Now that spring is finally close enough to talk about with a straight face, our thoughts move towards venturing out and foreign travel. Spring is a great time for city breaks in Europe, as the mild climate allows for plenty of exploring without the heat and overcrowding of summer.
Spain’s Basque region is particularly beautiful between March and April, and the easy rail and ferry links into Bilbao make it an ideal Slow Life destination.
As with any Slow Life break, getting there is half the fun. Opt to travel by sea, and you’ll get all the benefits of a ‘mini-cruise’ experience with plenty of time to unwind, stretch your legs and relax as you start your holiday the gradual way. Many travellers on this route report sightings of dolphins and whales as they sail through the Atlantic. P&O currently offer a service departing from Portsmouth, but be warned that they plan to withdraw it in September.
By rail, there is the option of travelling via Eurostar to Paris and overnight train, taking about 15 hours in total. The sleeper trains are comfortable, and make for an unforgettable experience for those who don’t immediately succumb to sleep!
Once you’ve arrived, there’s a wealth of things to see and do in Spain’s largest Basque city. Don’t worry if you haven’t come by car: it’s not a great city to drive in, and the subway system makes it quite easy to get around. Aside from the well-documented visual delights of the Guggenheim (which deserves an entire day in itself if you want to experience the sights and the two excellent restaurants), there’s plenty of scope for pottering around as you discover this area of ‘green Spain’ with its bracing views and clear skies – a real delight for the senses after a gloomy British winter.
One such opportunity is provided by the seven streets of the Casco Viejo: an area renowned for its open air food markets, with artisan produce from around the region. Here, you’ll find the sort of exceptionally fresh and juicy fruit and vegetables we can only dream of growing back home. For a relaxing walk, visit the Plaza Moyua, with its attractive boxed flower displays, and the river provides scenic walks, letting you take in the city’s stunning, decorative architecture.
Image: Dalbera
