AROUND Spain there are some incredible alternative destinations to the classic tourist spots of Barcelona, Madrid and Seville.
In the Basque Country, 20 minutes from Bilbao, is the seaside town of Getxo which has stretches of sandy beach, 18th-century windmills and summer highs of 26C.
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Most tourists will know the Spanish city of Bilbao for its football club and pretty old town.
But if you travel 20 minutes south, you’ll find the seaside town of Getxo.
There are lots of beaches in the town of Getxo, including Ereaga Beach.
The sandy coastline is known for being a popular swimming and sunbathing spot, and it’s also where locals will host beach football tournaments.
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Playa de Arrigunaga is a popular beach, too. A visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “A beautiful beach, with a bar for drinks.
“You can see all the cliffs in the area, and an old mill on top of the cliff. The views provided by the walk along the cliff area are spectacular.”
The steep cliffs in question are called La Galea cliffs which at their tallest point can be up to 195 feet high.
They make for great coastal walks and viewing points.
At the very top is the Aixerrota Windmill – it was built at the beginning of the 18th century and was used to grind wheat.
And it’s one of the few that remain in Biscay.
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Other popular beaches around the town include Playa De Las Arenas and Gorrondatxe.
One of the top sites in Getxo is the Vizcaya Bridge, which links the towns of Portugalete and Las Arenas and is part of Getxo.
It’s the world’s oldest transporter bridge and was built in 1893, so it’s a popular place to stop by.
One visitor said: “It was an amazing experience to take the suspended gondola crossing the river, even more facilitating to take a walk on top of the 40m high bridge. I couldn’t imagine this was built over 100 years ago.”
Another added: “A great UNESCO heritage site to visit. The waterfront promenade was beautiful!
“You can also walk across the top of the bridge. It was not too scary even for one who is afraid of heights.”
In the Old Port of Algorta, you’ll find old white fishermen’s houses built in steep alleyways in the locality that look over the sea.
It’s been described as “charming” with “gorgeous sea views” by visitors.
In the summer Getxo has highs of 26C and its average low is 13C in January – so you’re still likely to get winter sun too.
To get to Getxo from the UK, you’ll have to fly to the neighbouring city of Bilbao, which a few months ago hosted the Europa League final.
You can reach it from the UK in two hours if you fly from London Gatwick or London Heathrow with Vueling.
To get to Getxo from Bilbao then takes 20 minutes by car or 50 minutes on the Metro.
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