Those looking to experience the quieter side of Naxos will certainly appreciate the tranquility of Kastraki Beach — a long stretch of sand, perfect for long walks along the water. The beach is less developed and never gets crowded, but several taverns do operate in the area.

Take a walk in the shoes of a local with one of Bilbao’s most popular hikes. Pagasarri, at 673 m, is one of the smaller mountains surrounding the city, and most locals have tackled it at least once. Buses from the city centre take you to starting points around Zabalburu or Peñascal. At the summit, there’s a bar selling bocatas—baguette sandwiches stuffed with tortilla de patata, txistorra, or chorizo. If you’re feeling ambitious, continue on to Ganekogorta at 998 m, just a bit further along the ridge, for more sweeping views of Bilbao and the surrounding hills.

This is a location full of ancient artifacts bearing traces of life dating back to the bronze Age, Antiquity and the arrival of the Croats. Lobor is often called the cradle of Christianity in northern Croatia. Testimony to this can be found in the baptistery from the Old Christian period and the old Croatian cemetery from the 11th century above which the church was built.

A winding stone bridge links the mainland to this rocky islet, followed by 240 steps up to the small hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. The chapel dates back to the 10th century, although it has been rebuilt multiple times following fires and pirate attacks. Even if the chapel is closed (which it often is), the climb is worth it for the stunning sea views, the cliffs carved into arches, and the remote, windswept feeling at the top - Game of Thrones fans will recognise the setting as Dragonstone. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Bilbao. You can also take a bus to Bermeo, a fishing town nearby, and continue by taxi or local bus. The trail is steep and uneven, so good shoes help.