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The heart of the Basque Empire, Bilbao struggles to maintain an identity as a destination in Spain. Many travelers use the airport as their jump off spot for exploring the rest of Euskadi. Some hang around long enough to see the spectacular Guggenheim on the banks of the river Nervion. Plan a few days around town and get to know one of the best kept secrets in Europe. We stayed at the Hostal Begonia and would walk up to the Abando every morning joining locals for coffee and pinchos at the Cafe de Granja. Get your language skills tuned up. The selection of food and fresh squeezed juices complement the powerful espresso. Don’t linger too long, you have a train to catch to the beach. Hop on Metro Line 2 and hit the necklace of beaches that ring the water. Stops at Bidezabal, Neguri, or way out to Plentzia provide easy access to sand and surf.Find your way back to town for that Guggenheim…

See more at http://www.afar.com/highlights/bilbao-more-than-the-guggenheim