Cheap Flights to Bilbao Airport

Discover Bilbao

The Bilbao Airport (BIO) has the honour of serving the capital of Spain’s Basque Country, Bilbao. This is a decently equipped airport with ATMs, free WiFi, a restaurant and café, and a few snack kiosks. There is a good duty-free section, and a number of smaller shops you can browse in, plus you’ll find a few information points in the terminal building.

For transport, you can take public buses that will travel the 11km into town, or hail a taxi outside the terminal. A journey into town is a fairly reasonable 25EUR ($36).

If you want to fly to this city, look for flights with airlines like Iberia, Air France, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, KLM, Emirates, Lufthansa, Air Europa, and Etihad Airways among others.

Why visit Bilbao?

Bilbao, is the largest city in Basque Country, and situates itself along the Bay of Biscay. Though not as vaunted for its beauty the way San Sebastian is, this is undoubtedly the heart and soul of contemporary Basque culture. Boasting an evolving and exciting foodie scene, the best nightlife in Biscay, and a monopoly on the best museums, galleries and landmarks in the region, there are more than enough reasons to find yourself in the city of Bilbao.

Things to do in Bilbao

Upon entering the storied city of Bilbao, it’s worth spending day one in the Old Town, or the Casco Viejo, as it is more commonly known. This gorgeous part of the city is connected to the newer part of Bilbao via five beautiful bridges, and if you cross these you can find all sorts of boutique shops, little eateries, and sunny cafes. In particular look for the Plaza Nueva, whose restaurants are perfect for people-watching in the area.

You will find many of the city’s heritage attractions in Casco Viejo, such as the Church of San Nicolas, and the Baroque Iglesia de San Nicholas de Bari. You can also catch a show in the popular Arriaga Theatre, whose architecture is reminiscent of Paris’ Palais Garnier Opera House.

Then spend some time in the excellent museums, particular favourites being the Archeological Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the incredible Guggenheim Museum, which is also a landmark due to its astounding modern design.

Best time to visit Bilbao

·         Bilbao is one of those fortunate European cities where most seasons are great for travel here. From spring, to summer, and onto autumn you can find weather ranging from 14-35°C. It is the summer where you are likely to find that balmy, beachside weather that sees those hot spikes in the 30s, so if you aren’t planning to hit the beach, stick to the shoulder seasons which make for better city touring.

·         Winters are easier on your wallet, but you may find the city is much quieter than you’d expect. The weather is mild (roughly 12°C) but can see the odd snowfall.

Arriving in Bilbao by plane

·         Travelling to Bilbao will mean a stop in an Asian or Middle Eastern transit facility; usually this is in Singapore (SIN) or Dubai (DXB). Expect a further stop in Europe, either in Frankfurt (FRA), Madrid (MAD), or Amsterdam (AMS).

Currency

·         Euro (EUR).

Visa requirements

·         Nationals holding an Australian passport will not need a visa to travel to Spain. Visit the Smart Traveller page on Spain operated by the Foreign Affairs Department in Australia to check the latest conditions of entry, and to find out more information regarding safe travel, restrictions, as well as hints and tips.

Please note that information is correct as of December 2016