Bilbao, the capital of Bizkaia, is surrounded by charming and unique villages that you won’t help but fall in love with. They will undoubtedly be the ideal addition to your tourist getaway in this delightful part of the Basque Country. Whether they are inland or coastal, small or large…they all have something in common: their extraordinary natural surroundings, traditional architecture and unforgettable cuisine.
Because of how close they are to Bilbao, we recommend a few villages that are well worth a visit. Each one has its own personality, but they all roll out the red carpet to make visitors feel at home.
Here you will find a wealth of cultural and architectural heritage, idyllic natural destinations to enjoy outdoors, small medieval villages that will lead you through narrow cobbled streets, a long history that you will want to discover, as well as a cuisine that will add even more flavour to your journey. We will mention some of the must-see villages near Bilbao, but there are many more:
- Balmaseda
- Orduña
- Castro Urdiales
- Gernika
- Bermeo
- Lekeitio
- Elantxobe
- Bakio
- Mundaka
- Portugalete
- Santurzi
- Plentzia
- Areatza
Balmaseda
This charming village of Balmaseda in the Las Encartaciones region, just 32 kilometres from Bilbao, boasts a delightful medieval old town, the iconic Puente Viejo, or “Old Bridge”, (also known as La Muza Bridge), and, most intriguingly, the La Encartada Beret Museum—a true gem of industrial heritage. It’s also worth visiting the Monastery of Santa Clara, Horcasitas Palace, Urrutia Palace, the Church of Santo Cristo de San Severino, the Church of San Juan and the chapels of San Sebastián and San Roque. And if you love cars, nearby in the Loizaga Tower in Galdames, you’ll find one of the largest private collections of Rolls Royces.
Orduña
Located on the border with the provinces of Álava and Burgos, 40 kilometres from Bilbao, Orduña is a pretty village is unique in that it is the source of the River Nervión, a real natural treasure. It boasts a wealth of monuments, including the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Antigua, the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the church of the Sagrada Familia, the hermitage of Buen Suceso, the old convent of San Francisco, the old convent of Santa Clara and the old customs house. Don’t forget to enjoy its delightful Plaza de los Fueros.
Castro Urdiales
Castro Urdiales is geographically part of Cantabria, but is so close to Bilbao that it’s well worth a trip. It’s only 31 kilometres from the capital of Bizkaia and manages to captivate visitors with its winding medieval streets and its seafaring charm. You have to visit the Castle of Santa Ana, its medieval bridge, the church of Santa María de la Asunción, the port and the cliffs along the coast. Naturally, this is one of the most beautiful villages in Cantabria.
Gernika
Famous for the historic and terrible bombing during the Spanish Civil War, this is one of the Basque Country’s most iconic villages. Located in Bizkaia’s inland, in the heart of the Urdaibai Reserve, it is home to a wonderful collection of monuments. You can’t miss the iconic tree of Gernika, an oak tree that symbolises traditional freedoms, the Casa de Juntas, the Peace Museum and the Park of the Peoples of Europe. Gernika is 35 kilometres from Bilbao and other attractions include the church of Santa María, the old Astra factory, the Pasealeku Air Raid Shelter, the Jai Alai Fronton, Chillida’s sculpture “Gure Aitaren Etxea” and Henry Moore’s huge work “Large Figure in a Shelter”.
Bermeo
Located 36 kilometres from Bilbao, Bermeo forms part of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. You can find it on the slopes of Mount Sollube, next to Cape Matxitxako, while the first thing visitors see is its old port, dotted with traditional fishermen’s houses. If you get the chance, don’t miss the fish auction, when the boats dock after their work at sea, which usually takes place at seven in the morning or six in the evening. You should also take a stroll through the old town, which is full of narrow streets, where you’ll discover monumental buildings such as the iconic Ercilla Tower, the casino, the Town Hall, the Kikumbera House, the Convent of San Francisco, the church of Santa Eufemia and the Gate of San Juan. In the surrounding area is the extraordinary chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
Lekeitio
This “noble and loyal town”, where important royalty once spent their summer holidays, is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in Bizkaia. The village, located 58 kilometres from Bilbao, still has a romantic port and a bustling old town with colourful little houses and cobbled streets that reflect its great historical past. It preserves deep-rooted traditions such as Antzar Eguna (Goose Day) and curious dances like the kaxarranka. Of course, you must take in the beauty of the island of San Nicolás, which can be reached on foot at low tide, the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady and the beaches of Isuntza and Karraspio. And if you have time, head for the Santa Catalina lighthouse, which is the only one you can visit on the Basque coast and that has a small bar with great views. And it’s only about two kilometres from the centre of Lekeitio.
Elantxobe
This delightful fishing village in Bizkaia, located 50 kilometres from the capital Bilbao, has received the highest and best praise from those who have ventured into its winding, sloping streets and discovered its colourful houses that appear to drop steeply down to the port. Some say that its inhabitants have the most toned buttocks and calves in the whole of the Basque Country. The locals also make a distinction between Elantxobe village and Elantxobe port. Of its architectural wonders, the church of San Nicolás de Bari stands out, and close nearby are the beaches of Laida, which attracts surfers, and Laga, sheltered by Ogoño Cape. At any rate, you won’t forget this town.
Bakio
Bakio, located in the region of Uribe Butrón, this coastal town has a charming town centre surrounded by mountains and with two rivers (Zarraga and Ondarra) that wind their way through it. In this village in Bizkaia, you should combine your main sightseeing trips with strolls along the beach and the cliffs.
Its most popular architectural landmarks include the parish church of Santa María de la Asunción de Bakio, the parish church of Andra Mari, located on the slopes of Mount Jata, the palaces of Ormatza and Elexpuru and the villa Quinta-Torre. A stroll through the town centre will reveal many other interesting mansions. You should also make time to visit the Txakolingunea Txakoli Museum. Last but not least, you should know that San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is located between Bakio and Bermeo, and is therefore a highly recommended trip from here.
Mundaka
Adored by surfers and travellers who love ecotourism, Mundaka is one of the villages that should always be included on a trip to the Basque Country. It is located on the left bank of the mouth of the Mundaka estuary, in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, making it an excellent place to watch migratory birds.
On a visit to Mundaka, you shouldn’t miss several sights: its fishing port which, although small, is very authentic, the small church of Santa María, located right by the beach, as well as mansions and palaces such as the ones of Ibaialde and Kurutziaga. Take in the scenic viewpoints, enjoy a dip at Laidatxu beach and savour the authentic local cuisine, rich in seaside flavours.
Portugalete
On the left bank of the Bilbao estuary lies a fishing town that captures attention with its charm and an impressive suspension bridge. Portugalete and its bridge (known as the Hanging Bridge or Bizkaia Bridge) have been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cross the estuary on this stunning iron structure, built in 1893, to enjoy breathtaking views of the surroundings from 45 metres above. Afterwards, stroll through the steep streets of the old town to discover gems like the 14th-century Salazar Tower, the Gothic-Renaissance basilica of Santa María and the Santa Clara convent, among others.
If you enjoy soaking up a festive atmosphere, don’t miss the San Roque festivities in mid-August or the International Folklore Festival.
Santurzi
It’s true that people often come here for the grilled sardines. While the food is undeniably a main attraction, we suggest taking in everything else this fishing village has to offer. Fancy a walk along the seafront promenade, a visit to the marina or a tour of the town’s historic landmarks? In the town centre, you can see San Jorge Church, the Oriol Palace, the Town Hall with its black slate domes and a monument to the Virgin of Carmen, the patroness of Santurtzi.
A walk through the Open-Air Sculpture Museum is certainly a unique visit, which is a route connecting 14 works by domestic and international artists.
Plentzia
A village, a beach and an estuary. Plentzia is nestled by the curves of its small estuary, painting a classic Cantabrian village scene. Its beach looks out over a small, calm bay surrounded by cliffs. Tucked away in Plentzia is a delightful medieval town, once home to fishermen and wealthier residents alike, which is clear to see from its architectural heritage. From colourful houses to small palaces, to churches like the 16th-century Santa María Magdalena, whose grand tower once kept watch over the bay.
Plentzia beach is among the calmest on the Basque coast, partly thanks to its bay. That said, visitors still enjoy water sports like surfing here.
Just 25 kilometres from Bilbao, Plentzia is perfect for a long summer’s day, where you can soak up its historic charm, coastal nature and the beach.
Areatza
Further inland, in the Arratia Valley near the Urkiola Natural Park, is Areatza, a medieval village worth a visit near Bilbao. Areatza’s historic centre is a Cultural Heritage Site, with structures like the 16th-century Ugunaga Tower, the Gothic House (1490), the Mudéjar House (1525), as well as small palaces, which serve as a reminder of the town’s importance on the trade route connecting the coast with the inland.
Another attraction in Areatza is its location at the foot of Mount Gorbea, standing 1,482 metres tall and marking the natural boundary between the provinces of Bizkaia and Álava. From Areatza, you can head out to explore the Gorbeia Natural Park, the largest in the Basque Country, and enjoy hiking, biking or activities like paragliding, caving, climbing, golf and walks at night.
