BILBAO, Spain

Destination Guides and Travel Information to Bilbao, Spain


Overview
From a small shipbuilding port, Bilbao has gone through several transformations before becoming such an alluring tourist destination today. As a matter of fact, the financial capital of the Basque Country and the nation's biggest port is now regarded as one of the most irresistible holiday oases in the north of Spain, thanks in part to the opening of the Guggenheim Museum in the late 90's whose extraordinary structure works wonder as a tourist magnet. The Basque culture in this burgeoning cosmopolitan with some 340,000 residents is intense and is easily perceptible from the language on road signs, the gratifying local gastronomy which warrants satisfaction, and the vehemence with which the locals observe and uphold their heritage. Cultural attractions aside, Bilbao's plenitude of some of the country's best nightlife spots makes it a very inviting destination indeed.

History
Bilbao was once a tiny port town where a petty number of residents looked after their own business. That rural image began to change in 1315 when Bilbao was opened up to trades with other European cities under Alfonso XI's decree. By the late 15th century the port became a thriving urban with rapidly growing inhabitants, but it also suffered a series of social disturbances from 1631 up to the Spanish Civil War in 1936. The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century had accelerated the second growth of Bilbao although it brought along pollution and perpetually smoking chimneys as well. At any rate, by the 80's things began to change as the Bilbaínos came up with a plan to re-invent their habitat and introduce tourism services, and the completion of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997 has greatly expedited that much-anticipated growth.

Geography & Climate
Bilbao is a seaport city set on the Nervión River, near the Bay of Biscay and on the southwestern border of France. It is the capital city of the Vizcaya province, which, together with Guipuzcoa and Alava, form the provinces of the semi-autonomous Basque Country (or Euskadi) in the north of Spain. The topography of the region is a combination of a rugged coastland and fertile wet jungle. Due to its geographical location and the ocean's influence, Bilbao's climate is a humid oceanic type with mild temperatures throughout the year and frequent showers in spring and fall. The average temperature is 20°C in summer and 8°C in winter.



 

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SUGGESTED HOTELS

Lopez De Haro - A Luxury Property Located 11 Kilometers From The Bilbao International Airport. Opened In 1990, The Hotel Lopez Of Haro Is In The Center Of Bilbao And Exudes Great Luxury And Elegance. This Hotel Is Only 100 Meters From Guggenheim Museum And 500 Meters From The Music Congress Palace. Providing Easy Access By Highway.

Silken Gran Hotel Domine - A Luxury Hotel Located Eight Kilometers From Bilbao Airport. An Outstanding And Inviting Property, This Hotel Is The Best Place To Call Home While Traveling On Business Or Pleasure.
 

 

 

 


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