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things to do in the basque country

There are plenty of activities on offer in Basque Country to give you that all important taste of Spain.

The Guggenheim Museum is Bilbao's greatest draw. Built by Frank O. Gehry, it's a swirling construction of glass and titanium 'fish scale' panels. The permanent collection includes works by Picasso, Kandinsky and Klee, as well as those of leading young Spanish and Basque artists.

The coastline to the west of San Sebastián is spectacular. Being sure to take the scenic N634 rather than the motorway, drive over the hills to the fishing village of Getaria. This road is the first snippet of the course of the Clásica San Sebastián cycling race. It was the first race Lance Armstrong competed in as a professional – and he came in dead last.

Why not visit a cider house? Try the village of Astigarraga, which has almost 20 sagardotegis, or cider houses, where traditional menus of cod omelettes, steaks and sausage are served alongside the fermenting brew from January to May each year. In May, fermentation is deemed complete and the cider is bottled.