Bilbao in Northern Spain ~ Campervan Castaways

Bilbao in Northern Spain

After a winter tour of Spain, we’re back where we began, at Bilbao in Northern Spain and some time to explore this bustling location.

We’ve seen there’s a camperstop above Bilbao town, so we drive straight there and hope for a space. Thankfully we’re in luck, after asking in the friendly reception area, we take one of the only 2 places they have available.

It’s already really busy, despite it being mid morning. No sooner have we driven up to the entrance and a queue is forming before motorhomes are being turned away.

It costs us just €17 a night to park up here, that’s without electric which costs extra. The parking place is on grass and looks down over Bilbao which is a hilly location and bigger than we think.

Area de autocaravans Kobetamendi – toilets available with a key from reception. There’s a dump/fresh area, 48 hours maximum stay.

Bus number 58 to Bilbao centre every 20 minutes or every 30 minutes at weekends and takes approx 30 minutes. The bus stop is just down the road from the camper stop area.

We stayed on the bus until the final stop which is a short walk to the old centre.

Bus costs €1.50 each, can pay with cash or card.

Bilbao old town

After taking the bus to town, we take to exploring Bilbao old town on foot. It’s only a short walk from the bus stop, crossing the river and bringing a glimpse of Bilbao.

The long narrow streets of the old centre resemble a maize. The tall buildings rise up either side of the streets, but in an interesting, old style with plenty of character.

Off these maize of streets we find ourselves in large plaza’s with bucket loads of additional atmosphere. We really like it here and are pleasantly surprised at how good it is.

There are restaurants everywhere, so we choose one in the historic square where stone arches surround the perimeter. It’s absolutely packed with locals and visitors enjoying the spring sunshine. People are sitting out on the restaurant terraces, sipping sangria and enjoying pintxos, which is a sort of equivalent to tapas.

Tasting our first pintxos

The difficulty is deciding which restaurant or pintxos bar to choose, but we eventually settle on one, taking our chances. Each restaurant displays their choice of pintxos inside the bar areas, giving a fabulous display of well presented food nibbles.

For us, it’s a jug of sangria along with a choice of 8 different pintxos, for €27. The friendly staff tell us to go inside to choose the selection, so I venture in while Nige keeps the table. After all, it’s too busy to leave your table place once we have it.

There’s such a wonderful atmosphere, as families, couples and friends enjoy Bilbao of an evening. This lively, yet super low key old centre is quite simply fabulous.

Walking route through Bilbao

After a peaceful nights sleep, we hop back on the bus and into the centre again. This time, we’re taking a walking route from our Lonely Planet book, which passes the main sights of the city.

Heading out from the old centre, the walk leads along the river promenade walkways, towards the big attraction of the Guggenheim museum.

This iconic building resembles a metallic colour exterior which reminds us of Sydney Opera House. It’s built from Titanium and has a dull golden glow with sculptures surrounding the parks and walkways beside its riverside location.

We don’t actually venture inside, because we want to see more of Bilbao before our ferry the following morning. No doubt if we return, we’ll take to checking it out.

Parks and gardens – Bilbao in Northern Spain

Further along from the Guggenheim, we come to a a series of fountains, parks and gardens. There’s seating areas throughout, enabling plenty of opportunity for rest.

We soon find ourselves in the new part of town, where upmarket shops await and a pleasant feel too.

There seems to be a buzz in the air, maybe it’s the early spring vibe or just a general feel good factor in this tidy city.

From what we see, Bilbao appears to be a real foodie place, with superb looking fancy restaurants and everything in-between.

One attractive food haunt comes in the large indoor food market close to the old town. This beautiful building with stain glass windows has a fabulous selection of fresh meats, seafood, bakeries and veg.

It’s one of those food halls where we just want to buy or taste everything it has to offer.

By late afternoon, we’re ready to take the bus back to the camper stop after a fab day exploring. Now, we’re just in time for a bit of relaxation before our ferry tomorrow, but have really enjoyed this visit to Bilbao.

Finally, for anyone who hasn’t been, Bilbao is really so much more than just a ferry port!