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Northern Spain in Autumn: ILUNION in Bilbao and San Sebastián
August 29 2025
Northern Spain in autumn: culture, landscapes, and ILUNION hotels in Bilbao and San Sebastián
Autumn is one of the most special seasons to travel to northern Spain. Mild temperatures invite you to wander streets and squares at an unhurried pace, nearby forests turn ochre and gold, and the cities of Bilbao and San Sebastián fill with cultural and culinary experiences. It’s the perfect time for a getaway that blends tradition, modernity, and nature—far from the summer crowds.
In Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum feels even more alive beneath the season’s typical grey skies, while in San Sebastián an evening stroll along La Concha Bay at sunset becomes an unforgettable postcard. In addition, autumn is the season for unique products such as wild mushrooms, game, txakoli, and hearty stews that warm the soul—all alongside the irresistible pintxos tradition.
Curiosities of Bilbao
The Vizcaya Transporter Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest operational transporter bridge in the world (1893). In autumn, its views over the estuary wrapped in reddish hues are spectacular.
Bilbao is considered one of Europe’s “greenest” cities, with more than 18 m² of green space per inhabitant. Places like the Doña Casilda Park are perfect for strolling at this time of year.
The La Ribera Market is one of the largest covered markets in Europe, ideal in autumn for enjoying Basque gastronomy indoors, with seasonal produce and fresh pintxos.
The Old Town, known as “Las Siete Calles”, is an absolute must. Its arcades invite you to go for pintxos and get lost among traditional shops, while Plaza Nueva becomes a hub for pintxos hopping.
For an unparalleled autumn panorama, the Artxanda funicular climbs to a viewpoint with vistas over the entire city and the surrounding mountains.
Curiosities of San Sebastián
La Concha Beach has been recognised several times as one of the world’s best urban beaches, and in autumn it offers a different kind of calm—perfect for barefoot walks or watching the waves.
The San Sebastián International Film Festival, held every September, leaves a cultural imprint that lingers throughout autumn, with cinemas and streets still buzzing with a cinephile atmosphere.
The Antiguo district and its taverns hide some of the city’s most traditional pintxos, featuring autumn ingredients such as mushrooms, foie, or seasonal fish.
Mount Igueldo offers spectacular views of the bay at this time of year, with trees turning ochre and red, while Mount Urgull provides historic walks among fortifications and viewpoints.
The “Peine del Viento” (Wind Comb), a work by Eduardo Chillida, is another emblem that, on days with strong surf, delivers a unique natural and artistic spectacle.
As autumn progresses, the city gears up for Santo Tomás Day (21 December), a traditional festivity that fills the squares with stalls selling local products and the classic talo with chistorra.
ILUNION Bilbao: modernity and culture in the heart of the city
Located next to San Mamés Stadium and very close to the estuary, ILUNION Bilbao is perfect for discovering the city in autumn. After a stroll through the Old Town, a funicular ride up to Artxanda, or a visit to temporary exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum, the hotel offers the best rest in modern, light-filled rooms. Its gym, restaurant, and event spaces make it a versatile choice for both cultural getaways and business trips.
ILUNION San Mamés: the perfect hub for discovering Bilbao in autumn
Autumn is ideal for enjoying Bilbao at your own pace, and from ILUNION San Mamés getting around the city is a breeze. Located next to San Mamés Stadium and the bus station, with direct access to the metro and tram, this hotel offers spacious, modern rooms with city views. After a day exploring museums, markets, or strolling through the Ensanche, its welcoming atmosphere is perfect for unwinding.
ILUNION San Sebastián: autumn charm near Ondarreta Beach
San Sebastián in autumn has a romantic air that’s hard to match: La Concha Bay at ease, Mount Igueldo with its panoramic views, and the Old Town brimming with pintxos and local life. In this setting, ILUNION San Sebastián is the perfect place to stay. Situated in the Antiguo district, just steps from Ondarreta Beach and the Wind Comb, it blends modernity, comfort, and a prime location. Its terrace and refurbished spaces make it ideal for couples, families, or foodie getaways.
Experience the North in autumn with ILUNION Hotels
Northern Spain in autumn invites you to experience the destination authentically: vibrant cities, nearby nature, and seasonal gastronomy. In both Bilbao and San Sebastián, ILUNION Bilbao, ILUNION San Mamés, and ILUNION San Sebastián are the ideal choice for travellers seeking comfort, accessibility, and an experience tailored to every guest.
This autumn, let the colours of the North win you over and enjoy your getaway with the guarantee of ILUNION Hotels.
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Autumn is one of the most special seasons to travel to northern Spain. Mild temperatures invite you to wander streets and squares at an unhurried pace, nearby forests turn ochre and gold, and the cities of Bilbao and San Sebastián fill with cultural and culinary experiences. It’s the perfect time for a getaway that blends tradition, modernity, and nature—far from the summer crowds.
In Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum feels even more alive beneath the season’s typical grey skies, while in San Sebastián an evening stroll along La Concha Bay at sunset becomes an unforgettable postcard. In addition, autumn is the season for unique products such as wild mushrooms, game, txakoli, and hearty stews that warm the soul—all alongside the irresistible pintxos tradition.
Curiosities of Bilbao
The Vizcaya Transporter Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest operational transporter bridge in the world (1893). In autumn, its views over the estuary wrapped in reddish hues are spectacular.
Bilbao is considered one of Europe’s “greenest” cities, with more than 18 m² of green space per inhabitant. Places like the Doña Casilda Park are perfect for strolling at this time of year.
The La Ribera Market is one of the largest covered markets in Europe, ideal in autumn for enjoying Basque gastronomy indoors, with seasonal produce and fresh pintxos.
The Old Town, known as “Las Siete Calles”, is an absolute must. Its arcades invite you to go for pintxos and get lost among traditional shops, while Plaza Nueva becomes a hub for pintxos hopping.
For an unparalleled autumn panorama, the Artxanda funicular climbs to a viewpoint with vistas over the entire city and the surrounding mountains.
Curiosities of San Sebastián
La Concha Beach has been recognised several times as one of the world’s best urban beaches, and in autumn it offers a different kind of calm—perfect for barefoot walks or watching the waves.
The San Sebastián International Film Festival, held every September, leaves a cultural imprint that lingers throughout autumn, with cinemas and streets still buzzing with a cinephile atmosphere.
The Antiguo district and its taverns hide some of the city’s most traditional pintxos, featuring autumn ingredients such as mushrooms, foie, or seasonal fish.
Mount Igueldo offers spectacular views of the bay at this time of year, with trees turning ochre and red, while Mount Urgull provides historic walks among fortifications and viewpoints.
The “Peine del Viento” (Wind Comb), a work by Eduardo Chillida, is another emblem that, on days with strong surf, delivers a unique natural and artistic spectacle.
As autumn progresses, the city gears up for Santo Tomás Day (21 December), a traditional festivity that fills the squares with stalls selling local products and the classic talo with chistorra.
ILUNION Bilbao: modernity and culture in the heart of the city
Located next to San Mamés Stadium and very close to the estuary, ILUNION Bilbao is perfect for discovering the city in autumn. After a stroll through the Old Town, a funicular ride up to Artxanda, or a visit to temporary exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum, the hotel offers the best rest in modern, light-filled rooms. Its gym, restaurant, and event spaces make it a versatile choice for both cultural getaways and business trips.
ILUNION San Mamés: the perfect hub for discovering Bilbao in autumn
Autumn is ideal for enjoying Bilbao at your own pace, and from ILUNION San Mamés getting around the city is a breeze. Located next to San Mamés Stadium and the bus station, with direct access to the metro and tram, this hotel offers spacious, modern rooms with city views. After a day exploring museums, markets, or strolling through the Ensanche, its welcoming atmosphere is perfect for unwinding.
ILUNION San Sebastián: autumn charm near Ondarreta Beach
San Sebastián in autumn has a romantic air that’s hard to match: La Concha Bay at ease, Mount Igueldo with its panoramic views, and the Old Town brimming with pintxos and local life. In this setting, ILUNION San Sebastián is the perfect place to stay. Situated in the Antiguo district, just steps from Ondarreta Beach and the Wind Comb, it blends modernity, comfort, and a prime location. Its terrace and refurbished spaces make it ideal for couples, families, or foodie getaways.
Experience the North in autumn with ILUNION Hotels
Northern Spain in autumn invites you to experience the destination authentically: vibrant cities, nearby nature, and seasonal gastronomy. In both Bilbao and San Sebastián, ILUNION Bilbao, ILUNION San Mamés, and ILUNION San Sebastián are the ideal choice for travellers seeking comfort, accessibility, and an experience tailored to every guest.
This autumn, let the colours of the North win you over and enjoy your getaway with the guarantee of ILUNION Hotels.