Peninsula. The Athletic Club was founded in 1898. The club's philosophy of bringing players up through the ranks of the youth academy, combined with a deeply popular following, make the Athletic Club very unique indeed. With 24 Copa championships and eight La Liga championships under its belt, the club has always played in the highest category of Spanish competition and has consistently recruited players who learned their craft in one of the Basque regions. The trophy for the highest goal scorer in La Liga is named after an Athletic Club legend, Rafael “Pichichi” Moreno, a statue of whom presides over San Mamés, popularly known as The Cathedral. Every each time a visiting team plays at the stadium for the first time, they pay tribute to the Athletic Club legend. www.athletic-club.net

HERRI KROSA Herri Krosa is one of the most popular events on the sports calendar. Over its 25-year history more and more people have been taking part in this popular foot race, today an authentic family event. Instead of being organised as a competition, the aim has been to help promote sport as a way of life, based on health, enjoyment and personal challenge. Thousands of men and women of all ages, from children to seniors, take to the streets of Bilbao for a few hours in one of the autumn highlights of the sports calendar. www.herrikrosa.es

EXTREME BILBAO BIZKAIA BTT Sport and nature come together in the annual celebration of this mountain-biking race for amateurs. The spirit of outdoor sports brings hundreds of cycle-tourists to Bilbao for a day away from the asphalt. The route follows consists of 74 kilometres of public pedestrian-only paths

FROM SANTURCE TO BILBAO Popular footraces have become an important part of the autumn calendar in Bilbao. Bilbao is the starting point, finish – or both – of many of them, including the Santurce to Bilbao, one of the most popular footraces of the year. Just like the local folksong about women who used to walk from Santurce to Bilbao selling sardines, this race starts at the port in Santurce and follows the Nerbioi-Ibaizabal estuary into Bilbao. www.carreraspopulares.com

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INGENIEROS - DEUSTO ROWING RACE Being a university town, Bilbao also place host to student sporting competitions. The longest-standing event of this type, the Ingenieros-Deusto Rowing Race, sponsored by the School of Engineering, has been held every March since 1981 in the Bilbao estuary. The rowing event uses classic Olympic sliding-seat boats manned with eight rowers and a coxswain. The contenders are from the School of Engineering of Bilbao or Deusto University, both century-old institutions of higher learning. The regatta takes place along a four nautical mile stretch from the town of Erandio to the Bilbao town hall. The event fosters a spirit of healthy competition and good sportsmanship. The prize for the winning team is the satisfaction of accomplishment and victory. www.laregata.org

Game Festival Bilbao will award the year's best producers, directors, artists, developers, and editors of European fun and serious video games. www.fun&seriusgamefestival.com

HÓPLAY The Atrium of Cultures at the AlhóndigaBilbao will host the International Videogame Festival, HóPLAY. This year's Festival will centre on the latest in the world of technology, placing Bilbao squarely on the calendar of technology events. The Atrium's 6000 m² will be divided into different areas in which leading equipment manufacturers will showcase their latest products and most exciting new designs. www.alhondigabilbao.com/hoplay

NONICK

ACTIVE LEISURE Nagusi is a fair held in October at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre aimed at improving the quality of life for our senior citizens. The event is a point of reference and meeting place for people interested in courses, information and leisure activities leading to a healthier lifestyle. www.nagusi.com

Every year in June Bilbao is the venue for NONICK, an international congress which focuses on emerging trends in the Internet.

The programme includes panel discussions, workshops open to the public, a contest for emerging projects and an evening party. www.nonickconference.com

EUSKAL ENCOUNTER BILBAO BASKET Basketball has been with us in Bilbao for over half a century, but Bilbao Basket has managed to pump new blood into the sport. Founded in 2000, it took the team only three seasons to be promoted from the Spanish Basketball League's second division (LEB-2) in 2001-2002 to the maximum category, ACB. Since that time it has played uninterruptedly in what is considered the most powerful European league, finishing runner-up, and has taken part in the highest-level games in the Eurocup and Euroleague competitions. The so-called hombres de negro, named for their black uniforms, have a huge following. Fans go wild with enthusiasm when they play at their home court, Miribilla. www.bilbaobasket.biz

TECHNOLOGY FUN & SERIUS GAME FESTIVAL This autumn Bilbao will host the Fun & Serious Game Festival, a contest that awards the best video games and videogame makers of the year in areas including culture, education and medicine. Besides awarding the best videos from around the world, the festival also aims to create a space for networking among industry professionals. The Fun & Serious

Euskal Encounter is a multi-day event where thousands of amateur and professional computer users come together to share ideas and partake in computer related activities. The event is held every year in July at the BEC. www.euskal.org

CRAFTS FAIR

FAIRS MACHINE TOOL BIENNIAL The Machine Tool Biennial, held at the Bilbao Exhibition Center since 1985, is one of the industry’s leading international trade fairs. In fact, it is considered the third most important in Europe. Every year, the most relevant manufacturers and distributors in the machine tool sector have a chance to showcase their latest developments, technologies and services. www.biemh.com

This fair has become a Christmas time classic in Bilbao and throughout the province. Visitors have the chance to see thousands of quality hand-crafted items made in the workshops of talented artisans.

The annual event features booths from workshops in Bizkaia, as well as artisans from other parts of Spain and abroad. Created to promote craftsmanship in Bizkaia, this fair has become a major event for local artisans, providing them with a venue to promote their names, their work and their products.

The fair is also an excellent platform for generating sales. www.feriaartesaniabilbao.com

FOCCUS Foccus Bilbao is a food and gastronomy trade fair held every two years at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre.

Aimed at the catering, restaurant and hospitality trade professionals, participants have the opportunity to establish business relationships with restaurant and bar owners, hotel proprietors, distributors and wholesalers, gourmet retailers and commercial and sales representatives from major distributors.

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www.foccus.eu

EXPOVACACIONES Expovacaciones, a tourism and leisure trade fair, offers visitors a full range of travel options and tourism services, as well as fun and entertaining activities. Fairgoers will learn firsthand about the latest destinations and services in tourism, hospitality, travel and leisure. Visitors can even plan and directly book their holidays, entertainment activities and weekend getaways on offer throughout the year. www.expovacaciones.eu

The event is held in conjunction with BRICOFORMA, the international DIY trade fair, a new platform for retailers and suppliers of products in the DIY and home improvement sector. FERROFORMA and BRICOFORMA join forces to offer the first trade show of its kind in Spain, an event which covers all of the business opportunities and information needs of hardware buyers and sellers. www.ferroforma.eu

SANTO TOMĂ S MARKET AL GUSTO Inspired by the Slow Food philosophy, which advocates a slower lifestyle, the enjoyment of good healthy food, agricultural biodiversity and regional produce, the Al Gusto fair seeks to become a reference point in the artisan food and cuisine industry. The fair offers a sample of some of the best foods from around the world, as well as talks promoting the philosophy behind the Slow Food movement. www.algusto.eu

FERROFORMA This international hardware trade fair brings together manufacturers, distributors and professionals that make up the supply chain for a wide variety of industrial and hardware products.

On 21 December, in the run-up to Christmas, the Santo TomĂĄs market is held in Bilbao's Arenal and Plaza Nueva. The market offers the season's best fruit, vegetables, fowl, cheese, pork products and of course the traditional talo corn tortilla with chorizo sausage, washed down with a glass of txakoli wine brought to market by local grape growers.

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FACILITIES & VENUES ARRIAGA THEATRE Commissioned by the Bilbao Town Hall, the Arriaga Theatre was built between 1886 and 1890 where the city's former theatre, Teatro de la Villa, once stood. The Paris Opera house served as inspiration for architect Joaquin Rucoba's neobaroque design. The theatre cost the city one million pesetas and boasted the most advanced technology of the day. The novelty of electric lighting was a major event for the city on opening night. After a fire destroyed the building's interior, the theatre was refurbished in 1916, and again between 1982 and 1986, when the building was restored to its original splendour and equipped with the latest technology. Over the years leading international figures have graced the stage at the Arriaga, which offers a varied programme and serves as a venue for some of the city's most important events. www.teatroarriaga.com

PALACIO EUSKALDUNA The Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall, opened in 1999, was designed by Federico Soriano and Dolores Palacios. The building was erected on the site of Bilbao's historical Euskalduna shipyard. In 2001, the Euskalduna won the Enric Miralles award at the Sixth Biennial of Spanish Architecture. The building is a 53,000 m2 multifunctional complex which brings together a long list of wide-ranging activities. The Euskalduna serves as venue for the ABAO Opera Season, one of the most important and prestigious in Spain and Europe, and is the seat of the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, a magnificent musical institution that performed its first concert in 1922. The building combines public use areas – auditorium, numerous conference rooms, meeting rooms, boardrooms, offices, foyers and exhibition hall – with service areas designed as warehouses, workshops, dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, etc. www.euskalduna.net

ALHÓNDIGA BILBAO The Alhóndiga was originally a wine warehouse designed by Ricardo Bastida in 1909. After a long process of transformation, the newly named AlhóndigaBilbao now spans 43,000 m2 of space dedicated to culture, physical activity and recreational pursuits. The building houses a multimedia library, a cinema, auditorium, exhibition rooms, cafeterias, restaurants and a shop. Facilities include a bar and outdoor terrace, and a spectacular glass-bottomed indoor swimming pool which seems to hover over the building's atrium below. www.alhondigabilbao.com

The theatre reopened in 2010 after a comprehensive refurbishment and is now the most technologically advanced theatre in Spain. The result is

a magical place, restored to its former glory and ready for a bright future as a venue for performing arts, education and training. www. arteria.com/ciudades/Bilbao

BILBAO ARENA THEATRE CAMPOS ELISEOS Built in less than one year under the supervision of architect Alfredo Acebal and French decorator Jean Batiste Darroguy, the Campos Elíseos Theatre opened its doors in 1902. The building is one of the most outstanding examples of Modernist architecture in the Basque region, featuring a spectacularly decorated facade. The theatre was built on the land where the Campos Eliseos gardens once stood. Many leading theatre companies and influential figures of the last century appeared on the stage of the Campos Eliseos.

The Bilbao Arena was named Best Building of the Year in 2011 by ArchDaily, the world's most visited architecture website. The Bilbao Arena, designed by architects Javier Pérez and Nicolás Espinosa, is a 30,800 square metre multiuse building featuring a sports centre with swimming pool and fitness centres, and a playing court that can accommodate three events simultaneously.

Home of Uxue Bilbao Basket, the court has a seating capacity of 8,500 and is available for all types of events outside of the basketball season.

Facilities include locker rooms, medical and antidoping room, storage areas, etc, spread over 25,985 square metres. www.bilbao.net

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BIZKAIA'S SPECTACULAR FIESTAS A majority of the towns in Bizkaia celebrate their patron saint days in spring and summer. If you have the chance to visit some of the local festivities, you'll discover the beauty of the townspeople in full regalia and see how the well-loved fiestas run through the hearts and souls of the people of Bizkaia. The festivities are blend of the old and the new, a time when everyone is invited to take part and give it all they've got. The best way to find out when the fiestas in Bizkaia take place, and how to plan your summer visit and accommodation needs, is to log on to the Bizkaia tourism website at. www.mybilbaobizkaia.com

GETXO JAZZ FESTIVAL The International Jazz Festival in Getxo opens the summer music season. The event features the best jazz musicians in Europe and also serves as a springboard for up-and-coming musicians in the world of jazz. www.getxo.net/jazzgetxo

DURANGO BOOK FAIR Since 1965 the Basque Book and Record Fair of Durango is attended each year by more than 130,000 people. This year, the festival will take place in December, bringing together book lovers and industry professionals. www.durangokoazoka.com

EASTER WEEK IN BALMASEDA The town of Balmaseda is very proud of its traditions, and holds a magnificent passion play every Easter. The central activity takes place on the evening of Holy Thursday and the morning of Good Friday, with a performance of the last moments in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Re-enactments of Christ's passion are played out on the town's streets and squares. www.viacrucisbalmaseda.com

BIZKAIA CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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BILLABONG MUNDAKA CHALLENGE The Billabong Mundaka Challenge brings the world's best tuberiders back to Mundaka. A waiting period has been put in place to ensure flawless conditions and an epic return of world-class surfing to Mundaka, a venue that holds a special place in European surfing folklore. Famed for having one of the world's best left-hand tubes, the Basque town will once again host the top of the professional surfing elite. It’s a great opportunity to visit Mundaka and enjoy a passion that is almost a lifestyle. www.themundakachallenge.com

GETXOPHOTO The GETXOPHOTO photography festival, dedicated to showcasing images in new formats, media and unconventional exhibition spaces, will be held in September. Each year the Festival takes a different theme, understanding photography as a tool of knowledge, communication, and, of course, artistic enjoyment. GETXOPHOTO explores experimental forms and exhibition spaces, focusing mainly on public spaces. Acclaimed art critic Christian Caujolle is the festival’s new curator. Caujolle’s curatorial programme over the next three years will revolve around the idea of “Other Worlds”, which will include three themes: Dreams, Struggles and Travels.

GETXO INTERNATIONAL BLUES FESTIVAL PAPER DRESS COMPETITION IN GÜEÑES For more than half a century (the exact date of the first edition is not known, but the earliest references date to 1958), the International Paper Dress Competition has been celebrated in September as part of the La Cruz festivities in the town of Güeñes. Since its beginnings, this competition has been closely associated with sewing and most of the participants have been professional dressmakers or amateur seamstresses. All of the paper dresses must be hand or machine sewn – no stapling allowed.

Since 1989, the Getxo International Blues Festival has shown audiences the richness of blues music and has been committed to giving it the attention it deserves. Blues takes the stage in Getxo for three full days, giving audiences the opportunity to experience the diversity music rooted in African and American culture. www.getxo.net

THE PASSION OF HOLY WEEK IN BERANGO Since 1980, the 'youngest' of Bizkaia's live representations of the Passion of Christ makes a creative use of space, staging the event in three closely placed locations. The bulk of the representation takes place in front of the church portico. The actors then move to the nearby gardens at Torre de Berango – often used as a backdrop for wedding pictures before staging the final hours on the wooded hillside behind the town hall. In a combination of religion and performance, for over three hours a cast of 250 reenact the final hours in the life of Jesus Christ.

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ARRANTZALE EGUNA IN BERMEO Bermeo celebrates Arrantzale Eguna, the day of the fisherman, as part of the town's Andra Mari and Santa Eufemia patron saint festivities. Every September 9, all the locals wear the classical fisherman's outfit and head to the streets, turning the entire town blue. Music and fanfare fill the streets and a lively frolicking time is had by all. Traditionally, the men and women would go out and enjoy the fiesta in separate groups. ww.bermeokoudala.net

GERNIKA FAIR, LAST MONDAY IN OCTUBRE Every Monday year round people come from throughout the Busturialdea region to buy and sell their wares at the market in Gernika. However, the last Monday in October is the best time for visitors to enjoy the market at its best. Together with the town of Ordizia, Gernika has one of the few traditional markets still held in Euskal Herria, an event that draws professional producers and small farmers. Another figure often found at the market are the so-called ventajistas, people who act as distributors, going from farmhouse to farmhouse buying goods from farmers who would otherwise not sell their products at market. This tradition keeps small farmers in business. www.gernika-lumo.net

IKAS-ART-NATUR Ikas-Art is a university art biennial in which a number of Fine Arts schools in Spain and abroad come together to show artwork created by their students.

Ikas-Art is the only event in the world that highlights the latest trends in art made by university students. This year Ikas-Art celebrates its fourth edition. Each university selects which of their students' works will be included in the show, deciding on whatever criteria they feel is most appropriate for representing their school at the event. www.ikas-art.com

BALMASEDA BEAN POT CHALLENGE Every year on October 23, the international railroaders beat pot competition is held. The event involves preparing a traditional Balmaseda bean stew made with beans, bacon, chorizo sausage and black pudding. In former times, these bean pot meals, known as putxeras, used to be the only dish eaten by the railroad workers on their journey between Balmaseda and La Robla, Le贸n. A number of special events take place alongside the the bean pot challenge, including street music and dancing, processions, performances, rural sports, concerts and Basque pelota. www.balmaseda.net

ANTZAR EGUNA IN LEKEITIO Antzar Eguna, or Goose Day, has been celebrated in the coastal town of Lekeitio for 300 years. The day's main event is the Antzar Jokoa, or Goose Game, held on the wharf on 5 September. A goose is suspended head down from a long rope ties between a pole on the quay and the mast of a boat. Nowadays, dead or even fake geese are used, although previously the game was played with live geese. Teams have to row out in their special boats, called pottines, and a designated person has to jump up, grab the goose, hang on to it and try to yank off the head before falling into the water. The team that collect the most goose heads wins. www.lekeitio.com

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

BILBAO HOTELS

Air travel Airport (Loiu) +34 94 486 96 64 / +34 94 486 96 63 http://www.aena.es

FEVE +34 94 425 06 15 (Monday-Friday) / +34 902 100 818 (Saturday & Sunday) http://www.feve.es

Buses Bilbobus (city buses) Customer Service +34 94 479 09 81 / Switchboard +34 94 448 40 70 http://www.bilbao.net/bilbobus

Transcantábrico http://www.transcantabrico.feve.es/

Bizkaibus (regional buses) Atención al Cliente +34 902 222 265 http://www.bizkaia.net/

5 - STAR ***** Hotel Carlton Silken Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao Hotel López de Haro Hotel Meliá Bilbao

Eusko Tren +34 94 401 99 00/ Customer Service +34 902 222 265 http://www.euskotren.es

4 - STAR ****

Bus terminal Garellano– Termibus +34 94 439 52 05 / +34 94 439 50 77

Hotel Abando Hotel Ercilla Hotel Gran Bilbao Hotel Hespería Bilbao Hotel Hespería Zubialde Hotel Spa Husa Jardines de Albia Hotel Miró Hotel NH-Villa de Bilbao Hotel Sercotel Coliseo Hotel Silken Indautxu Hotel Zenit Bilbao Hotel Holiday Inn Bilbao

3 - STAR *** Abba Parque Hotel Hotel Barceló Nervión Hotel Best Western Conde Duque NH - Hotel de Deusto Hotel Tryp Arenal Hotel Petit Palace Arana

2 - STAR ** Hotel Artetxe Hotel Bilbao Jardines Hotel Bilbi Hotel Estadio Hotel Sirimiri Hotel Vista Alegre Hotel Photo Zabalburu

1 - STAR* Hotel Arriaga Hotel Ibis Bilbao Centro Hotel Ripa

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Funicular Funicular Artxanda +34 94 445 49 66 / +34 94 445 49 58 Metro Metro Bilbao +34 94 425 40 25 http://www.metrobilbao.net Tram EuskoTran 902 54 32 10 http://www.euskotran.es

Spain-wide and international coach service ALSA +34 902 422 242 http://www.alsa.es Línea PESA +34 902 10 12 10 http://www.pesa.net/ Autobuses La Unión +34 94 427 11 11 http://www.autobuseslaunion.com/

Ships Ferry Bilbao-Portsmouth +34 94 423 44 77 http://www.poferries.com

Autobuses Ansa-Gestea-Viacar +34 94 427 42 00 / +34 902 33 04 00 http://www.continental-auto.es/

Taxis Radio Taxi +34 94 444 88 88

Bilman bus Vibasa-Hisesa-Cuadra +34 94 441 44 98 http://www.bilmanbus.es

Tele Taxi +34 94 410 21 21

Eurobús http://www.unionbus.com Ferrocarriles Eusko Tren +34 94 401 99 00/ +34 902 543 210 http://www.euskotren.es RENFE +34 902 24 02 02 Long distance trains +34 94 487 91 38/ +34 94 487 92 19 Regional trains +34 94 487 92 22 http://www.renfe.es

Radio Taxi Nervión +34 94 426 90 26

CLIMATE Bilbao has a temperate oceanic climate. The predominant westerly winds and moderating effect of the ocean prevent extreme temperatures, favouring year-round temperate climate. The average temperature in winter is 8°C and in summer 20°C. Precipitation is concentrated mainly in spring and autumn. Winters are mild and summers not excessively hot.

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TOURISM OFFICES

LEKEITIO Independentziaren Enparantza s/n. 48280 Lekeitio.

BILBAO

Teléfono: 94 684 40 17 - Fax: 94 684 41 67

Bilbao Turismo

www.lekeitio.com turrismo@lekeitio.com

Plaza del Ensanche, 11. 48009 Bilbao.

MENDATA

Teléfono: 94 479 57 60 - Fax: 94 479 57 61

Bº Elexalde s/n. 48382 Mendata

www.bilbao.net

Teléfono: 94 625 72 04 - Fax: 94 625 65 04 www.mendata.es mendata2@euskalnet.net

Oficina de Información Teatro Arriaga

MUNDAKA

Plaza Arriaga s/n. 48005 Bilbao.

Kepa Deuna z/g. 48360 Mundaka.

BILBAO RESERVAS

Tel/Fax: 94 617 72 01 Oficina de Información Museo Guggenheim Bilbao.

Alameda Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 66. 48009 Bilbao.

www.mundaka.org turismo.mundaka@bizkaia.org

www.bilbaoreservas.com

MUXIKA Antigua Estación de Zugastieta. Ctra.

BAKIO

Zornotza-Muxika. 48392 Muxika.

Lehendakari Agirre Plazea, 3. 48130 Bakio.

Teléfono: 94 625 76 09 / 628 00 77 25

Teléfono: 94 619 33 95 - Fax: 94 619 31 61

www.urremendi.org turismo@urremendi.org

www.bakio.org - turismo@bakio.org

ONDARROA

BALMASEDA

Erribera, 9. 48700 Ondarroa.

Turismo Encartaciones

Teléfono: 94 683 19 51 - Fax: 94 683 35 14

C/ Martín Mendia, 2. 48800 Balmaseda.

www.ondarroa.net turismobulegoa@ondarroakoudala.net

Teléfono: 94 680 13 56 / 94 680 02 26

ORDUÑA

Fax: 94 680 13 56 www.enkartur.net

Foru Plaza, 3-bajo. 48460 Urduña-Orduña.

The Bilbao booking service will help visitors find accommodation at one of the city’s many hotels and guest houses.

INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS: 902 877 298 946 613 279

BARAKALDO

Teléfono:/Fax 945 38 43 84

Oficina de Turismo BEC

www.urduna.com

PLENTZIA

Feria de Muestras de Ansio. 48080 Barakaldo.

turismo@urduna.com

Erribera Kalea, 23 48620 Plentzia.

Teléfono: 94 404 02 37

Teléfono: 94 677 41 99 - Fax: 94 677 55 41

(Abierta sólo durante las ferias)

www.plentzia.org

BERMEO

turismo,plentzia@bizkaia.org

Lamera s/n. 48370 Bermeo.

PORTUGALETE

Teléfono:94 617 91 54

Paseo de la Canilla, s/n

www.bermeo.org turismo@bermeo.org

48920 Portugalete.

DIMA

Teléfono: 94 472 93 14 - Fax: 94 472 93 15

Telleri Kalea 27. 48141 Dima.

www.portugalete.com

Teléfono: 94 404 60 97

turismo@portugalete.org

www.gorbeialdea.com turismo@gorbeialdea.com

SANTURTZI

DURANGO

Puerto Pesquero Kalea, 20

Oficina de Turismo

48980 Santurtzi.

Teléfono: 94 483 94 94 - Fax. 94 462 71 81

Lariz Torre kalea, 2. 48200 Durango.Teléfono: 94 603 39 38 www.durango-udala.net turismo@durango-udala.net GERNIKA-LUMO Artekale, 8. 48300 Gernika-Lumo.

Teléfono: 94 625 58 92 - Fax: 94 625 32 12 www.gernika-lumo.net turismo@gernika-lumo.net GETXO Playa de Ereaga, s/n. 48992 Getxo.

Teléfono: 94 491 08 00 - Fax: 94 491 12 99 www.getxo.net infoturismo@getxo.net

BILBAO CARD To make it easier to move around the city and enjoy the sights, the Bilbao offers visitors the BilbaoCard.

This card allows visitors to use city public transportation at low fares, and take advantage of significant discounts at museums, shops, restaurants, leisure facilities, and shows, among other services.

The BilbaoCard is availalbe at the following locations:

Iberrebarri plaza, 4. 48630 Gorliz.

KARRANTZA-HARANA

Teléfono: 94 406 55 19 - Fax. 94 676 70 15 www.sopelana.es turismo@sopelana.net SOPUERTA Centro Cívico Municipal

Teléfono: 94 610 40 28 www.sopuerta.biz

Plaza Ensanche, 11 Tel. 94 479 57 60

sopuertaturismo@enkartur.net ZIERBENA Multifunción Eraikina

Teléfono: 94 677 43 48 - Fax: 94 677 19 38 www.gorliz.net turismo@gorliz.net

SOPELANA Loiola Ander Deuna, 28. 48600 Sopelana.

48190 Sopuerta.

BILBAO TOURISM OFFICES

www.gordexola.net gordexolaturismo@enkartur.net GORLIZ

turismo@santurtzi.net

Plaza Carmen Quintana 6

GORDEXOLA c/ Zubieta, 10. 48192 Gordexola.

Teléfono: 94 679 97 15

www.santurtzi.org

Alameda Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 66.

48009 Bilbao

Portua Auzoa z/g 48508 Zierbena

Bº Ambasaguas, 22

Teléfono: 94 640 49 74

Teléfono: 94 680 69 28 - 696 44 63 01

www.zierbena.net

www.karrantza.org turismo@karrantza.org

turismo@zierbena.net

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TOURISM TRANSPORT IN BILBAO

T

he Bilbao City Tour bus offers visitors a comfortable and convenient way to see the city. Begin and end your itinerary at any one of the scheduled stops along the way. A 24-hour ticket allows you to hop on and off as many times as you like, picking and choosing what interests you most. The Bilbao 'Bus Turistikoa' is a great way to enjoy the city at your own pace.

Bilboats specialises in tourism and cultural services, offering visitors a new perspective of the city as seen from the Nervi贸n River, its very heart.

Embark with us on a fascinating river cruise, discovering the past, present and future of Greater Bilbao. All of our excursions begin and end at the same point in the centre of Bilbao, with no stops in between. Audio guides are also available in several languages with explanations providing insight on the route itself, history, buildings, bridges and other structures.

The funicular runs from Plaza del Funicular, next to Paseo del Campo Volant铆n, to the top of Mount Artxanda. Operating hours are workdays from 7.15am to 10.00pm and on Sundays and bank holidays from 8.15am to 10.00. In the summer months (June, July, August and September) service is extended to 11.00pm. The funicular runs every 15 minutes except during special events when large crowds are expected, in which case greater frequency is required.

www.busturistikoa.com

www.bilboats.com

www.bilbao.net/funicularartxanda

FREE WIFI HOTSPOTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY