Bilbao's Casco Viejo (Old Town) is home to some of the city's best mid-range and budget hotels, charming streets, beautiful architecture, and delicious eateries. Kimkim staff visited Old Town and found the best properties, including those with rooftop terraces and rooms with balconies, allowing you to enjoy this historic neighborhood even more.
The Guggenheim Museum is one of Bilbao's most famous and important sites, so perhaps you're looking for a hotel near this iconic architectural landmark. After visiting the city, kimkim's staff found the best hotels near the Guggenheim Museum, so you can easily walk to the site and even enjoy views of its famed exterior from your room.
As an artsy city mixing old and new, Bilbao is an excellent choice for learning about Spanish history and architecture—and staying in a historical hotel only enhances the experience. Kimkim visited Bilbao to find the best historic hotels in the city and settled on this list of six options, ranging from luxury to budget. Sleep among the city's history in rural cottages, 18th-century mansions, and properties built by famous architects.
If you're on a budget and staying in Bilbao, you're in luck—Bilbao has some of the best budget-friendly hotels in Spain. After visiting properties across the city (and country), kimkim created a list of the top standard hotels. And thanks to Bilbao's mix of modernity, history, and eclectic architecture, even these budget picks offer stylish lodgings and central locations. You won't find as many amenities, but some offer perks like on-site bars, breakfast buffets, lounges, and authentic countryside locales.
With its mix of historic and eclectic contemporary architecture, Bilbao is an ideal place to upgrade your stay. The best luxury hotels in Bilbao channel the city's past and present with cushy linens and room furnishings, cozy and hip dining spaces, and rooftop terraces overlooking iconic sites like the Guggenheim Museum and La Salve Bridge. And no luxury stay is complete without amenities like wellness centers, spas, cocktail bars, memorable eateries, and the like.
Mid-range hotels in Bilbao offer the perfect middle ground between luxury properties and budget options, so you get a few excellent amenities and comfortable rooms while saving a bit of money. After visiting numerous hotels in Bilbao, kimkim's top picks for this budget tier offer perks like central locations, cozy room décor, rooftop pools, trendy bars, on-site eateries, gyms, Guggenheim views, and more.
Kick off this eight-day, family-focused tour in historic Madrid, where you'll learn to make traditional paella in a family cooking class and take lessons in the art of flamenco, Spain's most famous dance! Spend some time in Toledo to discover the art of sword-making with a master craftsperson, then head to Seville for a luxurious river cruise and a creative pottery class. See the Seville Cathedral and Royal Alcázar with a private guide, and spend your last evening eating your way through the city's best tapas restaurants.
This family-friendly tour of Spain starts in the capital city of Madrid, where you'll make traditional paella, visit the historic Plaza Mayor, and learn the art of flamenco, Spain's most famous dance! Take a day trip to Segovia for breathtaking views via hot-air balloon and spend some time with the master swordsmiths of Toledo. Then, it's off to picturesque Seville for a cruise on the Guadalquivir River, pottery classes in the artsy Triana district, and the gastronomical wonders of Andalusia's tapas restaurants.
This nine-day Spanish adventure is perfect for the family that loves to immerse themselves in a new culture—from art, history, and cuisine to architecture and nature. Discover a little of everything as you start with Barcelona's culinary and artistic heritage, heading south to Málaga for snorkeling and thrilling canyon treks. Hike in the Sierra Madre mountains and tour the palaces and gardens of Granada's Alhambra before continuing to Seville to learn flamenco and ceramic tile-making.
This activity-filled six-day family tour starts in the Spanish capital of Madrid, where you'll stroll the bustling Plaza Mayor and take a day trip to Toledo for a sword-making workshop. Then, it's off to Seville for a luxurious river cruise and family cooking class. Let the kids try their hand at pottery and tilework in the artistic Triana neighborhood, see incredible city views from the towers of La Giralda, and learn the art of Spain's most famous dance at the Museo del Baile Flamenco.
Split your time between the city and the beach on this six-day family trip through northeastern Spain. Explore Barcelona's historic Gothic Quarter, see the whimsical works of architect Antoni Gaudí, and relax on the city's most popular beaches. Then, it's off to the Costa Brava, where you'll sea kayak through secret caves, snorkel in the warm Mediterranean waters, walk along the medieval walls of Tossa de Mar, and take a glass-bottomed boat ride to local coves.
Grab your suntan lotion and flip-flops because you're off on a 10-day escape to Menorca and Mallorca, two stunning islands in the Spanish Balearics. In the former, you'll explore hidden corners on Jeep tours, laze on sun-kissed beaches, go kayaking, and do some wine tasting. Then experience the highlights of Mallorca, from touring Old Town Palma, hiking the Tramuntana Mountains, snorkeling off the coast, and more.
Escape to Spain's sun-kissed southern coast for 10 days of fun, food, culture, and beaches—with a dash of Morocco thrown in for good measure. Begin with tapas tours in Málaga, the birthplace of Picasso, followed by snorkeling, sunset cruises, and coastal hikes. Then, laze on the famous beaches of Marbella before hopping over to Tangier—Morocco's bohemian gem—for a private walking tour. Finally, return to Spain and enjoy free time to explore Cádiz at your own pace.
Pack your bags for a 10-day escape to Spain's northern Basque Country. Discover the flavors, history, and culture of this beguiling region by tasting its delicious pintxos on the streets of San Sebastián, exploring the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and crossing the border into France. If that's not enough, you'll visit wineries in La Rioja and hike above the Bay of Biscay to complete the adventure.
This 10-day Iberian adventure combines three distinct cities—by train—for travelers who want to see the major highlights of Spain. It starts in Barcelona, where you'll sample tapas, marvel at Gaudí landmarks, and hike along the Costa Brava. Then hop over to Madrid for a Segway tour and a day trip to medieval Toledo. Finish on the cobbled streets of Moorish Seville, where you'll visit an ancient olive oil estate and explore whitewashed Andalusian villages.
Immerse yourself in northern Spain's cities, mountains, and beaches on this 11-day tour. First, you'll fly to one of Europe's most vibrant cities, Barcelona, to feast on tapas, cycle among Gaudí's architecture, and discover a nearby wine region. Then, spend four days hiking through the spectacular Pyrenees mountains, crossing into France and back. Finish the trip with some relaxation in the Costa Brava, exploring its beaches and coves—and snorkeling in its warm Mediterranean waters.
Enjoy a tantalizing culinary journey through the landscapes of southern Spain, where each bite tells a story of rich traditions and flavors. From Seville's charming streets to Granada's historical wonders, this foodie trip includes tapas tastings, cooking classes, visits to vineyards, and discovering the secret behind Iberian jamón. You'll also enjoy cultural experiences like visiting iconic monuments, watching a flamenco show, and exploring the Cave of Aracena.
Three weeks is the right amount of time to visit at least six regions of Spain and Portugal. First-timers will find a mix of activities on a cultural highlights tour, while those who prefer flexibility should opt for a road trip that includes self-driving. Foodies will enjoy pastry-making in Ávila and more on a culinary-focused trip, while outdoorsy travelers will appreciate the abundance of nature-based activities in the Azores. And honeymooners and beach lovers can soak up the sun on the Iberian Peninsula.
Explore two of Spain's scenic northern regions in your own car, the foodie-centric Basque Country with its scenic coastline and La Rioja, a famous wine region. You'll start in San Sebastián and discover the city's history, culture, and gastronomy, followed by a detour to La Rioja for wine tasting and charming towns. End in Bilbao with hiking, foodie adventures, and visiting the famous Guggenheim Museum.
With two weeks in Spain and Portugal, you can cover up to five destinations depending on your preferred pace. Include Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, and Barcelona for historical and cultural highlights, or opt for off-the-beaten-path experiences in Évora and Monsaraz. Adventurous travelers can hit the trails in Algarve and the Via Verde from Seville to Carmona, while the culinary-focused should add San Sebastián for pintxos. For a slower-paced itinerary, laze on the tropical beaches of Spain's Canary Islands and Portugal's Azores.
Spain is famous for its dynamic gastronomy, but this rich food heritage extends beyond borders. On this two-week culinary odyssey across the Iberian Peninsula, you'll discover distinct and delicious flavors, from Spain's tapas and olive oils to the wine and food markets of neighboring Portugal. During the adventure, you'll take cooking classes, go on wine tours, dine with locals, and much more.
Discover the essence of Catalonia with this self-drive through Barcelona, the Costa Brava, and the Spanish Pyrenees. Along the way, you'll enjoy excursions like private visits to Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and iconic Gaudi architecture, plus leisurely self-guided day trips to the Costa Brava beaches and towns. Soak in the beauty of the Spanish Pyrenees as you drive through winding mountain roads, sleep in charming villages, and hike along alpine lakes, ending your trip back to Barcelona for some tapas.
Hit the road on an unforgettable adventure across Europe's Iberian Peninsula. It begins in Madrid with city tours followed by visits to the historic cities of Toledo, Granada, Seville, and Cádiz. Then you'll leave Spain's Andalusia region and travel to the sun-kissed southern coast of Portugal before turning north and finishing the trip in beautiful Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley.
Get ready for three weeks of culture, cuisine, and adventure on the Iberian Peninsula. You'll visit all the highlights, beginning with tours in Portugal's northern city of Porto, followed by a road trip south to the capital of Lisbon to explore its famous seven hills. After hiking the coast of Sintra and the Algarve, you'll hop around southern and eastern Spain, from Seville and Granada to Mallorca and Barcelona.
Spend two weeks on a culinary odyssey of Spain and Portugal as you travel across the Iberian Peninsula from east to west. Discover delicious tapas in Barcelona and dainty pintxos in San Sebastián, then hop over to Porto and Lisbon to sample some of Portugal's best wines. Carefully-selected private and small-group tours will illuminate each destination's gastronomic traditions as you feast on local produce in beautiful settings and learn to cook regional dishes alongside local chefs.
With 10-days in Spain and Portugal, you can experience the bucket list sights of Porto, Lisbon, Seville, and Granada on a highlights tour or take a deep dive into the Iberian Peninsula's fascinating history on a self-drive road trip featuring numerous guided city tours. Foodies will love a cultural and culinary trip, while those looking for more time at the beach can head down to the Algarve coast and choose between an activity-packed active vacation or a relaxing beach holiday.
Andalusia, with its historic villages and cities, beautiful countryside, and iconic monuments, is the perfect setting for a road trip. This itinerary takes you through the vibrant city streets of Seville for cultural experiences like flamenco, Cádiz for wine tasting, and Ronda to see the region's famed Pueblos Blancos (White Villages). You'll end in Granada with a private visit to one of the country's most important monuments, the Alhambra Palace.
Go beyond the Iberian Peninsula to discover the exotic beauty of not one but two Atlantic archipelagoes. You'll arrive in Gran Canaria, in Spain's Canary Islands, where you'll enjoy catamaran trips, mountain biking, and lazing on tropical beaches. Then jet off to Portugal's Azores, known as the "Hawaii of the Atlantic," where you'll go off-roading in a Jeep, hike to volcano craters, and enjoy another beach day or two.
Check off the highlights of the Iberian Peninsula on this two-week jaunt around Portugal and Spain. It begins in Lisbon, where you'll see centuries of history written in its cobbled streets on city tours and cultural outings. After a trip to Sintra's mountaintop palace, you'll head north to romantic Porto for wine tastings before jetting off to Spain to enjoy the fruits of Madrid and Barcelona.
See the highlights of Portugal and southern Spain alongside a hefty helping of outdoor adventure on this exhilarating 10-day itinerary. Begin in Lisbon to explore the city by tuk-tuk and hike through fairy-tale Sintra, then drive south to the Algarve coast for kayaking and surfing excursions. Cross into Spain to tour the sights of Seville and visit Carmona by electric bike, and end in Málaga to brave the walkways and bridges of the Caminito del Rey and snorkel beneath the stunning Cliffs of Maro.
Embark on a culinary journey through Spain's gastronomic capitals, Barcelona and San Sebastián, for an unforgettable foodie experience. Savor the flavors of the country's rich and diverse cuisine as you explore local markets, take part in a city tapas walk, visit iconic monuments like the Sagrada Família, take a cooking class, and even venture out to nearby vineyards and epicurean villages.
With 13 days in Spain, you can drive through various diverse landscapes, from the coast and historic cities to charming small villages or incredible national parks, experience the vibrant culture, and sample delicious cuisine. Popular itineraries for a 13-day road trip include exploring the northern regions of Basque Country, vibrant Andalusia, or the lesser-known areas of La Mancha, Extremadura, and Galicia, all highlighting the hidden treasures of Spain's rich heritage.
Twelve days in Spain is a perfect time frame for a road trip, as it gives you plenty of days to see major cities and sites while enjoying the countryside. Popular itineraries for a 12-day adventure start in Madrid and fan out into the country from there, whether to explore northern Spain's incredible scenery and gastronomy, discover Andalusia's unique history and culture, or get off the beaten path in regions like La Mancha and Extremadura.
Delve deeper into Portugal and southern Spain as you visit iconic cities and explore lesser-known towns and villages over two epic weeks. Tick off Porto and Lisbon, stopping at the Templar city of Tomar and a charming village en route. Journey deep into the Alentejo countryside where ancient Évora and fortified Monsaraz await, then continue to Spain, where you'll stop at small Andalusian towns on the way to Seville and Granada.
Eat your way around colorful Lisbon, admire the stunning natural coastline of the Algarve, and soak up the sunshine on the beaches of Mallorca with this relaxed 10-day coastal itinerary. As you hop between Portugal and Spain, balance slow beach days and relaxation with adventure and fun activities, such as sailing to the world-famous Benagil Cave, wine tasting at a traditional quinta estate, cycling through the lagoons of Ria Formosa, and paddleboarding on the bays of Mallorca.
Combine historic cities with off-the-beaten-path treasures on this 10-day, self-drive journey through Portugal and Spain. Start by enjoying the food and historical landmarks of Porto, then drive to the León region of Spain to marvel at the ancient sandstone buildings in Salamanca. Take a hot-air balloon over the countryside of Ávila, hike through the pine forests of Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, tour the medieval walls of Segovia, and finish the trip exploring the parks, plazas, and markets of Madrid.
Take advantage of your 11 days in Spain with a road trip through numerous cultures, regions, and landscapes. Options include driving along the scenic Basque coastline, exploring the historic towns of La Mancha and Extremadura, and combining buzzy Madrid with laid-back Andalusia. Regardless of your choice, these itineraries allow you to dive into Spain's rich history while experiencing its natural beauty.
With 16 days in Spain, you can cover a lot of ground, combining the capital city of Madrid with exploring historic sites in Andalusia, traversing the stunning countryside of La Mancha, or cruising along the rugged Basque coastline. These road trip options take you through different regions of Spain, including lesser-known areas like Extremadura, to experience authentic Spanish culture, gastronomy, and history.
Experience the wonders of Iberia on this 21-day adventure in Spain and Portugal. Lap up culture on walking tours in Madrid and Granada, then tackle the steep streets of Porto and Lisbon by e-bike and e-tuk-tuk. You'll hike among beauty spots like Cascais Natural Park and the Caminito del Rey, then finish by exploring the volcanic landscapes of the Azores, where crater lakes, thermal pools, and whale watching tours await.
Grab a rental car and hit the road through Spain, the ideal destination for a road trip, especially when you have over two weeks to explore the country. The three itineraries below feature different regions, so you can choose the iconic sites of Andalusia or head north and savor the beauty of Galicia and the Basque Country. Or, if you'd rather get off the beaten path, stick to central Spain by visiting regions like La Mancha and Extremadura.
Discover Spain and Portugal's beauty on this well-balanced 21-day cultural tour. You'll explore world-famous cities' cuisine, history, and architecture, from Barcelona and Madrid to Lisbon and Porto. Highlights include wine tasting in the lush Douro Valley and day trips to UNESCO-listed gems like hilltop fort city Toledo and Sintra, home of fairy-tale castles and palaces. The trip ends with sun-drenched beach time on the golden sands of the Algarve.
Soak up the sun as you explore the highlights of Portugal and Spain on this two-week adventure. Start in Lisbon, where you'll discover the city's historical attractions, markets, and fairs. Go hiking in Sintra and the Algarve, enjoy a catamaran cruise, and see the Ria Formosa Lagoon by bike. Then head to Spain for more city tours and cycling as you explore Seville, Carmona, and Granada. Finally, savor some tapas in Madrid, go ziplining in Toledo, and see Segovia by hot-air balloon.
On this 10-day adventure, you'll soak up the best of Portugal's two biggest cities and explore the beautiful countryside in Andalusia and the heritage highlights of Southern Spain. Start in Porto with a foodie experience, and venture south to colorful Lisbon via Coimbra, Portugal's medieval capital. Then journey from Lisbon to Seville and Granada, two Spanish cities renowned for Gothic architecture and Moorish connections.
Join a tapas crawl through Madrid, taste your way around Lisbon's historic streets, join a cooking class and market tour in Porto, and go wine tasting in the world-famous Douro Valley. This 10-day itinerary takes a journey through Spain and Portugal's rich and diverse cultures, packing in culinary highlights across three great food cities. Uncover gastronomic secrets and unusual traditions on this unique trip to the Iberian Peninsula.
With eight days in Spain, you can drive a lot of ground, whether cruising along the rugged Basque coastline, exploring historic cities in Andalusia, or traversing the stunning countryside of La Mancha. These road trip options take you through different regions of Spain, including the Canary Islands, to soak up the country's rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural beauty.
The perk of staying at a beachfront hotel means you can step straight from your accommodation onto the Costa Brava's sun-kissed shores. This can enhance your Costa Brava experience, as the Mediterranean Sea is a significant influence on Catalonia's culture and history. Though there aren't many beachfront options, this region still offers a few excellent choices for seaside stays.
Enjoy the Costa Brava's mesmerizing landscapes by staying at one of the region's hotels with stunning coastal, countryside, and/or city vistas. Whether you're seeking the perfect sunrise over the Mediterranean, a serene rural retreat, or a city break, these accommodations promise panoramas that will elevate your experience on the Costa Brava.
Though the beaches of the Costa Brava are some of its main appeals, it's always nice to have the option of cooling off in the pool—and pools are excellent amenities for non-coastal establishments. The best hotels with pools in the Costa Brava range from beachside options to relaxed countryside retreats surrounded by greenery. Either way, you can swim or relax on the sun deck when not exploring the region.
Discover the best boutique hotels nestled in the picturesque medieval town of Begur. From beautifully restored historic mansions to chic, modern hideaways, these accommodations offer a perfect blend of luxury, charm, and unique amenities, plus excellent locations for enjoying Begur's historic center and rugged coastline.
Discover the charm of Girona, where history meets modernity, through a curated list of the best hotels in the city. From beautifully restored historic properties to contemporary options, these hand-picked accommodations ensure a comfortable stay while exploring Girona's winding cobbled streets and interesting landmarks.
