Anchored by the city of Bilbao, the Basque province of Biscay in northern Spain encompasses some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and one of Spain’s most distinctive cultures. Forest-covered mountains hide alpine cabins and religious sanctuaries where Christianity rubs shoulders with pagan Basque mythology, while the coastline is peppered with coves, caves and islands. The region is also spared the blistering heat of southern Spain and there’s just enough rain to keep the countryside a glittering emerald green. And those who prefer not to fly can reach Biscay easily via the twice-weekly ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao.
Food is another highlight. The Cantabrian Coast delivers a rich bounty of seafood — eels, cod and anchovies are particularly celebrated — that’s put to magnificent use in the region’s many acclaimed restaurants. Basque people are fiercely independent and proud of their cultural heritage — which is evident in local kitchens. Join the locals in a txikiteo (barhopping, while munching on pintxos and quaffing Basque white wine), and you’ll be welcomed as an old friend.
