Scenic drives on the Basque coast from Bilbao

Northeast and northwest of Bilbao, the coast unfolds through Getxo's cliffside promenade, the fishing port of Bermeo, the narrow estuary at Mundaka and the harbour town of Lekeitio. The road climbs and drops along the shoreline, with tight turns above Ogoño and long straights through pine-covered headland, so the drive itself becomes as much the point as any single stop.

An SUV such as a Range Rover suits the tighter bends and uneven surfaces around Ogoño and Elantxobe, with the ground clearance and traction to handle switchbacks without tiring the driver over a full day. A convertible or sports car fits the open stretches near Bakio and the run into Lekeitio, where the road sits close to the water and the view rewards an open roof more than outright speed.

Visitors in Bilbao for the Guggenheim, the Museo de Bellas Artes or the city's summer festivals often add a day on the coast before flying home. Collecting a car in the city, at the airport or at a hotel, driving the route at your own pace, and returning the vehicle at an agreed point turns that extension into a simple addition rather than a logistical problem.