Bilbao Travel Forum

In late September we are arriving at Bilbao from UK on the way to taking our son to his university in perpignan. We plan to spend some time there with him having a look around the area, including northern Spain, before going back to Bilbao. We want ideas of places worth visiting along the Way and local to Bilbao. Also recommendations for places to stay for the night along the way.
Thanks Denise

I earn my living by taking people to places off the beaten path in Spain... So I can't give to much information away...
Near Bilbao you should visit Getxo and Bermeo and the monastery of S.Juan de Gaztelugatxe. The basque country is well known for its excellent gastronomy and its wines. I highly recommend a visit to a "Sociedad gastronomica" (a "men only" private society where they meet to cook delicacies, sing, drink and be merry). Also the restaurant Arzak in San Sebastian is considered the best in Spain. San Sebastian is a beautiful city to visit, walk the royal beach promenade, enjoy their pinchos (local tapas) and drink chacoli (a local cyder-like wine). There are also other beautiful small coastal towns in the area worth visiting like Zarautz,Guetaria, Hondarribia,St Juan de luz, Biarritz
The wine region of Rioja is also not far from Bilbao and has excellent wineries where you can organize private visits.
The region of Cantabria is also beautiful with one of my favourite villages in Spain, Santillana del mar... some compare it to Florence... much smaller and less touristy... but a beautiful cobblestone street medieval town.
Further west Asturias has one of the most beautiful Natural Parks in Spain called Picos de Europa. If you like outdoor activities is really worth a visit...This area truly is the Scotland of Spain. It has a strong celtic influence,they play pipes, drink cyder, etc.
Not far from Perpignan is the French Provence, I am organising a cycling ride of the Pyrennees starting there. You can have a look and you can maybe get some other ideas on places to visit...
www.gowherespanishgo.com check the cycling tour.
I hope you enjoy your trip,

Santillana del Mar by Santander is a beautiful old Spanish village. It can get full of tourists. The Cares gorge is a must for an energetic walk from Poncebos to Cain and back. Both have plenty of websites to browse. The drive up to Potes is like Cheddar gorge but on a grander scale. The road is a bit narrow in places. North of Potes at Liebana is the cable car to Fuente de if you want to see the Picos from near the top.

Thank you for taking time to reply, looks very useful.