Catch the train to Bilbao, the largest city of the Basque province, to discover the other side of Spain. The Basque region is a world apart from the sunny south, and Bilbao makes the perfect base for exploring this part of Spain. The stunning Guggenheim Museum pulls the crowds, but make time too for the Old Town (Casco Viejo). It's over 20 years since the Guggenheim opened (in 1997), but that one museum continues to have a huge impact on the city's creative industries. Bilbao is the major cultural centre in the Basque region. But the town also packs a culinary punch, and foodies rate Bilbao as one of Europe's top destinations.

It is now possible to reach Bilbao by train in a long day’s travel from London. The city has a good range of direct trains from elsewhere in Spain. Twice-daily Alvia services from Barcelona take just over six hours. Madrid is just under five hours away. There is a daily direct train from Bilbao to Vigo on the coast of Galicia. Closer to hand, Bilbao is at the hub of a comprehensive local rail network, with FEVE trains running west to Santander and Euskotren trains and trams heading east to San Sebastián, Irun and across the French border to Hendaye. Journeys on these local services cannot be pre-booked; just buy your ticket at the start of the journey.

The principal railway station is Bilbao-Abando, locally often referred to Estación del Norte. This is the departure point for all long-distance Renfe trains. Take time to have a peek at it in 2019 (especially the stained glass in the upper reception hall) as a major renewal programme is scheduled to start in 2020. Bilbao-Abando is adjacent to Concordia station, which is served by local trains (such as the FEVE services to Santander).