Bilbao: A City Full of Surprises

Elizabeth Leonard • 7 April 2025

As a marketing assistant at Barter’s Travelnet Cork, I’m lucky enough to be talking about and researching stunning destinations every day. One place that has stuck with me and become my favourite travel destination is Bilbao. My sister has lived there for the past 4 years, so I’ve been lucky enough to visit quite a few times, each time bringing new experiences and plenty of memories. When I found out that Cork Airport now has a direct flight to Bilbao, I think it's safe to say I was pretty excited.


Bilbao: More Than Just a City

Bilbao is one of those places that manages to surprise you each time you visit. It has a mix of modern architecture, historical charm, and an atmosphere that’s laid-back but buzzing at the same time. If you’re not familiar with the city, it’s probably best known for the Guggenheim Museum (definitely worth the visit), but there’s so much more to Bilbao than that. Every time I visit, I always feel like I’m uncovering something new. Whether it’s a quiet street in Casco Viejo or a hidden café serving the best coffee you’ve ever had, Bilbao always seems to have something up its sleeve.

an aerial view of bilbao

Food: Where the Real Fun Happens

Let’s talk about the food because, honestly, that’s where the best part of every trip happens. Pintxos, which are Basque tapas, are everywhere in Bilbao, and I’ve never had a bad one. You can spend hours hopping between bars, trying all sorts of small dishes, each one more delicious than the last. Some of my favourite spots are the Mercado de Ribera for pintxos along the river. It always has an amazing selection of pintxos, and you can wash it all down with a glass of txakoli, the Basque white wine. If you’re in the area, Plaza Nueva is a lively square where you’ll find some of the best pintxos bars like Sorginzulo and Victor Montes — it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the local vibe.


We also make sure to visit Demaio, a place known for its pizzas — definitely one of the best I’ve had, and I always look forward to it when I’m there. Anytime the family visits, my sister will always make us tortillas, a simple dish of eggs and potatoes cooked into a thick omelette, and it's one of my absolute favourites. She also makes Basque cheesecake, which is ridiculously good and something I can't leave Bilbao without having. It’s always a treat to sit down with family and enjoy a meal like that, and it’s the kind of home cooking that makes every visit feel special. 


Exploring Bilbao: From Football to Culture

If you’re into sports, San Mamés Stadium is a must-visit. It’s home to Athletic Bilbao, and the atmosphere during a game is something else. This year, it’s also hosting the Europa League Final, which is a huge deal for the city. I’ve been there with my dad and brother before — it’s a great experience if you can catch a game.


One of the highlights of Bilbao for me is taking a ride on the Artxanda Funicular, which takes you up to a great viewpoint overlooking the city. The cable car ride is quick but fun, and once you get to the top, the panoramic views of Bilbao are unbeatable. It’s one of those activities that’s simple but so much fun.


Also, if you're into art, you can’t miss the Guggenheim Museum. On one of my trips, I caught a car exhibition there, and it was cool to see how they blend art and design. The museum itself is iconic, and you’ll find plenty to appreciate even if you’re not a huge art buff. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the famous Puppy, the flower-covered dog sculpture outside the Guggenheim — it’s one of Bilbao’s most iconic landmarks!

A glass display in a restaurant of pinxtos in bilbao spain

Day Trips and Hidden Gems

If you have time, you can always escape Bilbao for a day or two. One of my favourite spots is Puerto Viejo, a quiet coastal town just outside the city. It's known for kalimotxo  (a surprisingly good mix of red wine and Coke), and it’s always nice to sit by the water with a drink in hand. At Arrantzake, enjoy fresh seafood dishes like grilled fish and seafood paella, paired with local wines for a truly authentic Basque dining experience.  Las Arenas, where you can cross the famous Puente Colgante (the world’s oldest transporter bridge), which offers great views and a bit of history.


For a fun way to see the city from the water, I’d recommend hopping on a boat ride with Bilbao Boats. It’s a relaxing and scenic way to see the city and surrounding landscapes.


The Best Time to Visit: Festivals and Local Traditions

One of the best times to visit Bilbao is in the summer when the city comes alive with festivals. Aste Nagusia, a week-long celebration in August, is a real highlight, with street parades, live music, fireworks, and plenty of food. It’s not just a touristy event — it’s a celebration for the locals, and you’ll get a true taste of Basque culture.


Also, if you happen to be in the area on a Thursday, you’ll experience Pintxopote. It’s a local tradition where bars offer a drink and a pintxo for a couple of euros, and you’ll see people hopping from bar to bar, enjoying the food and social atmosphere. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the city mid-week. Don’t miss the Fiestas del Pueblo, local town parties that happen each week during the summer. They're a great way to soak up the local culture and join in on the celebrations.

A row of colourful buildings downa street in the centre of bilbao

Bilbao: Always Worth a Visit

Bilbao has a lot going for it. Whether you're looking to dive into the food scene, check out the modern architecture, or experience the local culture, there’s something for everyone. It’s a place that feels like home to me, and I know I’ll keep coming back.


Now that Cork has a direct flight to Bilbao, it’s easier than ever to visit and experience everything the city has to offer. If you’re looking for a more active way to explore the region, we also have special offers for the Camino de Santiago route from San Sebastián to Bilbao. It’s a beautiful journey through the Basque countryside, and whether you’re walking or cycling, it’s a fantastic way to experience the area at a slower pace. Feel free to get in touch with us at Barter’s Travelnet Cork if you’d like to know more or plan your next adventure!

riviera rose new ship

Riviera Travel’s New Ships

by Elizabeth Leonard • 6 May 2026
Riviera Travel’s New River Cruise Ships A Fresh Take on European River Cruising If you’ve been looking into European river cruises recently, chances are you’ve come across Riviera Travel — and for good reason. They’ve built a strong reputation for delivering well planned itineraries, beautiful ships, and an easy, relaxed way to explore Europe. And now, with the introduction of their newest Riviera Travel river cruise ships, that experience feels even more refined. The latest additions to the fleet — MS Riviera Radiance and MS Riviera Rose — mark an exciting new chapter, with MS Riviera Resplendence and MS Riviera Reflection set to follow. Together, they represent a thoughtful evolution of Riviera’s river cruising experience in Europe, bringing a fresh, modern feel onboard while staying true to what makes their journeys so popular. One of the first things you’ll notice is the design. The interiors feel bright, elegant, and contemporary, with a real attention to detail throughout. There’s a sense of space in the main lounge, with panoramic windows designed to make the most of the views, while the dining areas feel refined yet relaxed — somewhere you’ll genuinely look forward to spending time each evening. The cabins are just as impressive. Many feature French balconies, allowing you to fully enjoy the ever changing scenery on a Danube river cruise, a Rhine river cruise, or even a journey along the Douro River cruise route. You’ll also find thoughtful touches like comfortable seating areas, well designed bathrooms, and clever storage that makes settling in feel effortless from the start. Onboard, the layout has clearly been designed with comfort in mind. There are inviting social spaces for a drink or a coffee during the day, as well as quieter corners if you want to unwind with a book or simply watch the scenery pass by. The sun deck is another highlight — an ideal spot to take in the views as you sail through some of Europe’s most scenic stretches.

Ordinary on the Map, Unforgettable in Real Life

by Leonor Resende • 23 April 2026
Not every place makes a good first impression. Some destinations look quiet on the map, unremarkable in photos, and easy to overlook when compared to Europe’s better‑known cities and regions. They don’t promise instant wonder or dramatic scenery, they don’t shout for attention, in fact, they can seem so familiar that you wonder whether they’re worth the trip at all. And yet, these are often the places that surprise us the most. Once you arrive, expectations begin to fall away. You stop searching for highlights and start noticing moments instead: the rhythm of daily life, the way people interact with their surroundings, how time feels different when nothing is urging you forward. Slowly, almost without realising it, the place begins to matter. This is the kind of travel that doesn’t reveal itself all at once, it unfolds through small details, unplanned pauses, and experiences that don’t always fit neatly into an itinerary. By the time you leave, you understand something important: the places that felt ordinary before the trip are often the ones that stay with you longest afterward. Europe is full of destinations like this, quiet, understated places that reward curiosity rather than expectation. These are some of them.
blue danube river

Discover Riviera Travel River Cruises: Itineraries, Excursions & Current Offers

by Elizabeth Leonard • 21 April 2026
Explore Riviera Travel river cruise itineraries across the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Douro, with curated excursions and immersive experiences. Now with €99 deposits, 10% off 2027–2028 sailings and limited-time savings on selected 2026 cruises.

Travel the World’s Biggest Music Festivals

by Leonor Resende • 14 April 2026
At their core, music festivals are more than live performances or carefully curated line‑ups. They are cultural gatherings, temporary communities where locals and travellers come together in shared spaces shaped by creativity, tradition, and emotion. For a few days or weeks, familiar landscapes are transformed, and in that transformation a place reveals how it celebrates, how it communicates, and how it welcomes outsiders.  These moments go beyond what happens on stage. Festivals unfold within real places, not isolated bubbles, and they carry the imprint of their surroundings. The food reflects regional traditions, the rhythms of daily life seep into the schedule, and local values are expressed through art, design, and the way people interact. Whether set in countryside fields, historic cities, or coastal neighbourhoods, festivals offer travellers an unusually intimate way to experience a destination. This is what makes music festivals such compelling entry points for cultural travel. They encourage movement without urgency, discovery without a checklist, and connection without preconception. Rather than following an itinerary, travellers follow a feeling, allowing sound, place, and human connection to shape the journey. In these moments, travel becomes less about where you go next, and more about how deeply you experience where you are.

The Ultimate Malta travel guide: Top Attractions & Hidden Gems

by Kelly Collins • 1 April 2026
Malta is one of those places that completely catches you off guard, in the best ways imaginable. For such a tiny island nation, it packs more beauty, history and “wait, why does nobody talk about this?!” moments than seems fair. One minute you're wandering through golden stone streets that look straight out of a period drama, and the next you're floating in shockingly blue water, wondering why it isn't illegal for the sea to look that good. It’s the kind of destination where the big attractions blow your way, but the hidden corners are what quietly steal your heart This guide is here to walk you through Malta the way a fellow traveller would, with honest insight, friendly advice and all the info you need to make your trip effortless and unforgettable

Find Your Perfect Holiday Based on Your Personality

by Leonor Resende • 27 March 2026
Choosing a holiday is more than deciding on a place to visit, it’s choosing the version of yourself you want to step into for a little while. Some people come alive on high mountain trails, others find their joy floating in warm turquoise seas. Some feel energised exploring new cultures, while others crave nothing more than sunshine, good food and the simple luxury of slowing down. Travel isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. It’s personal. It’s emotional. It’s a reflection of you. And that’s why the best holidays aren’t picked at random, they’re chosen by discovering what kind of traveller you truly are. Are you the adventurer? The luxury seeker? The family memory‑maker? The culture lover? Or the dreamer ready to explore a far‑flung corner of the world? When you match your personality to the right holiday style, something magical happens: the anticipation grows, the excitement builds, and suddenly the journey feels like it’s already begun. So let’s dive in. Let’s explore the escape that suits your spirit, the holiday that feels like it was created with you in mind. Your perfect match is waiting…and it might just surprise you.

The Rise of Fitness Tourism: Why Irish Travellers are going abroad for races & events

by Kelly Collins • 25 March 2026
If you have noticed more Irish people swapping sun loungers for start lines, you are not imagining it. Fitness tourism, sometimes called race-cation have become one of the fastest growing travel trends for Irish holidaymakers. From destination marathons to HYROX events abroad, more of us are choosing to travel with a purpose, challenge ourselves in new cities and come home with a medal rather than just a tan. And the numbers back it up. Global marathon participation rose 9% last year, with runners increasingly choosing races based on location rather than proximity to home. HYROX, too, has exploded on social media, giving travellers a whole new kind of event to plan trips around So what's behind Ireland's growing love affair with fitness-focused travel? Let's break it down. 

Top 6 Travel Destinations with Direct Flights from Cork Airport for 2026

by Leonor Resende • 25 March 2026
Imagine Cork Airport not as a terminal, but as a hallway lined with doors, each one opening onto a completely different world. Behind one door: golden beaches warmed by the Canary sun. Behind another: cobblestone streets, cafés buzzing with conversation, and the soft glow of city lights reflecting off canal water. Further down, a hidden gem on the Adriatic coast invites you to slow down, wander, taste, and explore. No matter what type of traveller you are, sun chaser, culture seeker, foodie, or adventurer, Cork’s direct flight network now connects you to the places you’ve been dreaming about. Here are six of the most inspiring destinations you can reach in just one flight. Step through any door you like.
Rocky coastline with green mountains meeting the blue ocean under a bright sky.

Madeira: The Island That Feels Like Five Destinations in One

by Leonor Resende • 12 March 2026
When most people think of island holidays, they imagine one thing: golden sandy beaches and long, lazy days by the sea, but the Portuguese island of Madeira is unlike any other. In this destination, you can experience landscapes and activities that feel like travelling across several destinations.  One moment you’re wandering misty mountain peaks shrouded in clouds, the next you’re swimming in volcanic pools, and by evening, you could be savouring world-famous wine while watching the sun dip into the Atlantic. Madeira is nature, adventure, culture, and relaxation all in one compact island. Here’s why it’s a destination you simply cannot miss.
Open suitcase with hat, sunglasses, headphones, camera, phone, and clothing on a bed.

Where to Travel in Summer 2026 in Europe

by Leonor Resende • 5 March 2026
Summer 2026 is just around the corner, and travellers are already dreaming of sunny beaches, cultural getaways, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're planning a short city break, a family holiday, or a luxury escape, knowing which European destinations are trending this year can help you plan the perfect getaway. From the postcard-perfect cliffs of Santorini, Greece, to the medieval charm of Dubrovnik, Croatia, the rustic beauty of Calabria, Italy, the cultural energy of Bilbao, Spain, and the year‑round sunshine of Tenerife, Europe is full of extraordinary places waiting to be explored this summer. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the hottest destinations of 2026, complete with insider tips, must‑see attractions, and ideas to help you plan the perfect summer getaway.