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Tourism destinations
Historical territories
Bizkaia stands out mainly because of its advanced modernity, but also because it suits the label land of contrasts as it lovingly keeps its traditions alive.
It is the most densely populated province in the Basque Country and the demographic agglomeration is located in Greater Bilbao, as due to the creation of new infrastructures and the so-called "Guggenheim effect", Bilbao has turned into a plural, active, cosmopolitan and cosy city, where the charm of old spots has survived.
The rest of the territory has both highly populated areas and others with an age-old rural flavour. On the one hand, over decades the mining industry has been linked to exploiting iron ore, which has left a wealthy bequest in the shape of industrial remains and mining areas, such as La Arboleda in the Valle de Trápaga-Trapagaran.
Interior mountains with mythical summits such as Anboto and Gorbeia, enveloped in legends, tumble down to the sea forming a steep coastline dotted with sandy areas and charming fishing ports.
Wild coast
29 golden-sand beaches, steep cliffs and natural spots constitute the coast of Bizkaia throughout 150 kilometres. From Muskiz to Ondarroa, coastal villages feel their fishing fiestas and traditions intensely, with obligatory appointments such as fishing boat regattas or curious customs like the traditional dance Kaxarranka, taking place in Lekeitio's San Pedro festivity.
We will also find some of the symbols of the territory on the coast, such as the hanging bridge, which was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site and Gernika, a great symbolic town due to the bombing in 1937 that was depicted in the famous painting by Picasso. The coast also offers landscapes full of great beauty. Pure images such as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, exceptional natural spaces and shelter for migratory birds.
Bizkaia also offers numerous inland attractions in the shape of medieval boroughs and natural reserves.
The Duranguesado and Encartaciones regions and the valley of Arratia still keep the essence of the rural Bizkaia alive, apart from a great historical-cultural heritage. Towns such as Durango, Elorrio, Otxandio, Orduña and Balmaseda are marked with palaces, noble houses, walls and churches, constituting authentic treasures of the Bizkaian architecture that will captivate visitors for sure.
