DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA
Its stunning landscapes, unique heritage, rich traditional culture, well-known and prestigious cuisine make this one of Spain’s major tourist destinations, and one to consider when it comes choosing your holiday. The city is surrounded by a fertile landscape, with woods, mountains and wonderful beaches that transform Bilbao into a truly magical city.
Bilbao stands out in Europe as one the most important reference points of architecture and contemporary art. Let yourself be seduced by the art of the Guggenheim Museum, the Congress Palace or Calatrava Airport, and take time to savour a miniature art, presented as “pintxos” (tapas).
CUISINE
Fish is a Bilbao speciality, and is used in many popular dishes: hake in green sauce, hake “a la koskera”, “a la ondarresa” or simply fried and battered. Cod al pil-pil, or “al ajo arriero”; and tuna “a la laqueitia”, fried, or with tomatoes.
Some traditional dishes are T-bone steaks and young lamb, and “porrusalda” (a sauce made from leeks).
ther typical specialities of the region include “marmitako“, a delicious combination of garlic, olive oil, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes; “txangurro”, or spider crab meat; a stew made from vegetables, tomatoes, wine and brandy. “Pintxos” (tapas) are also very popular: works of art in small portions.
Txacolí, an acidic wine with either a fruity aroma, is an excellent way to accompany any typical Bilbao meal.
The most popular desserts are fresh “cuajada” (a yoghurt-like dessert), the famous “cake of Carolina“, rice pudding, San Marco cake, and delicious “canutillos” from Bilbao.