Bilbao

Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, has gone from gritty industrial port to one of Spain’s most exciting cities. Frank Gehry’s titanium Guggenheim Museum, opened in 1997, sparked the transformation, and the riverside along the Nervión is now lined with striking modern architecture. The medieval Casco Viejo and its Siete Calles (Seven Streets) are the place for pintxos, the Basque take on tapas, best enjoyed standing at the bar with a glass of local txakoli. Wild beaches, clifftop hermitages and San Sebastián are all within easy reach.

The gay scene is small and unpretentious, built around friendly social bars rather than big clubs. Most of the gay bars sit in the Casco Viejo, especially on Barrenkale and the nearby streets, and after the bars close the night carries on at El Balcón de la Lola, a short walk away. Nights start late, dress is casual, and since the gay bars share the same streets as the best pintxo spots, a whole evening rarely takes you more than a few blocks. nomadicboys

Highlights of the year include Bilbao Bizkaia Harro (Pride) at the end of June, Zinegoak, the international LGBT film and performing arts festival running since 2004, and the huge Aste Nagusia fiesta in late August. Spain has had marriage equality since 2005, and Bilbao is a safe, welcoming city where gay travellers fit right in.