Spain has plenty of characterful towns, sandy beaches and relaxed villages for holidaymakers to explore.
But one spot has been dubbed the ‘Manchester of Spain’ because of how good value it is.
The vibrant destination of Bilbao is the largest city in the country’s northern Basque region.
It’s less hectic than other popular locations like Madrid and Barcelona, and visitors have easy access to the north coast’s unspoiled and wild beaches.
Metro’s Martina Andretta visited Bilbao in October and found it ‘laidback and genuinely affordable’.
She revealed how she paid just £2 for a glass of wine, meanwhile flights to the Spanish destination are just as cheap.
Single tickets in February, which is the cheapest month to head to Bilbao according to Skyscanner, can be bagged for just £16, and a return costs from £31.
A hotel room for two people can be found in July for as little as £179 for two nights on Booking.com.
The vibrant destination of Bilbao is the largest city in the country’s northern Basque region
It’s less hectic than other popular locations like Madrid and Barcelona, and visitors have easy access to the north coast’s unspoiled and wild beaches
Martina compared Bilbao to Manchester, with both cities boasting modern architecture, ‘working-class pride’ and ‘industrial heritage’.
Locals are also very supportive of their football team, Athletic Bilbao, just like many Mancunians who side with either Manchester City or Manchester United.
Bilbao is also a great option for culture vultures as it’s home to the Guggenheim art gallery, one of Spain’s most iconic art destinations.
Unlike other Spanish hotspots, the destination isn’t usually too busy and although it feels lively, visitors won’t find themselves battling crowds.
There’s plenty to explore, from the old town, lively bars and Basque culture all making it an ideal location for a weekend break.
Bilbao is also home to La Ribera Market, which claims to be the biggest covered market in Europe at a huge 10,000 square metres.
Inside, the maze of stalls sell everything from Iberico ham and salted cod to aged cheese and seasonal fruit.
What’s more, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Vizcaya Bridge – is just a short metro ride from the old town.
What’s more, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Vizcaya Bridge – is just a short metro ride from the old town
There are plenty of affordable spots in Spain, and earlier this year the cheapest destinations for expats were revealed.
According Euro Weekly News, places such as Jaén, Cádiz, Castilla-La Mancha, Galicia and Extremadura now rank among the cheapest places in the country for foreign residents.
In these areas, rent is notably lower than in tourist-heavy locations such as Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante, with some locations offering housing for as little as €4 to €6 per square metre.
A 70-square metre apartment in many inland towns can cost between €300 (£260) and €400 (£350) per month – less than half the price of a similar property in expensive coastal or metropolitan areas across Spain.