Bilbao one of the most popular destinations

The Spanish city of Bilbao is "well worth a short break holiday", according to Travelbite.co.uk.

According to the site, the Basque country has shed its image as one of Spain's most popular cultural destinations.

Food in the area is outstanding, the site says, recommending the local delicacy of pintxos as "the best tapas you will ever taste". Bars are generally friendly and even when festivals are not being held there is likely to be impromptu singing.

The Guggenheim museum, opened in 1997, is "a spectacular titanium-clad structure" and is "Bilbao's greatest tourist attraction", the site says.

Nearby San Sebastian offers visitors to Bilbao a day trip to the beach with its appealing beaches and café culture.

Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque country and has a population of 354,000 and an average summer temperature of 20 degrees.