BILBAO-BIZKAIA A MILLION DIFFERENT SUMMERS

BILBAO-BIZKAIA, A MILLION DIFFERENT SUMMERS

Enjoy the beach 30 minutes from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Plans for the family

SUMMER PLAN S [p.5]

T E N F IRST-RATE E XP E R IE N CES

[p.9]

MUSIC [p.13]

P OPULAR FES TIVAL S [p.17]

SPORTS [p.21]

BILB AO BY LAN D, SE A AN D AI R

[p.25]

BE ACHES A ND SU R FI N G [p.31]

FISHING VILL AG ES

[p.35]

VILLAGES WITH H I STO RY [p.39]

NATURAL SPACES [p.43]

C A MINO DE SAN TI AG O (ST. J AM ES’ W AY )

[p.47]

G ASTRONOMY [p.51]

P L ANS F OR TH E FAMILY [p.55]

C ultural Agenda

[p .59]

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Aste Nagusia, Bilbao

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Fireworks, Aste Nagusia, Bilbao.

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UNMISSABLE EVENTS JULY BILBAO BBK LIVE FESTIVAL

(10 - 12 July)

The capital of Biscay hosts an annual event featuring the most outstanding national and international artists, attended by thousands of people who love a huge variety of music.

The headliners for this edition are Franz Ferdinand, The Prodigy and The Black Keys. www.bilbaobbklive.com

AUGUST ASTE NAGUSIA

(16 - 24 August)

Marijaia, the character which symbolises the festivities in Bilbao, is responsible for getting nine days of frenzied activity under way. In the city, you can experience theatrical performances, large concerts, some of the best fireworks in the world, gastronomic competitions, rural sport and many other things. www.bilbao-astenagusia.net

SEPTEMBER BASKETBALL WORLD CUP

(30 August - 4 September)

Bilbao will become a global reference for the best basketball. The Bizkaia Arena, one of the pavilions of the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC), will host a total of 15 games in the preliminary stage of the FIBA 2014 Basketball World Cup. The legends of the NBA will share the bill with the national teams from Finland, New Zealand, the Ukraine, the Dominican Republic and Turkey. www.fiba.com

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Pozalagua Caves, Karrantza, Winner of “Best Spot in Spain 2013” in the Repsol Guide

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San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Awarded 1st Position in “The 7 Natural Wonders of Spain 2014� by Allianz Global Assistance

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TEN FIRST-RATE EXPERIENCES 1.

Succumb to the gastronomic tradition par excellence of the region and go out for pintxos (Basque tapas). In Bilbao, do not forget to the visit the areas of Casco Viejo, Poza, Garcia Rivero, Ledesma and Diputación, as well as the area surrounding the Guggenheim.

2.

Dine at one of the Basque Country’s Michelin-starred restaurants.

Discover what is on offer at Azurmendi (3*), Mina (1*), Etxanobe (1*), Zortziko (1*), Nerua (1*), Boroa (1*), Etxebarri (1*) or Andramari (1*).

3.

Have a drink at Jigger Cocktail Bar on Calle Máximo Aguirre. Behind its bar works David Ríos, the best bartender in the world, who won the World Class Competition, which is the most important cocktail-making competition in the world.

4.

Enjoy a unique jazz evening and be amazed in the unrivalled setting of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

From 19 to 22 August 2014, the Museum joins the Aste Nagusia festivities, opening its doors from 11pm to 2am.

5.

Climb the Biscay Bridge, inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list, and look out onto centuries of history and one of the best views of the Abra Bay. 20 minutes by Renfe overground train.

6.

Visit the eccentric stalactites in the Pozalagua Caves, in the Karrantza Valley and marvel at the works that nature can create.

One hour from Bilbao and the “Best Spot in Spain 2013” according to the Repsol Guide.

7.

Climb every step of the huge stairway leading up to the Hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, between Bakio and Bermeo. Won the most votes in the “Seven Natural Wonders of Spain” competition. Touch the bell to make a wish or drive away bad spirits.

8.

Sign up for a boat trip and hopefully catch a glimpse of the whales and dolphins that can be found swimming around in the Bay of Biscay.

Day trips from Santurtzi Marina, 30 minutes from Bilbao on the metro. www.verballenas.com

9.

Get on board the Txakolibus and learn about the essence of Txakoli wine. The visit includes a tour around the villages that produce Txakoli so that you learn about its heritage and the wineries, as well as giving you a chance to taste this typical wine.

Tel:946071707

10.

End the day with a sunset on the sea front. From Puerto Viejo to Sopelana and Barrika, on the Biscay coast, you will find the best terraces to relax.

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A summer of festivals

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Bilbao BBK Live Festival

BILBAO BBK LIVE FESTIVAL MOVE TO THE BEST MUSIC BILBAO BBK LIVE FESTIVAL Enjoy the Bilbao BBK Live Festival, the biggest event in pop-rock music.

Franz Ferdinand, The Prodigy and The Black Keys, in their sole concert date in the country, headline the bill of the ninth edition, which is breaking attendance records. The event is at Kobetamendi from 10 to 12 July. And remember that, during the day, there will be many activities taking place throughout the entire city before the concerts start.

Thursday 10 July FRANZ FERDINAND Phoenix/Vetusta Morla/ Crystal Fighters/John Newman and more.

Friday 11 July THE PRODIGY Jack Johnson/Bastille/Foster the people and more.

Saturday 12 July THE BLACK KEYS The Lumineers/MGMT/Band of horses and more. www.bilbaobbklive.com

45MIN. AWAY

JAZZ FESTIVAL. VITORIA-GASTEIZ

14-19 July www.jazzvitoria.com A-68. Exit 5, N-622

60MIN. AWAY

JAZZALDIA. JAZZ FESTIVAL DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIÁN 23-27 July www.heinekenjazzaldia.com A-8. Exit 9

90MIN. AWAY

BIG BIARRITZ

16 to 24 July www.bigfest.fr Take the A-8, which becomes the A63 upon entering France. Exit at junction 4.

A SUMMER OF FESTIVALS If concerts are your thing, there will be a varied mix of sounds featuring bigname artists for you this summer: Getxo International Jazz Festival 2-6 July www.getxo.net Getxo International Blues Festival 17-19 July www.getxo.net Armintza Txapel Reggae Festival 19 July

OTHER CONCERTS… David Guetta.

Date: 19 July Location: Bilbao Exhibition Centre Time: 22:00 Extremoduro Date: 20 September Location: Bilbao Exhibition Centre Time: 22:00 David Bisbal. “Tú y yo” Tour Date: 27 September Location: Bilbao Arena Time: 22:00

A REASON TO COME BACK Elton John at the BEC. 2 November

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Aste Nagusia, Bilbao

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Marijaia welcomes you to Bilbao with open arms

ASTE NAGUSIA From 16 to 24 August, the people of Bilbao will have their party scarves on and the city will get caught up in nine days of entertainment for the general public. The Biscay capital will celebrate the “Big Week” (Semana Grande), where Marijaia, the popular host of the festivities, will preside over more than 400 free activities which will include numerous concerts, theatrical performances, fairgrounds, firework displays, giants and bigheads, children’s games and, of course, gastronomy.

Aste Nagusia is an excellent time to enjoy all forms of Basque culture including bertsolaris (singers of traditional Basque improvised songs), rural sports and traditional dance.

Do not miss the opportunity to experience this unique environment.

TXUPINAZO Thousands of people gather in front of the Arriaga Theatre, from where the rocket is fired which gets the festivities underway.

MARIJAIA The popular character that embodies the party spirit of Aste Nagusia. This aging woman, who is always depicted with her held up high, presides over the festivities in Bilbao. On the final day of the festivities, Marijaia is burned as the climax of the festival in an event that takes place at the Ría.

45MIN. AWAY

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FESTIVAL OF THE WHITE VIRGIN. VITORIA-GASTEIZ 4-9 August

A-68. Exit 5, N-622

60MIN. AWAY

GREAT WEEK. DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIÁN 9-16 August A-8. Exit 9

90MIN. AWAY

SAN FERMÍN 6-14 July

AP-68. Exit 5, N-622- AP-1, DonostiaSan Sebastián. AP-15 PamplonaIruña. Exit 97

TXOSNAS

FROM FESTIVAL TO FESTIVAL

Marquees set up by different groups from the city which function as taverns where you “must” drink a Kalimotxo, the quintessential drink at the majority of Basque festivals, which is made with red wine and Coca Cola.

Virgen del Carmen in Santurtzi 11-20 July.

25 minutes away on the metro.

GARGANTÚA Gargantúa is the enormous and cartoon-like figure of a villager which has a slide hidden inside him. Girls and boys are literally swallowed by this character, since they get on the slide through his mouth and go out through his backside.

More information on the programme at: www.bilbao-astenagusia.net

Madalenas in Elantxobe, Bermeo and Mundaka.

22 de July.

1 hour. Bizkaibus and Euskotren Festival of the Old Port in Getxo 12-17 August.

20 minutes away on the metro.

Day of the Geese in Lekeitio 5 September 2014.

1 hour. Bizkaibus.

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Bilbao Arena, winner of the “Sports Building of the Year 2011” Prize in Arch Daily

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2014 FIBA

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BASKETBALL WORLD CUP 30,31.

AUGUST 2,3,4.

SEPTEMBER

BILBAO, HOST OF THE 2014 FIBA BASKETBALL WORLD CUP Bilbao will become a global reference for the best basketball from 30 August to 4 September. The Bizkaia Arena, one of the pavilions of the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC), will host a total of 15 games in the preliminary stage of the FIBA 2014 Basketball World Cup. These facilities are less than a quarter of an hour away via the Bilbao Metro. Other settings for the FIBA 2014 Basketball World Cup will be the Bilbao Arena, which will be used as a training court, the Pabell贸n de la Casilla, which will host various activities for the general public, and the Muelle del Arenal, which will host a Fan Zone open to all basketball fans.

THE UNITED STATES WILL PLAY IN BILBAO The national team of the United States, current world champion and gold medallist at the 2012 Olympic Games, will play the preliminary stage of the FIBA 2014 Basketball World Cup in the installations of the Bizkaia Arena (BEC!). The biggest stars of the NBA will share the bill with the national teams from Finland, New Zealand, the Ukraine, the Dominican Republic and Turkey.

Tickets are available at: spain2014.entradas.com/fiba2014/

FIBA 2014 BASKETBALL WORLD CUP SCHEDULE Saturday 30 August

Sunday 31 August

Tuesday 2 September

Wednesday 3 September

Thursday 4 September

12:30

12:30

15:00

15:00

15:00

Ukraine vs Dominican Republic

New Zealand vs Ukraine

Finland vs New Zealand

17:30

17:30

Turkey vs Finland

Ukraine vs USA

New Zealand vs Turkey

Dominican Ukraine vs Turkey Republic vs New 17:30 Zealand USA vs New 16:00 Zealand Finland vs 21:30 Ukraine Finland vs

21:30

21:30

21:30

USA vs Finland

Turkey vs USA

Turkey vs Dominican Republic

16:00

Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic vs USA

21:30

NOT TO BE MISSED...!

The atmosphere of the TRAINERAS regattas.

Two of the most wellknown regattas for these traditional sea rowing boats are “La Concha” and “La Bandera de El Corte Inglés” (September).

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Enjoy the passion of the SUPPORTERS OF

ATHLETIC CLUB DE BILBAO. Two of the streets

that have the most fervent support for the red and white (rojiblanco) club are Licenciado Poza and García Rivero.

CHESS Bilbao Chess 2014: European Club Cup and Grand Slam Masters Final Bilbao will become the world chess capital. From 12 to 21 September Bilbao Chess 2014 will be held, an event which will see the European Club Cup and the Grand Slam Masters Final being held at the same time.

Both tournaments will bring together the elite from the world of chess.

Date: 12 - 21 September Location: Euskalduna Conference Centre www.bilbaomastersfinal.com/es/

RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES EVENT Bilbao will be the host of this spectacular event where the 14 best divers in the world will compete against each other, leaping into the Ría from a height of 27 metres from the La Salve Bridge, in front of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

Dates: 19 and 20 September www.redbullcliffdiving.com

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Panoramic view of Bilbao

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Views from the Ría. (Bilboats)

GUIDED WALKING TOURS Discover Bilbao on two routes that take you around areas that capture the essence of the city: Casco viejo at 10:00. Meeting point at the Bilbao Tourist Office, located at No. 1, Plaza Circular.

Ensanche-Abandoibarra Abandoibarra at 12 noon. Meeting point at the Bilbao Tourist Office, next to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Both tours take place every weekend of the year. They are more frequent in July and August: Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays: Ensanche-Abandoibarra Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays: Casco Viejo Both tours will also run on 25 July and 15 August.

During Aste Nagusia (from 16 to 24 August) and the Basketball World Cup (From 30 August to 4 September), both visits will happen on a daily basis.

Duration: 90 minutes.

Languages: English – Basque – Spanish

GUIDED TOURS OF EUSKALDUNA CONFERENCE CENTRE AND CONCERT HALL Free tours Day of tour: Saturdays Time: 12:00 Ticket collection site: Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall (*) Where there are more than 30 people per group, an additional tour will be organised at 13:00. The route is dependent upon the number of visitors

within the Centre at any given time and the tour may be cancelled when it conflicts with activities taking place within it.

ARCHITECTURAL BIKE RIDES Alhóndiga Bilbao schedules bike rides for people to discover the most iconic buildings of the city. You can use your own bike for the activity or you can borrow one of the 12 that the fitness centre provides.

Date: Every Saturday from 21 June to 26 July Location: Starts and ends at Plaza Arriquibar Time: 11:00 Duration: 2 hours Places: 25 per day Price: €4 for Alhóndiga Bilbao members / €5 for non-members Tickets available from Infopunta (information point)

GUIDED TOURS OF ALHÓNDIGA BILBAO Learn about Alhóndiga Bilbao in the company of a guide who will take you around the building designed

by Ricardo Bastida and renovated by Phillipe Strarck.

Free visits at 19:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays (in Spanish) and Thursdays (in Basque).

For information and reservations, go to Infopuntua (information point) or telephone 944 014 014.

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PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE CITY

TOURIST BUS

One of the best panoramic views of Bilbao is from the Artxanda mountain.

A historical cable car built in 1915 will take you to the top of the mountain.

From there, you can view the all of the city’s architectural landmarks and the winding Ría. The Ría is also the perfect place to enjoy the city’s green belt, practice sports and try the traditional local dishes.

An easy and different way of viewing Bilbao. The Bilbao Tourist Bus Tour gives you a privileged and complete panoramic view of the city.

24 hour tickets July and August: 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00 and 18:00 September: 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00 and 17:00 Closed on Tuesdays, except in July and August and on holidays and bank holiday weekends. info@busturistikoa.com.

Tel.: 696 42 98 47 / 696 42 98 48 www.busturistikoa.com

BILBOATS TOURIST BOATS Learn more about the history of Bilbao while you sail on the Ría and discover a wonderful new view of the city.

July and August: SAILING TO THE SEA From Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30

Artxanda funicular

SAILING BILBAO Every day: 13:00, 16:00, 17:30, 19:00 and 20:15 September: SAILING TO THE SEA: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 10:30 SAILING BILBAO Every day: 13:00, 16:00, 17:30 and 19:00; additional tour on Saturdays at 20:15. bilboats@bilboats.com Tel.: 94 642 41 57 and 644 442 055 www.bilboats.com

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Abandoibarra

DISCOVER THE CITY BY BIKE OR KAYAK

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An easy, practical and sustainable way to tour the city. Hire a bike or a kayak and enjoy all of the corners of Bilbao and around the Ría at your own pace or on a guided visit.

TOURNÉ BILBAO

URBAN BIKE

Bike hire and guided bike tours.

Bike hire hours: every day from 10:00 to 21:00.

Hub of the cycling world, specialising in electric bikes.

As well as the tours available on request in different languages (Viva Bilbao, All Iron y Family), during the summer months Tourné offers a daily tour in English and Spanish (minimum of 2 people).

Dates: from 16 June to 30 September Departure time: 11:00 Location: Tourné Bilbao (Calle Villarías, 1) Price per person: €28 (The tour includes bike hire, local guide and pintxo pote snack en route and lasts approximately two and a half hours). info@tournebilbao.com Tel.: 944 249 465 www.tournebilbao.com

BILBOBENTURA Bike and kayak hire.

In the summer, people will be able to hire bikes and kayaks every day from 10:00 to 21:00.

Bilbobentura organises guided trips along the Ría. During the tour, the tour guide explains the history of the Ría and its regeneration and various games will be played as well.

Night-time guided kayak trips Date: Every Friday Location: Muelle Ramón de la Sota Hours of trip: 21:00 - 23:00 Duration: 2 hours Price: €20 per person Sunday guided trips Date: Every Sunday Location: Muelle Ramón de la Sota Hours of trip: 12:00 - 14:00 Duration: 2 hours Price: €15 per person Bilbao – Puente Colgante (Biscay Bridge) guided trip Dates: 12 and 26 July, 3 and 10 August and 6, 13 and 20 September Location: Muelle Ramón de la Sota, 1 Duration: 3 hours (approximately) Price: €25 per person Muelle de Ramón de la Sota, 1 Tel.: 660734953 info@bilbobentura.com www.bilbobentura.com

Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00; ask for Sunday opening hours.

Free electric bike test day Try different types of bikes for free, including pedal-assisted, urban and folding bikes. You will have the chance to hire them or to go on an hour-long guided tour of the city on an electric bike.

Date: 19 July, 16 August and 27 September Location: Urban Bike, Calle Villaries, 3 Hours of test day: 10:00 - 14:00 C/ Villarias, 3 bilbao@urban-bike.es Tel.: 944 077 373 www.urban-bike.es

OHR!G!NAL – Unique Experiences

Bike, pedal go-kart, quadricycle and conference bike hire.

Bikes can be hired during the week from 11:30 to 14:00 and from 17:30 to 20:00, while they are available at any time at the weekend (booked in advance).

C/Rafaela Ibarra, 2 bis.

Tel.: 94 400 44 30 info@ohriginal.net www.ohriginal.net www.facebook.com/ohriginalregalos

IBILBI Guided kickbike or bike tours and hire.

C/ Villarias, 1 info@ibilbi.com Tel.: +34 633 03 20 70 www.ibilbi.com

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The left wave of Mundaka

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La Salvaje Beach, Sopelana

BEACHES A METRO RIDE AWAY FROM BILBAO One of the greatest luxuries of Bilbao is its proximity to the coast and its beaches. Half an hour away on the metro are fantastic beaches surrounded by cliffs where you can sunbathe, swim in the sea and let the day slip by so that you can enjoy a romantic sunset.

Ereaga and Arrigunaga Beaches in the municipality of Getxo have major tourist attractions, such as the Old Port, the marina and the promenade of large villas, which enables tourists to combine sun, sand and sea with tours, walks and good gastronomy.

Gorrondatze-Aizkorri Beach is located in the same municipality, but it is away from the town centre and in a setting of outstanding beauty.

Along with Barinatxe-La Salvaje in Sopelana, they are the nearest nudist beaches to Bilbao.

“La Salvaje” is sheltered by large cliffs which it shares with another wellknown beach: Arrietarra-Atxabiribil.

On these beautiful beaches that have a surfing tradition, it is normal to see the sky filled with paragliders on days with good winds. When night falls, the bars and pubs in the surrounding area are an ideal place to go out.

If you are looking for quieter beaches with less surf, the best beaches for you to go are Plentzia or Gorliz, where you will be able to relax with your family in the sun, have a delicious bite to eat and enjoy water sports, green areas and children’s games.

60MIN AWAY

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LA CONCHA BEACH, DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIÁN Take the A-8 and exit at junction 9.

90MIN. AWAY

BIARRITZ (“Côte Basque”) Take the A-8, which becomes the A63 upon entering France and exit at junction 4.

How to get there on public transport: EREAGA Take the metro to Neguri station / take Bizkaibus A3411 ARRIGUNAGA Take the metro to Neguri station / take Bizkaibus A3411 GORRONDATZE-AIZKORRI Bizkaibus A 3411 BARINATZE-LA SALVAJE Take the metro to Larrabasterra station / take a Sopelbus or Bizkaibus ARRIETARRA-ATXABIRIBIL Take the metro to Larrabasterra station / take a Sopelbus or Bizkaibus PLENTZIA Take the metro to Plentzia station PLAYA DE GORLIZ Take the metro to Plentzia station / take the Bizkaibus Plentzia-Gorliz shuttle bus.

SURFING PARADISE One of the best ways to enjoy the nature of the sea and to feel its power and force is to go surfing. The Basque coast offers real surfing shrines, including La Salvaje, Arrietara, Bakio and Mundaka Beaches. www.bilbaoturismo.net

THE LEFT WAVE OF MUNDAKA Located in the Urdaibai Biosphere Nature Reserve, it is considered one of the 10 best left waves in the world and the best in Europe, attracting surfers from all over the planet.

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Fishing port, Ondarroa

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The Old Port of Algorta, Getxo

FACING THE SEA The Biscay coast features a plethora of picturesque towns where you can go on trips. The charm of the sea and its fishing tradition go together with a historical heritage and succulent gastronomy.

SANTURTZI It proudly holds onto its past as a large fishing port in the Bay of Biscay. Its seafaring tradition is still alive in the Brotherhood of Fishermen building and on the lovely Reina Victoria promenade. If you want to learn first hand about the work of Basque fishermen and different fishing methods, book a visit to the Agurtza fishery. Do not leave Santurtzi without trying its famous sardines, which are true hallmarks of the town.

Take the metro to Santurtzi station.

GETXO Getxo, 20 minutes from Bilbao on the metro, traditionally has been one of the favourite places for the bourgeoisie of Biscay. In this municipality, you will be able admire the spectacular Biscay Bridge, inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. From there, along the coast you will find the Promenade of Grand Villas, with its townhouses and mansions. This pleasant route leads to the marina at Ereaga Beach and ends in the picturesque Old Port, where you must stop and have a meal. Sit on its stone stairs and enjoy a summer sunset. Another great option would be walking along the cliffs of Getxo. Visit Punta Galea or

the museum of Aixerrota, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the coast.

Take the metro to Areet, Gobela and Algorta stations.

PLENTZIA This town of medieval origin has a beautiful old town with narrow streets, whose highlight is the Church of Santa MarĂ­a Magdalena. The town is crossed by a river, which has a charming pedestrian promenade lined with elegant buildings running next to it. If you continue your walk towards the sea, you will go past La Gallarda Port, which is full of recreational boats. After the port, its wide beach will await you, located in a beautiful bay.

Take the metro to Plentzia station.

BAKIO Bakio, a town which is a popular summer resort with many Basque people, is half an hour from Bilbao in the car. Its beach, one of the longest on the Basque coast, is a great attraction for surfers and visitors hoping to relax on a terrace on the sea front. When it is time for some refreshment, in Bakio you must try txakolĂ­, a sweet, young and fruity wine which is typical of the area. You can discover all the secrets of how it is

45MIN. AWAY

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GETARIA (Gipuzkoa) AP-8. Exit 11.

60MIN. AWAY

HONDARRIBIA (Gipuzkoa)

A-8 and A-63. Exit onto the N-638

SAN JUAN DE LUZ (“Côte Basque”)

A-8 and A-63. Exit 2

made in the Txakolingunea, the Txakoli museum.

Take Bizkaibus bus A3518

BERMEO Bermeo is the most unique fishing town on the Basque coast. Its port is home to a vast number of boats and provides tourists with an unparalleled opportunity to see the large brightly-coloured boats when they come in with their catches. Rising above the Old Port of Bermeo is the Ercilla Tower, a building declared a National Monument, which since 1948 has housed the Fishermen’s Museum, which is currently closed for renovation works. In this fishing town, the best thing to do is to sit at a table and try the fish which have just been brought from the sea.

Take Bizkaiabus A3527 / take the Euskotren Bilbao-Bermeo train.

MUNDAKA This small fishing town has an exceptional charm since it is an area set in nature looking out onto the Urdaibai estuary, which was declared a Biosphere Reserve. Go and walk along the gorgeous path that leads up to the Hermitage of Santa Catalina, where you can look out onto the Cape of Ogoño and the Isle of Izaro. If you want

to have a rest, you can choose any of the terraces and restaurants located around its picturesque port. If you like surfing, surely you will have already heard about its famous left wave.

Take Bizkaiabus A3515 / take the Euskotren Bilbao-Bermeo train.

LEKEITIO Located less than an hour from Bilbao, Lekeitio is one the most beautiful and visited fishing towns in Biscay.

It has an historic old town crammed with palaces, tower houses and fishermen’s houses which look out onto the sea. Opposite the beautiful Isuntza Beach, the Isle of Garraitz rises up, which you can reach by foot when the tide is low.

Take Bizkaibus bus A3512.

ONDARROA This is one of the localities on the Basque Coast which has the most character. Its historic old town, dominated by the Church of Andra Mari, dates back to medieval times. The Old Port, where boats were previously moored, is also overflowing with history. Ondarroa is also notable for its bridges, built to link the two banks of the Artibai River. Arrigorri Beach is another big attraction in the locality.

Bizkaibus bus A3915 and A3916.

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Old Bridge / Muza Bridge, Balmaseda

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Casa de Juntas, Gernika

OLD QUARTERS AND MEDIEVAL TOWNS Several medieval towns lie very close to Bilbao. These municipalities, boasting an extremely rich heritage and great charm, conserve the history of Bizkaia.

PORTUGALETE

The old quarter of Portugalete, dominated by the Basilica of Santa María, has been declared a Site of Historical Monuments. If you walk down Calle Santa María, passing houses painted in lively colours, you will reach Paseo de la Canilla, where you can rest next to the waters of La Ría, at the foot of the Bridge of Bizkaia, which is inscribed in the World Heritage List. Portugalete is connected with Bilbao via metro, train and bus.

Connection: Portugalete metro station www.portugalete.com

ORDUÑA

Declared a Site of Historical Monuments, Orduña is found in a secluded spot within the territory of Araba. The old Custom House and the Church of Santa María number amongst the most attractive features of this town, which stands at the foot of the magnificent Sierra Salvada.

Connection: RENFE train line C3 www.ordunaturismo.com

BALMASEDA

Located half an hour from Bilbao by car, this town was an important trade waypoint between the Castilian plateau and the Cantabrian Sea. The town’s Old Bridge serves as a reminder of this bygone era. Within the old quarter, dating back to the medieval period, attention should be drawn to the two churches: the Church of San Severino and the Gothic Church of San Juan.

Connection: FEVE Bilbao-Balmaseda train www.visitenkarterri.com

LANESTOSA

The heritage of Lanestosa is evident in its streets and certain sections of road even conserve their original cobblestones. Attention should be drawn to its farmhouses, the plaza featuring an arcade, the Church of San Pedro, which dates back to the 16th century, and the stately home known as the Palacio Colina de Lanestosa.

The town also boasts a large number of houses built in the colonial style, constructed by Basque immigrants who returned from the Americas once they had made their fortune.

Connection: FEVE Bilbao-Santander train, Karrantza station, and Bizkaibus A0652 bus www.visitenkarterri.com

OTXANDIO

Adjacent to the Gorbeia Nature Park, the town of Otxandio boasts an extraordinary heritage. Amongst its architectural features, attention should be drawn to the Renaissance Church of Santa Marina, which features a baroque tower, and the municipality’s old pelota court..

Connection: Bizkaibus A3925 bus www.turismoa.otxandio.net

AREATZA

The town centre of Areatza has been declared a Cultural Asset, classified as a Site of Historical Monuments.

45MIN. AWAY

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VITORIA-GASTEIZ A-68. Exit 5, N-622

60MIN. AWAY

LAGUARDIA (Araba) AP-68. Exit 10. N-232 and A 3210 Ctra. Laguardia

90MIN. AWAY

BAIONA (“Côte Basque”) A-8. A-63. Exit 5.

The stately home known as the Palacio de Gortázar or del Riscal, the Parish Church of San Bartolomé and the Convent of Santa Isabel are particularly noteworthy. Areatza is located in a spectacular spot at the foot of Mount Gorbeia, whereby visitors might enjoy unforgettable mountainside excursions.

Connection: Bizkaibus A3927 bus www.areatza.net/es-ES/Turismo

GERNIKA-LUMO

Gernika was devastated by bombing carried out by the Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War. The attack destroyed 70% of the buildings. Since then, this municipality, which houses the Peace Museum, has gradually become a universal symbol against barbaric acts, which even inspired Picasso’s masterpiece. Gernika is also renowned for its famous tree, an oak symbolising Basque freedoms located in the Casa de Juntas.

Connection: Bizkaibus A3514 and A3515 buses / Euskotren Bilbao-Bermeo train www.gernika-lumo.net

MARKINA-XEMEIN

Located less than one hour from Bilbao, Markina – Xemein awaits. The old quarter conserves its medieval street layout. Itineraries must include the spectacular Chapel of San Miguel de Arretxinaga, in which three enormous rocks stand watch over the image of the saint. The town’s pelota

court, popularly known as the “Pelota University”, should also be visited. It is a veritable temple for lovers of this sport, which has a large following in the Basque Country.

Connection: Bizkaibus A3915, A3916 and A3512 buses www.markina-xemein.com

DURANGO

Lying at the foot of Anboto, a magical mountain according to Basque myth, the town possesses a magnificent old quarter. Amongst the various architectural landmarks, attention should be drawn to the following: the Basilica of Santa María de Uribarri, which boasts the largest portico in the Basque Country, the Town Hall and the Lariz Tower. The Kurutzesantuen Museum houses one of Bizkaia’s most prized monumental treasures, the Cruz de Kurutziaga, a Gothic cross that specialists have classified as the finest in Spain.

Connection: Bizkaibus A3933 bus / Euskotren Bilbao-Donostia train www.turismodurango.net

ELORRIO

The old quarter of Elorrio, classified as a Site of Historical Monuments, undoubtedly numbers amongst the most impressive in Bizkaia. A stroll through its streets, filled with stately houses and ancestral homes of worked stone and masonry, will transport visitors back to the 17th and 18th Connection: Bizkaibus A3923 bus www.elorrio.net

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Atxondo, side of Mount Anboto

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Sierra Salvada, Orduña

EXPERIENCE NATURE Bilbao and the surrounding area represent a paradise in which to enjoy nature an engage in open-air sports. Hiking, climbing, green routes, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, boat trips, diving and paragliding are but a few of the activities that are available in the nature parks, at cliffs and in the mountains.

GREEN BELT Put on comfortable footwear and savour Bilbao’s green belt. The city boasts a GR Trail that surrounds the city centre, passing through the forest parks of Artxanda, Monte Avril, Arnotegi, Pagasarri and Arraiz. The trail runs over a total of 99.3 kilometres, in a closed circle taking in paths, tracks and streets signposted with references to routes, places of interest and general information. The GR trail can be accessed from the centre of Bilbao via the eleven itineraries.

ARBOLEDA AND MINING AREA To enjoy this spot you must travel to Trapagaran where you can take the cable car to La Reineta, once used to transport the miners who worked in the various mines in the area in bygone days. The excavations that were once employed to extract iron ore have become flooded, forming lakes that are ideal for fishing. From the cable car to La Arboleda there is a distance on 1 km, which can be traversed on foot or by bus. La Arboleda, in addition to affording

the opportunity to enjoy nature and magnificent views of the bay of Abra, provides the possibility of recovering your strength in one of its restaurants.

You can restock on energy in any of its restaurants, which traditionally serve alubias.

URDAIBAI BIOSPHERE RESERVE The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve offers a unique landscape of marshlands, beaches and mountainsides housing biological treasures. A visit to the Urdaibai Bird Centre affords a fantastic manner of becoming better acquainted with the natural life of the reserve. In addition to a magnificent Museum and Avian Research Centre, it is an observation point in a privileged position, affording outstanding views overlooking the marshlands.

The Painted Forest of Oma and the replica of the caves of Santimamiñe represent two other key features within the area.

60MIN. AWAY

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AIZKORRI MASSIF (Gipuzkoa) A-8. Exit 15, AP-1. Exit 8, GI-632. Exit 0, N-1. Exit 416, Idiazabal. Diseminado Rural. Barreiatua heading towards Iruetxetaaldea Auzoa

SALINAS DE AÑANA (Araba) A-68. Exit 6, A-2622

90MIN. AWAY

SIERRA URBASA (Navarra) A-68. Exit 5, N-622. AP-1, DonostiaSan Sebastián. Exit 395, Olazti

URKIOLA The possibility of hiking or climbing are two of the greatest attractions of this nature park. It features mountain itineraries that range from simple strolls to ascents, with changes in altitude of more than 1000 metres, or climbing routes on the rock faces that surround Atxarte pass. You can round off your visit to this nature park with a stroll around the village of Abadiño or a trip to the Shrine of Urkiola, which stands on a mountain slope, amidst a forest of beeches, ashes and birches.

GORBEIA This protected space takes in the area surrounding Mount Gorbeia and offers a plethora of possibilities, from wildlife expeditions and picnics to trips affording the possibility of becoming a shepherd for a day or engaging in woodcraft. The summit of the mountain, rising to a height of 1482 metres, is crowned with an 18-metre cross, which was erected at the beginning of the 20th century. The tracks and trails of the massif are used for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding, activities that are facilitated by the network of signposted routes within the park.

ARMAÑON AND THE CAVES OF POZALAGUA The summit of Armañón (854 metres) is the highest peak within this natural area that offers various signposted walking routes. Amongst the points of interest we find the natural resources of the Holm-oak Wood of Sopeña, the Beech Wood of Balgerru, the Rocky Outcrops of Ranero, the megalithic monuments of Karrantza valley and the famous caves of Pozalagua, which house the world’s greatest concentration of eccentric stalactites. (“Best Spot of 2013” REPSOL guide)

ORDUÑA SIERRA SALVADA This great mountainous massif towers over Ayala valley at a height difference of between 300 and 400m, affording spectacular panoramic views. In this regard, attention should be drawn to the natural balcony known as the Cañón de Délika, or the Nervión viewpoint, which overlooks a magnificent waterfall. Sierra Salvada also affords the possibility of visiting remains linked to pastoral and traditional ways of life.

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Camino de Santiago as it passes through Bilbao

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Cathedral of Santiago, Old Quarter of Bilbao

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NORTHERN ROUTE ALONG THE COAST Following a peaceful itinerary far from urban agglomerations, in Bizkaia the Northern Route travels affords protagonism to the coast, the mountainsides and wooded areas. This route, which heads towards the lands of Cantabria, travels through bucolic fishing villages, medieval towns and large cities such as Bilbao.

STAGE 5

Markina-Xemein - Gernika-Lumo (24,8 km) Points of interest: Chapel of Ntra. Sra de Edortza (Xemein).

Santa María (Markina-Xemein).

Collegiate Church of Ziortza (Ziortza).

STAGE 6

Gernika-Lumo - Bilbao (29,7 km) Points of interest: Tree of Gernika (Gernika-Lumo) Casa de Juntas (Gernika-Lumo) Church of Santa María (Lezama)

STAGE 7

Bilbao - Portugalete (19,6 km) Points of interest: Basilica of Begoña (Bilbao) Cathedral of Santiago (Bilbao) Church of San Antón (Bilbao) Bizkaia Bridge (Portugalete) Church of Santa María (Portugalete)

STAGE 8

Portugalete - Kobaron (16,8 km) Points of interest: Castle and Stately Home of Muñatones (Muskiz) Church of San Julián (Muskiz) www.bilbaoturismo.net

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Txakoli tasting session, Bizkaia

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60MIN. AWAY

RIOJA ALAVESA Rioja Alavesa is synonymous with excellent wine and emblematic wineries. Their vineyards are internationally renowned where recognised architects such as Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava have left their signature.

AP 68. Exit 8. N-124 y N-232a

A counter of pintxos

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DIRECT TO THE PALATE Fishermen become active in the summer months, providing dinner tables with one of the protagonists of Basque gastronomy: albacore tuna. The highly prized “Thunnus alalunga” shares its place on the fishmonger’s counter with txipirones (squid), txitxarros (horse mackerel) and sardines... The Ribera Market is undoubtedly a gastronomical temple where you may acquire these fresh seasonal products. Stroll around its stalls and discover the range of ingredients of a cuisine wherein the pintxo is afforded the status of an icon.

At this time of year, when the weather encourages us to remain outdoors, in the open air, it is a true delight to travel from bar to bar, savouring pintxos and txikitos (glass of traditional wine) in the company of friends. Casco Viejo, Maestro Garcia Rivero, Ledesma, Licenciado Poza and Deusto number amongst the areas that draw the largest crowds. On Sunday mornings, appetisers in the form of rabas (battered squid) are commonplace, washed down with vermouth.

The summer months are also witness to the tradition of gastronomical contests, which reflect the passion and culinary knowledge of a culture wherein cuisine is so deeply ingrained. During the Aste Nagusia, the Fiestas of Bilbao, the Paseo del Arenal provides the venue for these competitions that are characterised by a spectacular atmosphere.

TXAKOLI This smooth, young and fruity wine is mainly produced within the Basque Country and it is said to be as old as the history of its peoples. Boasting a moderate alcohol content (10°- 11.5°) and a slight acidity, it has evolved from a farmstead beverage to occupy a place amongst the finest white wines produced in Spain. A few kilometres from Bilbao, you can find txakolí wineries, with proposals to suit all tastes: guided tours, tasting sessions, open-air tasting sessions or dinners with live music. Located within natural settings, the txakolinerías, surrounded by vines and immersed in tradition, will not disappoint. www.bilbaoturismo.net www.bizkaikotxakolina.org

TXAKOLIBUS This bus follows a route taking in the Txakoli wineries and points of tourist interest within the Uribe region that lie within an hour’s journey from Bilbao.

Tel.: 946 071 707 19/07

09/08

20/09

Visits Area surrounding San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Town Centre of Mungia the Castle of Butrón Viewpoint and Bakio Winery Butroi Upategia Visit 1 (Gatika) Journey / Old Quarter of Visit Plentzia

Abio Txakolina (Bakio)

Ados Basarte Txakolina (Bakio)

Journey to Gamiz-Fika

Journey to Zamudio

Winery Bodega Submarina Txakoli Uriarte (GamizVisit 2 Plentzia (Plentzia) Fika) Free time / Plentzia / Gorliz / Lunch Armintza (Lemoiz)

Mungia

Magalarte Zamudio Txakolina (Zamudio) Sopela / Berango

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Enjoying the beach, coast of Bizkaia

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25MIN. AWAY

“SOPUERTA ABENTURA” The adventure park amidst the trees A-8. Gallarta Exit, N-634

60MIN. AWAY

“KARPIN ABENTURA” A wild animal theme park in Karrantza.

A-8. Exit 119, BI-636 and BI-3602 (Zalla/Trucios/Karrantza)

90MIN. AWAY

CABÁRCENO, (Cantabria) Cabárceno Nature Park, featuring wild animals afforded a great deal of freedom.

A-8, heading towards Santander.

Exit 205, S-30. Exit heading towards CA-143

Alhóndiga Bilbao Swimming Pool

DISCOVER FAMILY FOCUSED LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN BILBAO ASTE NAGUSIA FOR CHILDREN The Fiestas of Bilbao offer a range of family oriented activities. In the area surrounding Doña Casilda Park, children’s workshops and games are organised. The area takes in more than 9500m2 for your enjoyment. Other key attractions include the stalls and circus that are set up in Etxebarria Park, which also provides a magnificent venue in which to view the fireworks displays that take place every evening during the fiestas. Be sure not to miss out on the traditional procession of the whale. The entire family will be enthralled watching “Baly” the whale and his friends.

DOÑA CASILDA PARK Children will thoroughly enjoy the ducks and swans that nest in this park, which is also known as the “duck park”, the veritable green heart of Bilbao.

A STROLL THROUGH ABANDOIBARRA ALONG THE BANKS OF THE RÍA. In addition to affording a unique opportunity to savour the work of prestigious architects and sculptors that have left their mark on Bilbao, there is a children’s play area featuring avant-garde playground activities and an interactive fountain that draws children like a magnet. A recommendation: bring a change of clothes.

ALHÓNDIGA BILBAO This cutting-edge cultural and sports centre offers two very attractive proposals with which you might occupy a day of your holidays, in addition to the activities that are routinely programmed for the youngest members of the household: the Txikiland children’s multimedia library and a refreshing swimming pool featuring a glass bottom.

Further information: 94 401 40 14 (Monday to Friday 7:00 to 23:00, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, 8:30 to 23:00) www.alhondigabilbao.com

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Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

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Yoko Ono, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

EXHIBITIONS GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM BILBAO

HENRY MOORE

In addition to the permanent collection, over the summer months, visitors can enjoy the following exhibitions:

This exhibition presents seven works by one of the great masters of modern sculpture in Doña Casilda Park and the area surrounding the Museum of Fine Arts.

Up until 17 July

“Georges Braque” Up until 21 September “Yoko Ono. Half-A-Wind Show.

Retrospective” Up until 4 September “Selections from the Collection of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao IV” Up until 31 August “Learning through Art 2014” Up until 31 August “The Art of Our Time. Masterpieces from the Guggenheim Collections” From 23 September www.guggenheim-bilbao.es

ALHÓNDIGABILBAO “A machine requires instructions just as a garden requires discipline”. The group exhibition, which takes in the artistic and research work of thirteen authors attempts to blur the duality between the material and abstract world.

Venue: Exhibition Hall. Floor -2 Opening hours: 11:00 - 21:00 (Open every day of the week) Free admission www.alhondigabilbao.com

BILBAO FINE ARTS MUSEUM The Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts houses a permanent collection spanning from the 13th century to the present day. The current offer is rounded off with the following temporary exhibitions: “The Rochelt Family” Up until 1 September “Japanese Art and Japonism “ Up until 15 September “Works by El Greco in the Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts” Up until 25 August www.museobilbao.com Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

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RÍA DE BILBAO MARITIME MUSEUM

ARCHAELOGICAL MUSEUM

In addition to its permanent exhibition, this museum offers the following programme: “La Ría and its bridges” focusing on the importance of these infrastructures for the development of the city.

The Archaeological Museum’s permanent exhibition presents a tour of the history of Bizkaia via material recovered from archaeological excavations. The offer is rounded off with temporary exhibitions, conferences and training workshops.

Up until 21 September

www.bizkaia.net/arkeologimuseoa

“Gabarra Athletic” focusing on the vessel bearing this name, which symbolises the triumphs of Athletic de Bilbao. www.museomaritimobilbao.org THE BASQUE MUSEUM The exhibitions in this museum attempt to illustrate the historical and cultural evolution of Basque society. As is the case each summer, the cloister of the Museum exhibits the Giants and Big-Heads of the City, enjoyed by children and adults alike.

From 4 July to 31 August www.euskal-museoa.org MUSEUM OF ARTISTIC REPRODUCTIONS This Museum boasts the finest collection of reproductions in Europe.

From the 1920s onwards, copies of the most important works of sculpture of all time were requested from the most important European museums: Louvre, British Museum, Pergamonmuseum… www.museoreproduccionesbilbao.org

DIOCESAN MUSEUM An exhibit of more than 500 pieces, from Romanesque to contemporary art, in a very complete view of religious art in the province of Bizkaia. www.eleizmuseoa.com BENEDICTO MUSEUM This museum hosts luminous and important bronze sculptures inspired by the paintings of Maestro Benedicto. www.museo-benedicto.net SALA REKALDE “Memory of diversity”. This exhibition focuses on the recent history of contemporary art in the Basque Country. www.salarekalde.bizkaia.net

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Euskal Herria Youth Orchestra

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MUSIC Taj Mahal Performance by this exponent of traditional blues and Afro-American music within the Music Legends Season.

Date: 5 July Venue: Sala BBK (Gran Vía, 19) Time: 20:00 Coral Bilbao Meets Bilbao BBK Live A2.

The Euskeria and Bilbao choirs will perform versions of the songs of artists featured in the Bilbao BBK Live 2014.

Date: 8 July Venue: Campos Theatre Time: : 20:00 Euskal Herria Youth Orchestra Date: 23 July Venue: Euskalduna Conference Centre Time: 20:00 Leon Russell Performance featuring this musical legend, one of the most complete and versatile musicians in the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Date: 9 September Venue: Sala BBK (Gran Vía, 19) Time: 20:00

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Arriaga Theatre, Bilbao

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Theatre BILBOKO KALEALDIA

Me río del Arriaga

This festival converts Bilbao’s old quarter into a huge stage on which companies from all over the world will perform theatrical works, circus acts, dance, aerial acrobatics...

Final performance of “Las visitas guiadas del Arriaga”. Aurori and Maria Ángeles, two Friends of the Arriaga, are about to leave the theatre after enjoying the Sardina, the Jarrón, the Pelotari and other features when they find themselves alone with the doors locked…

Date: From 1 to 5 July http://www.bilbokokalealdia.com/es/ The Hole A big fiesta that will turn the city nights upside down, raising the temperature and the spirits of spectators. Music, suggestive stripteases, circus acts and even a great love story. Not for the fainthearted!

Date: From 14 August to 6 September Venue: Arriaga Theatre Montenegro A magnificent production of the three “Comedias Bárbaras”: “Águila de Blasón”, “Romance de lobos” and “Cara de plata” by Valle-Inclán, featuring Ramón Barea, recipient of the National Drama Award, as the protagonist.

12 and 13 September at 20:00 Venue: Arriaga Theatre 12 and 13 de September e 20:00 h.

14 September at 19:00.

Niños, dejad de joder con la pelota Two young actors, lovers of the classics, tell their story accompanied by a guitar and in the intimacy of a theatre. A musical based on actual event...

Date: 16 September Venue: Arriaga Theatre Time: 20:00 El eunuco Nine characters and nine stories are intertwined in a production that shamelessly shifts between classical and Greco-Roman theatre, musical, situational comedy and vaudeville Date: From 17 to 21 September.

Venue: Arriaga Theatre Time: 17, 18 and 19 September at 20:00, 20 September at 18:00 and 21:00, 21 September at 19:00

Date: 23 and 24 September Venue: Arriaga Theatre Time: 20:00 Los Mácbez How far is a human being willing to go to achieve his o her ambitions? And two human beings? This is the essence of ’Los Mácbez’, the power of a couple. .

Date: From 25 to 27 September.

Venue: Arriaga Theatre Time: 20:00 .

Ederlezi Pastorala This work tells the story of a gypsy mother and her seven daughters, century by century, between the 17th and 21st centuries in the Basque Country. For example, during the Lapurdi witch-hunt in 1600 or during the Second World War. Date: 28 September Venue: Arriaga Theatre Time: 19:00 Goyo Jiménez Date: From 14 to 20 August Venue: Campos Elíseos Theatre Time: 20:00 On 15 and 20 August there are also performances at 23:30 Jamming An improvised performance.

Completely improvised drama.

Date: From 15 to 31 August Venue: Cúpula Hall in the Campos Elíseos Theatre Time: Inquire Maribel y la extraña familia A comedy concerning an American bar-room prostitute who ends up in a family home...

Date: From 21 to 26 August Venue: Campos Elíseos Theatre Time: 20:00

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“Dralion” by the Cirque du Soleil

Misión Florimón Date: From 27 to 31 August Venue: Campos Elíseos Theatre Time: 20:00 En el estanque dorado A valuable reflection on the difficulty entailed in finding positive relationships. At any age. At any time.

Date: From 3 to 7 September Venue: Campos Elíseos Theatre Time: 20:00 El hijo de la novia Date: From 10 to 14 September Venue: Campos Elíseos Theatre Time: 20:00 Russian Cossack State Dance Company A performance of the work “Miguel Strogoff”.

Date: 17 September Venue: Campos Elíseos Theatre Time: 20:00 .

Los Morancos Fun and laughter in abundance with their latest sketches.

Date: From 19 to 24 September Venue: Campos Elíseos Theatre Time: 20:00

Confesiones de Mujeres de 30 A tangle of cackles and “politically incorrect” hormonal truths”.

Date: From 15 August to 14 September.

Venue: Euskalduna Conference Centre Spanish operetta: “LOS GAVILANES” Date: From 16 to 18 August Venue: Euskalduna Conference Centre Time: 20:15 El Crédito Carlos Hipólito and Luis Merlo, two of the leading figures within contemporary theatre, star in this story of a typical man who tries to obtain a small loan from the bank.

Date: From 19 August to 7 September.

Venue: Euskalduna Conference Centre Opening hours: Consult Los Miserables This musical, based on Victor Hugo’s novel, tells an epic tale of shattered dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption set against the backdrop of a nation on the verge of revolution.

Date: From 21 August to 6 September.

Venue: Euskalduna Conference Centre Opening hours: Inquire

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CIRCUS “Dralion” by the Cirque du Soleil The Cirque du Soleil presents its work Dralion, inspired by oriental philosophy and the eternal search for balance between humanity and nature.

Date: From 16 to 24 August Venue: Bilbao Aren www.cirquedusoleil.com

OTHERS Euskal Encounter’14 This mass gathering of computing fans and professionals attempts to provide an exchange of knowledge, carrying out all nature of activities linked to computing over the course of several days. Boasting twenty-two editions, this is the longest running Lan Party in Spain.

Date: From 24 to 27 July.

Venue: BEC, Bilbao Exhibition Centre www.euskal.org

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Vanguardia Gallery

IN BILBAO ART DISTRICT EVERY STREET EXUDES ART ARITZA GALLERY Marqués del Puerto, 14

KALAO PANAFRICAN CREATIONS Arbolantxa, 6

Ángela García, Antonia Guzmán and Manolo García. “Retrospective of 2013-2014” Up until 12 July 2014. Closed on Saturdays

Gastineau Massamba (R. Congo), Thonton Kabeya (D.R. Congo) and Kisito Assangni (Togo). Painting, sculpture and photography From 17 July to 27 September.

“Summer Collective” From 15 July to 30 September Closed during the “Big Week”

ESPACIO MARZANA Muelle Marzana, 5

CENTRE OF CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY (CFC) Plaza Ensanche, 11 Antonio M. Xoubanova. “Country House”.

Up until 30 July..

Carmen Calvo. Photographic exhibition From 12 September onwards JUAN MANUEL LUMBRERAS Henao, 3 Antonio Rojas. “Emotional architecture”. Painting Up until 19 September Emilia Enriquez. “Restitched world” Sculptural installation.

Up until 12 September.

CLOSED OVER AUGUST

David Cívico Up until 12 September.

Closed over August.

Ixone Sádaba From 19 September to 31 October.

MICHEL MEJUTO GALLERY Juan de Ajuriaguerra, 18 Resident artists of the Bilbao Art Foundation. “Open for holidays XI”..

From 15 to 30 July “Escaparate” From 1 August to 4 September..

SC GALLERY Cortes, 4 “On Paper” group exhibition.

Up until 18 July

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LA TALLER Zumárraga, 7 (entrance via Maestro Iciar) JELETON. “LOREEN HISTORIA POLITIKOA, O CUANDO LAS LILAS SE VOLVIERON VIOLETAS”” Up until 19 September.

By prior appointment in August and September.

VANGUARDIA GALLERY Alameda Mazarredo, 19 Txaro Arrazola. “How to avert the disasters of the contemporary crisis” Up until 30 July.

Interventions at Deusto Bridge Dani Lozano “Casus belli / mea culpa” Until July 12 Arrate Lopez “Zubia Bizirik” From 13 to 30 July Ixone Ormaetxe. “Honey, remember to water the plants while I am gone”.

August Karlos Martínez B.””Many who wanted to bring some light, were hanged from a lamppost”.

September

Javier Pérez, Lourdes Fisa, Carlos B. Morales, Marion Thieme, Cristina Lucas, Txaro Arrazola. Summary of the season From 1 to 30 September.

WINDSOR KULTURGINTZA Juan de Ajuriaguerra, 14 Students from the Faculty of Fine Arts within the University of the Basque Country.

Up until 30 July Iñigo Cabo. “Artits working”.

From 1 September to 15 October.

Kalao Gallery

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Bilbao-Bizkaia Tourist Office

USEFUL INFORMATION BILBAO TOURIST OFFICES OPENING HOURS PLAZA CIRCULAR OFFICE Every day from 9:00 to 21:00 GUGGENHEIM OFFICE (next to the museum) From 1 July to 7 September: Every day from 10:00 to 19:00 From 8 September onwards: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00 Sundays from 10:00 to 15:00

CITY CARD This card allows users to travel on Bilbao-Bizkaia public transport and offers discounts in museums, live performances, shops, restaurants and other leisure activities.

Card options: 24, 48 and 72 hours.

Point of sale: Tourist offices and via www.bilbaobizkaiacard.com

CENTRAL RESERVATIONS SERVICE bilbaoreservas.com is the official Bilbao Tourism service to facilitate reservations for visitors in any tourist service within the city. www.bilbaoreservas.com Tel: 902 877 298

CARAVANING KOBETAMENDI Bilbao’s caravan site can be found at Monte Kobeta, 31. It offers 72 spaces, electricity connections, water, sullage and sewage offloading and a 24-hour service for caravanners.

SHOPPING AND SALES Summer is an excellent time to go shopping in Bilbao as the quality and variety of the city’s commercial offer are made all the more appealing by the SALES in various establishments: an opportunity to purchase high quality products at lower prices

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS Ertzaintza (Basque Police) Emergency: 112 Local Police: 092 Bilbao International Airport: 902 40 47 04

BILBAO BIZKAIA FRIENDLY Bilbao is a modern city, brimming with possibilities and renowned as a friendly location throughout Europe, where visitors will find a select choice of bars, restaurants and fashion boutiques, along with a wide range of other establishment where a warm and welcoming atmosphere pervades. www.bilbaobizkaiafriendly.com

PUBLIC TRANSPORT www.metrobilbao.net www.euskotren.es www.termibus.es www.euskotren.es/tranviabilbao www.renfe.com Tel. Bizkaibus: 902 222 265

PLANS FOR THE FAMILY

www.bilbaoturismo.net