The Basque Country is a region where modernity meets history, creating a fascinating cultural landscape. The best example of this is the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao - a true gem of modern architecture and a symbol of the city's rebirth. Opened in 1997, the museum, designed by Frank Gehry, impresses with a futuristic volume made of titanium, glass and limestone. Glittering in the sunlight, the titanium panels resemble fish scales, alluding to the city's harbor character. Inside are permanent and temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, and in front of the entrance is the famous nine-meter tall sculpture of the floral dog 'Puppy' by Jeff Koons and the monumental metal spider 'Maman' by Louise Bourgeois. The Guggenheim Museum has transformed the face of the once declining industrial Bilbao, attracting more than a million tourists annually and becoming an example of the so-called 'Bilbao effect' - the transformation of the city through culture and architecture.

Just a few kilometers from the center of Bilbao is another architectural gem - the Biscay Bridge (Puente Vizcaya), connecting the towns of Portugalete and Getxo. Listed by UNESCO in 2006, this structure is the oldest operating gondola bridge in the world. Built in 1893 to a design by Alberto Palacio, a student of Gustave Eiffel, it was a revolutionary engineering solution of its time. With a length of 160 meters and a height of 45 meters, the bridge allowed the free passage of ships to the port of Bilbao, while also enabling the transportation of people and goods between the banks of the Nervión River. Locally known as the 'Puente Colgante' (Hanging Bridge), it still serves locals and tourists today, transporting them in gondolas suspended by steel cables. For the brave, an observation platform at the top of the bridge is also available, offering a spectacular view of the estuary and the coast.

For classical art lovers, a must-see in Bilbao is the Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes). Founded in 1908, it is housed in an elegant building in Doña Casilda Park and, although overshadowed by the more famous Guggenheim, hides within its walls an impressive collection of works from the 12th century to the present day. The collection of Spanish paintings is particularly valuable, with works by El Greco, Zurbarán, Goya and Velázquez. The museum also has a significant collection of Flemish masters and works by Basque artists such as Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza. The intimate atmosphere and chronological arrangement of the exhibits make it an ideal place for true art connoisseurs.

The coast of the Basque Country, on the other hand, hides a true treasure of nature and history - Gaztelugatxe. This small island connected to the mainland by a stone bridge and a winding staircase (241 steps to be exact) is one of the most photogenic places in all of Spain. At the summit is the 10th century chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which has been destroyed by fires and rebuilt several times. According to local legend, upon reaching the summit, one must ring the chapel's bell three times, which is supposed to bring good luck and grant a wish. The site is shrouded in numerous stories - it is said to have been a refuge for the Knights Templar, and that the remains of people from the Middle Ages have been found here. Gaztelugatxe's popularity grew even more when the location served as a film set for the 'Game of Thrones' series, representing the Dragon Rock stronghold. The view of the Bay of Biscay from this location is breathtaking, especially during sunset.

The Basque Country's coast is not only home to stunning cliffs and islands, but also picturesque lighthouses, such as the Faro de la Plata (Silver Lighthouse) in Pasaia. This historic lighthouse, built in 1855, sits on a steep cliff at 184 meters above sea level. Its name comes from the silver sheen that could be seen on the surrounding rocks. The road to the lighthouse follows a scenic trail along the coast, offering spectacular views of the Bay of Biscay. During World War II, the lighthouse served as an observation post for German troops, and today it is a popular destination for hikers. From its observation deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the coast from San Sebastián to Biarritz, France. It's worth planning a visit for late afternoon to experience the magical sunset over the ocean.

Inland, in the region of Carrantza, hides one of the Basque Country's most valuable geological treasures - the Pozalagua Cave (Cuevas de Pozalagua). Discovered by accident in 1957 while working in a nearby quarry, it impresses with its unique collection of eccentric stalactites that, instead of growing vertically downward, expand in all directions to form fanciful coral-like shapes. It is one of the largest such formations in the world. The temperature inside the cave remains at a constant 13°C throughout the year. Tours are conducted with a guide, who tells the fascinating story of the cave's formation and discovery. Pozalagua, while less well-known than other European caves, offers equally spectacular views and a much less crowded atmosphere.

Near the town of Vitoria-Gasteiz is the charming Garaio Norte beach, located on the Ullíbarri-Gamboa artificial reservoir. It's a great alternative to crowded coastal beaches, offering a calmer atmosphere and crystal clear waters. The beach is Blue Flag certified, a testament to its high standard and cleanliness. Surrounded by green hills and forests, it is an ideal place for a family vacation. The lake is surrounded by a scenic bicycle path of about 45 km, and there are picnic and barbecue areas nearby. The water in the reservoir is much warmer than in the Bay of Biscay, which will be especially appreciated by families with children. The beach is available mainly during the summer season, from June to September.

One of the most fascinating places in the Basque Country, combining history, geology and gastronomy, is the Salt Valley of Añana (Salt Valley of Añana). This salt complex, which has been in continuous operation for more than 7,000 years, is one of the oldest of its kind in the world. It consists of more than 5,000 salt terraces, creating an amazing landscape resembling white cascades. Salt water flows from underground springs and is channeled through a system of wooden channels to the terraces, where it evaporates under the influence of the sun and wind, leaving salt crystals. During your visit, you can learn about the traditional salt production methods that have survived for millennia, and purchase the unique flower salt, prized by the world's top chefs. The valley also offers therapeutic salt baths in wooden vats, which local accounts claim have healing properties, especially for skin and rheumatic ailments.

The Basque Country is also a region of exceptional biodiversity, best exemplified by the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve (Urdaibai Biosferaren Erreserba). This UNESCO-protected area since 1984 encompasses the Oka River estuary and its surrounding forests, wetlands, cliffs and beaches. It is a key point on the bird migration route between Europe and Africa, where more than 200 species of birds can be observed, including rare specimens like the osprey and warbler. A nature interpretation center in Busturia offers detailed information about the reserve's ecosystem and organizes guided tours. One of the most beautiful vantage points is San Pedro de Atxarre Hill, which offers panoramic views of the entire estuary. The reserve is crisscrossed by numerous hiking and biking trails, and at its heart is the picturesque village of Gernika, known for the tragic bombing immortalized by Picasso in his famous painting.

The Urkiola Natural Park (Urkiola parke naturala) is a true paradise for mountain hikers and wildlife lovers. Located in the heart of the Basque Country, it encompasses a mountain massif with distinctive limestone peaks, the highest of which, Anboto (1,331 meters above sea level), according to Basque mythology, is the seat of Mara, the main deity of the pre-Christian pantheon. This goddess, often depicted as a beautiful woman or a fireball moving between mountain peaks, was said to inhabit a cave on the mountainside. To this day, local residents tell stories of mysterious phenomena observed in the area. The park is famous for its lush beech and oak forests, picturesque valleys and spectacular rock formations such as Atxarte and Alluitz. The park is also home to the Sanctuary of St. Anthony (Santuario de San Antonio de Urkiola), a place of pilgrimage since the 16th century. According to local tradition, maidens looking for a husband should circle the stone in front of the shrine three times, which is supposed to ensure finding a partner within a year.

The park offers more than 100 kilometers of marked trails of varying difficulty. Particularly recommended is the trail to the top of Anboto, from where there is a panorama covering almost the entire Basque Country. For less experienced hikers, a route around Lake Maroño or the Toki Alai nature trail, which presents the diversity of the park's ecosystems, would be an ideal option. It is worth knowing that the region is subject to sudden weather changes, so even in summer you should be prepared for rain and fog. The Toki Alai Nature Interpretation Center offers detailed information about the park's geology, flora and fauna, and organizes thematic workshops for children.

When comparing Basque Country attractions, it is worth noting their accessibility and nature. The Guggenheim Museum and the Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts are easily accessible to all ages and offer comfortable visits year-round, regardless of the weather. Ticket prices are at average European levels, with the Museum of Fine Arts being slightly cheaper than the Guggenheim. Natural attractions, on the other hand, such as Gaztelugatxe and Urkiola Natural Park, require good physical fitness and adequate preparation, but offer free admission and an incomparable experience of communing with nature.

For families with children, the best choices would be the Garaio Norte beach and the Añana Valley of Salt, with special educational programs and attractions for the little ones. History and culture enthusiasts should focus on the Biscayan Bridge and the Museum of Fine Arts, while nature enthusiasts will find the most excitement at the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and Urkiola Natural Park. The Pozalagua Cave and the Faro de la Plata Lighthouse, on the other hand, are suggestions for seekers of lesser-known but equally fascinating sites.

It is worth noting that most of the Basque Country's natural attractions are best visited from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is favorable for outdoor activities. Museums and architectural sites are available year-round, although they can be crowded during the peak summer season. Urkiola Natural Park becomes especially charming in winter, when its limestone peaks are covered with snow, creating a fairy-tale landscape.

The Basque Country, despite its small size, offers a remarkable variety of attractions - from ultra-modern architecture to medieval monuments to unspoiled natural areas. What all these places have in common is their authenticity and strong roots in Basque cultural identity. Whether you're a lover of art, history, nature or simply looking for a new and inspiring experience, this autonomous region of northern Spain will certainly not disappoint you. Its unique blend of tradition and modernity, the hospitality of its people and unique landscapes make every visit an unforgettable adventure.