Although Bilbao may not be a touristy spot like the
Costa del Sol, it has its own quiet charm and history.
Bilbao is a seaport city set on the Nervión River, near the
Bay of Biscay. The chief point of interest here is the Casco
Viejo or Old Quarter, on the right bank of the Nervión. Here
you'll find the sights that Bilbao has to offer: the Gothic
Church of Santiago which dates from the 14th century, the
elegantly arcaded Plaza Nueva, the stunning Teatro Arriaga.
You'd never guess that a 1983 flood devastated the area
from the restored gothic-style buildings that line the narrow
streets. It's in these streets that you'll find the best bars and
restaurants.
Military buffs will remember that Bilbao was the capital of a
short-lived autonomous Basque state that was under
Loyalist control during the Spanish civil war (1936-39).
Though typically quiet, the town of Bilbao rocks the house in
August during the Semana Grande, a major annual
bullfighting event in Bilbao. Tourists and locals mingle in the
open-air bars to dance and drink in the streets all night long.
Those who've experienced the Semana Grande compare it
to Mardi Gras, with a wild and friendly atmosphere to match
the famous Fat Tuesday.
