A NEIGHBOURHOOD in Bilbao has been likened to Notting Hill in the UK thanks to its colourful English-style houses.
Located 10 minutes south of the centre of Bilbao, Iralabarri is a vibrant area with rows of houses that wouldn’t look out of place in the UK.
Iralabarri (pictured) is a vibrant area with rows of houses that wouldn’t look out of place in the UK[/caption]
The colourful houses in Iralabarri (pictured) were built by a Spanish businessman in the 20th century[/caption]
Notting Hill (pictured) is a district in West London and is known for its multi-coloured houses[/caption]
On its website, hotel chain Barcelo, wrote: “Its brightly coloured houses, some of which are inspired by Victorian England, give Iralabarri the nickname of Notting Hill.”
And website Fascinating Spain describes the area as “Basque Notting Hill” thanks to the vibrant buildings.
The houses were built in 1916 by local businessman and entrepreneur Juan José Irala to house working-class employees.
Iralabarri is made up of terraced and detached houses that have their own gardens and courtyards.
The houses have been likened to Notting Hill thanks to their colorful facades of green, orange, yellow and blue.
To reach Iralabarri from the centre of Bilbao holidaymakers can board bus 71 from Juan de Garay 33 to Hurtado de Amézaga 1.
From Hurtado de Amézaga 1, it’s a 10-minute walk to Iralabarri.
Flights to Bilbao from both London and Bristol take less than two hours.
Low-cost carrier Vueling launched flights from London Heathrow to Bilbao earlier this year, with one-way fares from €39 (£32).
And if short flights are not enough, temperatures in the Spanish city stay warm in the winter, with highs of 21C forecast for next week.
Thanks to the short, affordable, flights, Bilbao is an ideal place for a weekend break.
One of the city’s top attractions is the Guggenheim Museum, which opened to tourists more than 25 years ago.
The museum is spread across three floors and houses work by artists like Yayoi Kusama.
Just like Iralabarri, it’s also an Instagram hotspot thanks to the two large installations that sit outside the museum.
Pictures in front of the 40ft puppy and Mamá the spider are a must for visitors to the city.
For some more traditional charm, head to the city’s old town (also known as siete calles).
Other sites in the city include Mercado de la Ribera.
Mercado de la Ribera claims to be the largest covered market serving fresh food in Europe.
There’s also Teatro Arriaga, which was modelled after the Paris Opera and considered one of the most majestic buildings in Bilbao.
What’s it like to visit Blbao?
TRAVEL writer Lee Bell visited Bilbao, here’s what he thought…
AS the unofficial capital of Spain’s Basque Country, which is known for its lush green landscapes, Bilbao is a vibrant city that recently transformed from an industrial hub to a modern urban destination.
You won’t need a cab to get around. The city is small enough to walk from one end to the other within 30 minutes. There’s also a very well-connected and affordable network of buses and trams.
With a blend of culture, art and natural beauty, it’s a compelling destination. But what really sets it apart is its culinary focus.
Casco Viejo, also known as the Old Town, is worthy of an afternoon stroll.
As the historic heart of Bilbao, this picturesque district is a treasure trove of narrow cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.
Or go off the beaten track and visit upcoming neighbourhoods Zorrotzaurre, which hosts the Open Your Ganbara flea market every month, or the arty San Francisco district.
Here you’ll find independent galleries and cafes such as Contenedor, where you can buy the very furniture you’re sitting on.
Another Spanish city has been called the “garden of Europe”.
Or head to Menorca to find the “Mykonos of Spain”.
One of the city’s top attractions is the Guggenheim Museum, which opened to tourists more than 25 years ago[/caption]
Flights from London to Bilbao take under two hours[/caption]
