Things to do in Portugalete

Leave Bilbao and discover other exciting and historic locations on the Basque Coast on this day tour. See the Vizcaya Bridge, the historic city of Gernika, visit a traditional fishing village, and enjoy a tasting of local products. Travel along the river of Bilbao, discovering the interesting industrial past of the city, and once at the coast, stop to see the Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage designated site. Pass by the majestic Castle of Butron, and eventually arrive at the Biosphere of Urdaibai. Admire the beautiful view from its lookout point, and discover the secrets of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a filming location of the famous TV series “Game of Thrones”. Make another stop in Bermeo, a typical fishing village, and stop to take a walking tour to enjoy its charming atmosphere. Take part in a tasting of local food, where a sample of pintxo is included. Reach the last stop in Gernika, and make a visit to the interesting Assembly House and the famous Tree of Gernika.

At the Portugalete dock, a few meters from the Hanging Bridge, board a boat designed according to traditional aesthetics. Sit comfortably inside to enjoy a drink or if you prefer, you can settle outside to enjoy the breeze of the Ria del Nervión.  During the approximately 40 minute journey, you will visit the Bahía del Abra and its three main towns of Portugalete, Getxo, and Santurtzi. This will be accompanied by an audio guide, available in Spanish, English, Basque, and French. This also includes old images of the most iconic points of these towns including the Hanging Bridge of Portugalete, the panoramic view of Getxo, and the marine life in the Port of Santurtzi. You can compare how these places have changed over the decades.  You can stop at any of the ports of these towns to freely explore the historic centers then return to board your boat when it suits you.

Follow the river road of Bilbao towards the coast and admire the old industrial areas that once powered Bilbao. You will visit the Transporter Bridge of Bizkaia, the oldest bridge of this type in the world, still active and considered a beloved icon by locals. Afterward, you will see the neighborhood of Neguri and its old mansions owned by rich industrial managers before you head towards the interior of the province. Admire the traditional local houses and farmhouse structures, and discover the imposing old Castle of Butron. Arrive at the coastal village of Bakio, a popular summer holiday destination among Basque natives, before you follow the beautiful and wild coastal road, eventually arriving at your second stop, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.  This place is said to be one of the most beautiful locations along the Basque coastline. It is a huge rock on the top of the old hermitage of San Juan, and it is connected to the mainland by means of a long stone stairway. Next, you will continue to the fishing town of Bermeo. Here, you will stop to visit the narrow streets, the Juradera Church, the Ercilla Tower, the old port, and the Town Hall, among other sites. Enjoy free time for lunch, and your guide will recommend a selection of local restaurants. Later, you will stop at Mundaka, a beautiful site with magnificent views of the Urdaibai Biosphere, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Afterward, you will arrive at the village of Gernika to visit the Basque Sacred Tree and Casa de Juntas, or old Law House. Finally, you will return to Bilbao around 2:00 PM.

Depart Bilbao and head for Vitoria-Gasteiz to explore the capital city of the Basque Country. Take a guided walking tour through the center to see the cathedral, parliament and historical monuments of Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. Discover a medieval quarter in Plaza del Machete and admire the Church of San Miguel. Go to the Salinas de Añana salt flats and learn the history of the landscape. Continue to Orduña village and enjoy lunch at a typical restaurant in the medieval village of Balmaseda. Venture through the Ayala Valley and the mining area of ​​Bizkaia (Biscay) to reach the coast at Santurtzi and Portugalete, where you will cross the Vizcaya Bridge to Getxo.

Retrace the history of 19th century Bilbao and discover the industrial development that led to the meeting of two very different social classes. The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Bilbao and heads out towards the mouth of the Ibaizabal estuary. Arrive at the UNESCO listed Vizcaya Bridge, built in the late 1800s to connect the two banks on either side. Learn about the architecture of the bridge, as well as how it brought together local communities and the effects this had on the area’s industrial development. From the bridge, admire views of the steep and narrow streets of Portugalete, a medieval village on the left bank. Next, explore the charming town of Getxo, bursting with character and centuries-old houses. Discover the town’s many districts, and admire epic views of the Punta Galea cliffs. By the end of the tour, you’ll have a better understanding of Bilbao’s history, culture, and socioeconomics.

See the highlights of the Basque Country on a tour of the cities of Bilbao, Vitoria and San Sebastian. Benefit from guided panoramic tours and walking tours to get a complete picture of each destination. Journey through an amazing landscape of dramatic sea views, typical fishing villages and vast forests of oak trees. Day 1: Bilbao Benefit from pick-up and transfer to your hotel to get a full tour program about the Basque Country. Day 2: Bilbao - San Sebastian Depart Bilbao and journey through the mountains towards San Sebastian. See the old tower houses of Azkoitia and visit the shrine at the Sanctuary of Loyola before making your way to the coastal town of Zumaia. Get magnificent views of the Bay of Biscay and stop in the medieval fishing village of Getaria. Continue to San Sebastian via the resort town of Zarautz. Take a panoramic bus tour of San Sebastian and see highlights such as Kursaal Palace on arrival. Enjoy some free time for lunch before taking a walking tour of the Old Town, and stroll past typical pintxo bars and the 18th-century Basilica of Santa Maria de Coro. Get tips on what to do with the rest of the evening and the following day at leisure. Day 3: San Sebastian Enjoy a free day to explore San Sebastian at your own pace. Day 4: San Sebastian - Rioja - Vitoria Take the highway towards Vitoria, passing the old town of Tolosa. Arrive at the village of Ordizia and go for a stroll before going to Oñati and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Arantzazu. Visit the former salt mining town of Salinas de Leniz, and then enter the wine producing area of Rioja Alavesa. Admire typical villages such as Labastida and Laguardia, where you will get some free time to explore the town and enjoy lunch independently. Continue to Vitoria for a panoramic tour of the capital of the Basque Country. Marvel at monuments such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria and Casco Viejo, and avail of free entry to the Artium Museum of Contemporary Art. Day 5: Vitoria - Bilbao Journey through the rural landscape of Alava en route to Salinas de Añana, where you will learn about the historic salt mining industry. Continue to the village of Orduña, surrounded by the mountains of the Sierra Salvada, and take a guided walking tour of the town. Get back to nature in Ayala and discover vast forests of oak trees. Stop for lunch in Balmaseda, and then go to the coastal town of Santurtzi, known for its seafaring traditions. Continue to Portugalete to cross the transporter bridge to Getxo, where you can go for a walk along the seafront and get a magnificent view of the Bay of Biscay. Continue to Bilbao and take a panoramic tour on arrival. Day 6: Bilbao Explore Bilbao at your own pace with a day at leisure. Get useful information from your guide to help you plan your day. Enjoy some free time in the city before your transfer to the airport.