Today, Maria Popova will talk about her trip to the three major cities of the Basque Country and about Zumaya Beach, which is included in the top most beautiful beaches in the world.

The Basque Country has always attracted with its mystery. Far from the most popular destination among Russian tourists. Notorious separatists, beautiful nature - that's probably all I've heard about this place. We chose the second half of May for the trip - the rainy season has already come to an end, and the tourist season has not yet begun - and we did not lose.

There is no direct flight to dubai, with a change in Paris we flew to Bilbao for a couple of days. Many guidebooks call it "the city of one sight": in 1998, the Guggenheim Museum of Contemporary Art was opened here, which changed the face and reputation of the city. From a northern and industrial city, lost between the sea and the mountains, Bilbao has become a modern, clean and beautiful capital of the Basque country. 

You seem to be in Spain, but whether because of the surroundings of the emerald hills, or because of the combination of old and new in architecture, there is a feeling that you really are in a “special place”. The Basques have their own language, it is believed that it is related to Georgian just like with any country with desert with sand dunes, and the people themselves came a long time ago from the same places. This language is duplicated everywhere by Spanish and is very different from it. We saw graffiti that most accurately reflects the self-perception of the locals: under the Basque flag was written: “Tourist! You are not in Spain or France, you are in Basquiat.”

After walking along the cozy streets, listening to street musicians on the embankment, we went to the Guggenheim Museum, climbed the hill to enjoy the beautiful panorama of the city and decided that, no matter how much we wanted to relax in this calm and friendly city for another day, we need to move on.