![best hostel bilbao](https://dontstopliving.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/P1370459-400x300.jpg)
Backpacking in the Basque Country: Staying at Akelarre Hostel, Bilbao
My unexpected Basque Country adventure was surprising, spontaneous and satisfying. A country often forgotten by backpackers, many succumbing to the fact that it’s been swallowed by the Kingdom of Spain. After my previous 5 trips to Spain, it was the political and cultural differences of flambouyant Barcelona (Catalonia), dreamy Donostia and inspiring Valencia that gave me a new sense of wonder. After a brace of nights in Donostia (San Sebastian) I headed to Bilbao.
![Bilbao, Basque Country](https://dontstopliving.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/P1370467-400x300.jpg)
Bilbao, Basque Country
Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque and it punches out more than it sucks in. One thing though – Bilbao will reel you in. It’s a remarkably beautiful city. Collapsing into valleys, crossing rivers, a classic old town meets a clean new city.
![Touring Bilbao - Estadio de Athletic Club Bilbao](https://dontstopliving.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/20150410_110735-400x300.jpg)
Touring Bilbao – Estadio de Athletic Club Bilbao
Locals are friendly to the core. Everyone will speak to you here in Bilbao. It’s a truly relaxing city where the high paced lifestyle in places like Madrid and Barcelona slows down a notch.
![Charming Bilbao, Basque Country](https://dontstopliving.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/P1370470-400x300.jpg)
Charming Bilbao, Basque Country
I met three Spanish ladies in Donostia and they had a car so we shared a lift to Bilbao and I found the cosy Akelarre Hostel online so I booked in here. This is the place you should aim to stay when backpacking Bilbao in the Basque Country. Here are five reasons why I loved this hostel.
![Loving the Akelarre Hostel in Bilbao, Basque Country](https://dontstopliving.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/20150409_154853-400x300.jpg)
Loving the Akelarre Hostel in Bilbao, Basque Country
1. Pristine Dorms
Dorm rooms here are cosy and pristine. I was in room 3 and the decor and colours were red and black, just like AFC Bournemouth my football team. Homely.
![My red and black coloured dorm room](https://dontstopliving.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/P1370461-400x300.jpg)
My red and black coloured dorm room
2. Fast WiFi
You might have read that I was in Tunisia and Algeria struggling to get online and get my work done. It was quiet and peaceful for me here at Akelarre Hostel. I could get online and the WiFi even worked in my dorm!
![Working in the communal dining area/lounge](https://dontstopliving.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/P1370464-400x300.jpg)
Working in the communal dining area/lounge
3. Free Breakfast
OK so South America was cool because every hostel provides breakfast as standard. Here in Europe however, not so. This was a mega bonus to learn that Akelarre Hostel includes breakfast. Even better there was tea and coffee free all day.
![Free breakfast at Akelarre Hostel](https://dontstopliving.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/20150410_085029-400x300.jpg)
Free breakfast at Akelarre Hostel
![Free breakfast at Akelarre Hostel](https://dontstopliving.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/20150410_085855-400x300.jpg)
Free breakfast at Akelarre Hostel
4. Clean Bathrooms
Ok so I wont bore you with the entire story but when I arrived in Bilbao I hadn’t showered with soap for three days, I’d been wearing the same clothes for a week and I felt rough. None of it was my fault of course and the blame lay in the hands of four useless companies.
![Getting clean again thanks to the "Help yourself" box](https://dontstopliving.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/20150409_153625-400x300.jpg)
Getting clean again thanks to the “Help yourself” box
Between them Tunis Air, Air Algerie, Vueling and Swissport had treated me like sh*t. Four horrendous companies and all blacklisted to become shit airlines. I may go into that story in more detail sometime but without a backpack or knowledge of its whereabouts or even a phone call from any of those companies I was the smelliest backpacker in The Basque. Think of my delight when I saw the box in the bathroom of Akelarre Hostel – a “help yourself” box. Items for shower left by fellow travellers! Thanks guys. I was able to grab a shower gel and shampoo, get clean and feel fresher for my bus to Madrid.
5. Great Staff and Information
The staff here are very welcoming and I was greeted by Ainara the manager. A full map of the city is given on arrival with an explanation of where to check out. The information boards in the lounge even have bus timetables on them.
![The lounge](https://dontstopliving.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/20150409_154049-400x300.jpg)
The lounge
![Information boards at Akelarre Hostel](https://dontstopliving.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/20150409_154055-400x300.jpg)
Information boards at Akelarre Hostel
![Backpacking in Bilbao, Basque Country](https://dontstopliving.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/20150409_142228-400x300.jpg)
Backpacking in Bilbao, Basque Country
I loved my stay at Akelarre Hostel and hope you can all visit too. Bilbao is a rockingly trendy city. You might just fall in love with it. Here are the details:
Bilbao Akelarre Hostel
info@bilbaoakelarrehostel
(+34) 944057713
http://www.bilbaoakelarrehostel.com
Calle Morgan 4-6, 48014, Deusto, Bilbao, Basque Country.
Here is a video from my dorm room:
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