MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham Hotspur supporters face a challenging search for accommodation in Bilbao, as both teams appear poised to reach the Europa League final. With the strong possibility of an all-English clash taking place in Spain later this month, securing a place to stay has become a top priority for fans.
Tottenham holds a 3-1 advantage from the first leg against Bodo/Glimt at home, while United secured a decisive 3-0 away win against Athletic Club. Based on these results, Manchester United seems likely to return to Bilbao`s Estadio de San Mames for the final scheduled for May 21st.
The final is not just about lifting a trophy; it also offers the winning team a valuable entry into next season`s lucrative Champions League. Fans on both sides understand the immense stakes, leading to tens of thousands scrambling to book accommodation for the big event.
However, staying directly in Bilbao for the night of the final comes at a significant cost. Hotel prices have surged dramatically, with a single room for one person potentially reaching an astonishing £1,000.
Staying in an Airbnb in the city centre is also exceptionally expensive, with some flats listed for a staggering £2,300 for the night. For fans hoping to attend the match without breaking the bank, thankfully, there are more budget-friendly alternatives slightly further away from the city centre.
Bermeo
Located about 21 miles (approximately a 35-minute drive) from Bilbao, Bermeo presents a more affordable option. Airbnb apartments with three beds for the night might range from £568 to £714. For solo travellers, the average cost of a hotel room in Bermeo is around £100.
San Sebastian
Situated around 100km to the east of Bilbao, San Sebastian is roughly a 70-minute drive from the stadium. A well-rated hotel for one person for the night could cost about £300. For those on a tight budget, hostels in San Sebastian offer shared beds for as little as £34.
Santander
Travelling west from Bilbao, the city of Santander offers similar travel time and distance as San Sebastian. Hotel prices here are notably lower, with a top hotel potentially costing just £68 per night. Hostels are even cheaper, available for around £22 for a single bed.
Glamping
For fans seeking a different experience, glamping sites about an hour from Bilbao combine outdoor living with comfortable amenities. Bungalows might be available for around £50 per person per night. Larger groups could consider a six-person log cabin for £580 or a static caravan sleeping five for roughly £150.
Biarritz
A longer journey, but still a viable option, is the town of Biarritz, located just over the border in France. It`s about a 1 hour 45-minute drive from Bilbao. Biarritz provides numerous quality hotels and a quieter atmosphere compared to major cities, with average prices around £90 per person per night.
