When our favourite footballer moved to play in San Sebastián we hatched a plot to go and see him play.

David Silva is the footballer in question and as he is now 37 the time was right, so we booked tickets to their end of season game against Sevilla.

There was however to be two hitches. Firstly the weekend clashed with the FA Cup final featuring our favourite team. Happily Vueling allowed us a free flight change so we could get to Bilbao early to watch the final in a bar.

The second hitch? David ‘Merlin’ Silva was injured and would not play. Heck, let’s go anyway.

Just a 90-minute flight from Gatwick and with the hand luggage only airfare £90 return, Bilbao makes for an excellent short break.

I had been to Bilbao before, but in October. It had been hot then, as was the case this time.

Opposite the amazing Guggenheim Museum building stands a giant flower display in the shape of a puppy. Nearly bare that October, it was now in vibrant full bloom.

We had a few hours to kill and with Bilbao compact enough for a comfortable stroll we headed for the old town after a coffee & baguette pick me up and a change into shorts.

All narrow roads lead to Nueva Plaza, a lovely square stuffed full with bars & restaurants. We soon found ourselves there happily munching on delicious seafood pintxos.

There followed a leisurely stroll along the River Nervión to the bar showing the football, situated near the main bus station. Handy for after as we would be catching a bus to San Sebastián.

As well as the aforementioned Guggenheim, Bilbao has lovely colourful buildings, alluring architecture and plenty of interesting bridges and art objects. We also found out this year’s Tour de France will be coming to Bilbao.

We were to be victorious in the Cup Final and happily caught the bus for the 75-minute journey to San Sebastián.