Summer officially landed at Malta International Airport this morning with the touch-down of the first aircraft from Bilbao. The inauguration of this connection marked the launch of the airport’s summer schedule featuring over 100 destinations and 16 new routes for the season.

Flights to Bilbao operated by Spanish airline Volotea, will be taking off from Malta International Airport every Saturday, with the low-cost carrier increasing the frequency to a biweekly service in May. The addition of Bilbao to the schedule has brought the airport’s Spanish routes up to seven, and will enable passengers to discover the northern part of the Iberian peninsula.

Cradled by two small mountain ranges – Artxandra and Pagasarri, Bilbao is an excellent destination for travellers seeking adventure in the great outdoors. From the peak of Mount Artxandra, which is reachable by a funicular that goes to the very top, one can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the river that snakes through the city.

Bilbao also boasts a number of great architectural works, with the glistening Guggenheim museum, guarded by a topiary puppy and a spider almost nine metres tall, being one of the most iconic and photographed buildings.

Held on the slopes of Mount Cobetas, the city’s BBK Live festival has become a much-anticipated annual event taking place over three days in July. Some of the artists headlining this year’s edition include Florence and the Machine, The XX, and Gorillaz.