Search for car hire in Bilbao

Once a gritty industrial city, Bilbao has evolved into a northern Spanish powerhouse of design.

The city witnessed a rapid rebirth after the iconic Guggenheim Museum arrived, and since, it has become an example of great transformation. Bilbao is stuffed full of surprising visual contrasts, with a medieval core and sculpture-like modern architecture, set against a backdrop of lush mountain greenery.

Grab your rental car to drive deeper into Basque country, where the English and Spanish tones will fall away in favour of traditional Basque language and cuisine. Alternatively, there are a selection of beaches not far from Bilbao that would make for the perfect day trip.

Basque in the Spanish Sun

Spain’s sixth largest city, Bilbao is a favourite destination for travellers. If you’re looking to explore the surrounding Basque region, hire a car and visit the famously striking Guggenheim Museum. Bilbao is steeped in the independent spirit of Basque culture and serves as the region’s political centre. Take the time to visit the Kafe Antzokia in the Plaza San Vicente and the Basque Museum to learn more about the history of the surrounding territory. The museum is a puzzling but utterly fascinating place to soak up the region’s rich and complex background.

Unusual Attractions

One of Bilbao’s most famous attractions is the gargantuan Guggenheim Museum. Designed by American architect Frank Gehry, this unique, imposing structure attracts stunned admiration and dismay in equal measure. Whatever your reaction, visiting the Guggenheim is certainly a memorable experience. The Funicular de Artxanda, where a magnificent old cable car struggles up the hill to the vantage point of Artxanda, is another Bilbao highlight.

Mountain Wildlife

Around Bilbao, there are plenty of attractions worth driving to. Nature lovers are spoilt for choice. Monte Gorbea is a rocky mountainous terrain inhabited by deer, boar and foxes. The air teems with birds of prey, including majestic harrier eagles numerous buzzards. The scenery and plant life is great along the entire coastline, but some of the best destinations include: Sierra de Orduna, Duranguesado, Monte Barzar and Monte Ochandiano.