Spain is very different. This is what makes it especially attractive to travel. But the Basque Country stands apart. And mentally, and culturally, and most importantly – in their own attitude.
To understand Spain, a two-week trip will not be enough. Every corner of this sunny country is worthy of a separate description, the author of the popular Dmitry Krasavin. After his story about the Basque Country, I wanted to immediately buy a ticket and go to explore this region in practice.
The very name of the province makes it clear that this is a special part of Spain. And the “country” is present here not as a beautiful turn of speech. The locals feel this way. This is the only region of Spain that the Romans could not conquer. In addition, the Basques have been able to preserve their ancient language for thousands of years, even though the dictator Franco, after the defeat of the Republic, forbade speaking Basque. But the language still did not disappear, which says a lot about the character of the Basques.
Relax culturally
The Basque Country is the two main cities, Bilbao and San Sebastian. The first is industrial and working, the second is relaxed, bohemian.
Bilbao is the Guggenheim. This is the name of the ultra-modern museum, which is impossible not to come to. It is located on the embankment of the Nervion River, and from the high bridge of Subisuri it looks fantastic. Bilbao is also the old Ribera market. Here you can first have a bite of the famous local anchovies, and then order a chuleton, a beef steak on the bone.
On weekends, the main square of the old town of Nueva turns into a pretty flea market surrounded by street cafes. Then you can take the metro to the Portugalete stop and look at another miracle of futurism – the Puente de Vizcaya flying bridge. This large tethered platform transports people and vehicles from one bank to the other. Well, it’s a miracle!
Lightness of Being
San Sebastian has the highest percentage of restaurants per square meter. But the regular ones are good too. The main entertainment for tourists is hopping in pintxos bars. Pinchos is a Basque tapas. Just don’t call him that! The locals will be offended. After all, pintxos is a real masterpiece! Not just toast with scrambled eggs or cheese, but a few ingredients neatly arranged and decorated. In a classic pintxo bar, there are 50 types.
And, of course, a glass of local cider. It must be poured from a bottle in a thin stream with a high hand. The main thing is that there should be a couple of sips in the glass. Drink and repeat the whole ritual. And such an attitude to any little things in everything.
What you need to know
Rain in Bilbao is a frequent occurrence. It is worth stocking up with waterproof shoes, raincoats, umbrellas. Otherwise, the climate is very pleasant – the winter minimum is -4°С, and the summer maximum is +35°С. The wind often blows here, but in summer it is warm.
Bilbao’s most “postcard” attraction is a flower dog named Puppi. It is located near the Guggenheim Museum and is unofficially considered a symbol of the city.
The easiest way to get around the city is by public transport. Buses – here they are called bilbobuses – are equipped with validators that read the fee depending on the distance. Trams run frequently.