Elantxobe

One of my favorite parts of Bilbao is having numerous spots to explore within about an hour of the city.  Recently, we took an autumn drive to Elantxobe, an old fisherman´s village located on the bay.  Elantxobe (or Elanchove, in Castillian) derives its name from the prized Basque seafood fished there: the anchovy.  The town is stunning in its simplicity, with quiet alleyways and steep cobblestoned roads leading down to the port.  It provides the perfect amount of solace and ocean air for those days you long to get out of the city.

Buen viaje!

Erin

Best of Bizkaia

Basque Country is divided into three provinces: Vitoria-Gasteiz (the capital), Guipuzcoa (biggest city: San Sebastián) and Bizkaia (home of Bilbao & my current location).  As many tourists flock to the gleaming, seaside refuge of San Sebastián, many overlook the wonders that lie within Bizkaia.  From modern, bustling Bilbao to sleepy, coastal villages, Bizkaia has it all.  With just a few hours and a car, you have endless opportunities to explore Basque culture.

For sea, sand, and surf lovers, don´t miss Sopelana:

For the iconic Bay of Bizkaia photoshoot, check out San Juan de Gaztelugatxe:

For the artistic soul, head to Bosque de Oma (The Painted Forest):

Also stop in Bakio, Bermeo, Guernika, or any other village that strikes your fancy as you head down the coast.  And be sure to stop for a pintxo y café regularly, to fuel your grueling travels 

Happy travels!

Primeras palabras.

Hola!  Me llamo Erin.  Welcome to my first(ish) travel blog.  I´ve actually been traveling for a few years now, but after several futile attempts to share my experiences with the digital world and Mom/Dad alike, I´m happy to introduce: Bilblog! Your unofficial source for all things vasco.  I´ve been living in Bilbao, Spain for a few months now.  As I document my pursuits through the city and surrounding areas, I´ll be offering tips on what to do whilst you navigate this lovely region and ideas to optimize your time here.

Bilbao is located on the northern coast of Spain in a province called Basque Country, or Pais Vasco.  It is an intriguing city, whose beauty doesn´t hit you at once, yet reveals itself in small intervals until you find yourself enveloped by its charm. Historically an industrial hub, this port city has transformed from soot-covered high rises to modern architectural gems and now serves as a growing tourist destination.  The reserved nature of the Basques may surprise some foreigners (particularly those who have visited Spain´s more boisterous cities) but don´t be fooled: there is a very genuine warmness beneath the surface.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my time living here and encourage anyone to add it to their European itinerary.

Thanks for reading & more to come!

-Erin