Considered one of Europe’s top cultural hubs, Bilbao is home to the world-class Guggenheim Museum and on top of that is a city brimming with art and design, nightlife and revolutionary dining experiences.

Upon arrival, collect your Avis car rental from Bilbao Airport so you can easily explore this lively Spanish city, which boasts real character and culture. Then get back behind the wheel and let the open road drive you further.

Pick up your chosen hire car from our rental desks in Bilbao Airport and have all the flexibility you need to discover the vibrant city of Bilbao and the surrounding Basque region beyond.

Adventure across rolling hills dotted with red-roofed houses and pristine coastlines backed by picturesque mountain views. Drive inland a couple of hours to the vineyard-speckled valleys of La Rioja or head east along the coast to the bright lights of San Sebastian, where you’ll find some of Spain’s finest restaurants and tapas bars. With its close proximity to France, you can even cross the border and have a day out in Biarritz.

With its own language and distinct culture, there is plenty to explore in this fascinating region of northern Spain.

Bilbao’s centre is a mere 15-minute drive from Bilbao Loiu Airport, via the N-637.

Art lovers will be greatly pleased with the city’s abundance of culture, but this vibrant town in the beautiful Basque country has even more to offer. Once an industrial city, Bilbao has come a long way. This is mostly thanks to the arrival of the Guggenheim museum, designed by Frank Gehry. Every visitor should spend some time here and be sure to see the Puppy – a 12m tall dog made of begonias, making it a stunningly aromatic attraction.

If you’re seeking something a little more under-the-radar, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is a must. The historic Casco Viejo neighbourhood (the city’s Old Town) is filled with churches, restaurants and boutiques. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon. The Teatro Arriaga opera house is also here, with a grand interior to match its exterior. For more fine architecture, stop by the Zubizuri bridge, featuring a glass walkway in one section that allows you to ‘walk on air’.

The Mercado de la Ribera is a busy marketplace filled with fresh goods. Take a moment to admire its art nouveau design too. Spend time in the Ensanche – a district on the other side of the river. Filled with restaurants, cafes and shops, it’s the most cosmopolitan part of the city.

With your Avis hire car you’ll get to the heart of Bilbao and all it has to offer.

After exploring Bilbao, travel beyond the city borders to discover more of Spain’s fascinating cities and towns. All you have to do is drive.

San Sebastián
Drive for just over an hour and you’ll reach San Sebastián. The most beautiful part of this coastal city is its Old Quarter. Be sure to visit the Parroquia Santa Maria to admire its 18th century baroque architecture. Walk up Monte Urgull to be rewarded with a charming castle at the top. The city also has a number of museums, including the San Telmo Museum, but it’s the beaches that really make San Sebastián. The central Playa de la Concha is the most popular stretch of sand. Nearby iPlaya de Gros is equally beautiful.

Biarritz
Biarritz, once the holiday destination favoured by royalty, is just under two hours up the road from Bilbao. Visit the ‘Beach of Kings’ and stroll up to the lighthouse, which boasts spectacular views of the surrounds. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church and the old promenade along Grande Plage. Be sure to see Fishermen’s Port, which was built during Napoleon’s reign.

Elorrio
Elorrio lies in the centre of the Basque country, just a 40-minute drive from Bilbao. This small town is surrounded by stunning mountains and filled with architecture dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The Necrópolis de Argiñeta Tombs are nearby, as is the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, where spectacular views await.

It’s time to explore Bilbao and beyond. Just pick up your Avis hire car and drive.