Until recently, secondhand meant second-best for a country that remembered making do in tougher times, and only students and the city-dwelling vintage vanguard went to flea markets for fun. Now, old stuff is being viewed with a fresh eye. Bilbao is ahead of the curve – championing, repurposing and rendering cool the unique, pre-loved, quirky, crafted and durable.

For something special, Silvia Marqués, close to Athletic Bilbao’s San Mamés stadium, might have turbans, hats, wedding dresses, bags or jewels in the fabulous and unique yet affordable category – if you can get past all the antique restored dolls.