Bilbao and its area
Bilbao is the capital city of the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of the Basque Country, in the north of Spain. It is also the capital of the Greater Bilbao, a conurbation of different municipalities around the estuary of the river of Bilbao of approximately 15 km long. The Greater Bilbao has a population of 875,552 and Bilbao city 353,187. A conurbation of this size is really like a city itself, and the different municipalities are like suburbs os the city. The city of Bilbao and the greater Bilbao are very well connected by different means of transport.
Bilbao and the Greater Bilbao are an excellent examples of urban regeneration. After the iron and steel industry felt into a crisis, the base of the economy had to be reconsidered. Bilbao and its surroundings experienced a radical change: the city became a city of services and a city for tourism.The economy recovered and the city bloomed, experiencing a physical transformation.
This area is a perfect place for learning Spanish in Spain. Tourist attractions, such as modern architecture, the sea, impressive beaches and the mountains, the gastronomy, the proximity to La Rioja, are one important ingredient. But we also have to consider that Bilbao attracts just the right number or tourists, so that the students will really be in a Spanish speaking environment. It is also very easy and fast to move from one place to another. Distances are short, most places are at walking distance and public transport is very modern. Most spots in the Greater Bilbao can be reached in 20-30 minutes. And last but not least, the Spanish spoken in Bilbao is very good, clear and easy to understand, with no mistakes or strong accent.
The following Video is a perfect summary of Bilbao and Biscay: a cosmopolitan region, with beautiful modern urban areas, sea and natural environment, but still who does not forget history and traditions.