The original theatre, created by Joaquin Rucoba (also known as the Spanish Mozart), burned down in 1914 and a second one was built, resembling the Opera House in Paris. Today, it remains the major cultural venue of Bilbao. Beautifully located on the banks of the Nervión river, the theatre is host to world-class opera, classical music concerts, and ballet. Besides shows, you can also take a guided tour behind the scenes and see the opera costume collection and the stunning stalls.

Take a sneak peek at a day in the life of a local by going on one of the most typical and easily accessible hiking routes in the region. Reaching some 673 metres (2,208 feet) in height, Pagasarri is one of the smaller mountains that surround Bilbao and most locals will have tried this hike at least once before. There are buses from the city centre, with a few different routes starting from the area of Zabalburu or from Peñascal, on the outskirts of the city. At the top of the mountain, there is even a bar selling 'bokatas', the typical no-nonsense baguette rolls filled with your local delicacy of choice, from tortilla de patata to txistorra or chorizo. If you've reached the summit of Pagasarri, you're already halfway to Ganekogorta, a summit at 998 metres (3,274 feet) which is a little further away.

Sozopol, one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, lies 35 kilometres south of Burgas and is easily accessible within an hour’s drive. Divided into the Old Town and New Town, it offers a charming atmosphere with cobbled streets, Greek (and Greek-inspired) architecture, and traditional Black Sea Revival-style houses. The Old Town is basically a museum-reserve, featuring over 180 historic homes, art galleries, and the archaeological museum, which houses relics of Saint John the Baptist. Beyond its historical heritage, the town is known for its beaches, architecture, and the annual Apollonia Arts and Film Festival in early September. Sozopol’s rich history, dating back 7,000 years, blends with its modern cultural scene, making it a standout destination for a day trip.

This is a city set between two hills around the beautiful bay of La Concha. San Sebastian, or Donosti as it is known by the locals, makes for an unforgettable day trip, where you can take in the glorious Belle Epoque balustrades and visit world-famous restaurants. There are four areas that you should visit. The first one is Parte Vieja, the Old Town, where you can find the popular pintxo bars and eat til you drop. South of Parte Vieja, you'll find the shopping district and heading towards the coast you will come across three beaches: Zurriola, the preferred spot for local surfers, La Concha, and Ondarreta, where the posh neighbourhood is.