The old port at the northern end of the Playa de Ereaga is today dominated by a large open-air car park. Go up the steps, though, and you emerge into a charming enclave of whitewashed fishers' cottages and narrow alleyways, many festooned with Basque flags and Athletic Bilbao colours.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
6.89 MILES
Shimmering titanium Museo Guggenheim Bilbao is one of modern architecture's most iconic buildings. It played a major role in helping to lift Bilbao out of…
6.67 MILES
On the waterfront, this interactive maritime museum brings the watery depths of Bilbao and Basque maritime history to life. Start with a 10-minute video…
6.97 MILES
The Museo de Bellas Artes houses a compelling collection that includes everything from Gothic sculptures to 20th-century pop art. There are three main…
13.38 MILES
One of the most photographed features of the Basque coast, 10km to Bermeo's northwest, is the small, rocky isle of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Accessed from…
23.17 MILES
Discovered in 1903 (second only to Altamira among Cantabrian caves with prehistoric artwork), the World Heritage–listed Covalanas cave is home to several…
5.6 MILES
The world's first underwater winery, Crusoe Treasure, ages its vintages 20m below the surface on an artificial reef. Tastings of its whites and reds are…
7.79 MILES
The compact Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s atmospheric old quarter, is full of charming streets, boisterous bars and plenty of quirky and independent shops. At the…
7.33 MILES
Take a neglected wine storage warehouse, convert it into a leisure and cultural centre, add a shot of Bilbao style and the result is the Azkuna Zentroa …
Nearby attractions
0.19 MILES
Built between 1854 and 1863 by Lorenzo Fancisco de Móñiz and refurbished in 1925 in neoclassical style, this landmark church has a stepped belfry. It's…
0.46 MILES
Near the mouth of the Nervión estuary, the Playa de Arrigunaga is a lovely stretch of beachfront, backed by steep hillside. This is a great spot to slow…
0.48 MILES
Ideal for families, this long, sheltered sandy beach runs between the Galerías de Punta Begoña and Puerto Viejo. You can hire sunbeds and parasols (per…
0.6 MILES
This massive stone structure was built in 1919 as a continuation of Getxo's defensive wall. It's an impressive sight, complete with columns and a…
0.62 MILES
In the El Abra port complex, Getxo's tiny aquarium showcases marine flora and fauna from the Atlantic Ocean and warmer tropical waters. There are 25…
0.81 MILES
A local landmark, this castle-like mansion was originally built in 1902 but was subsequently revamped by Manuel María Smith in 1921. Its central tower is…
1.05 MILES
This small 1911-built mansion is one of several designed and built by Bilbao architect Manuel María Smith in the early 20th century. It's not open to the…
8. Paseo de las Grandes Villas
1.16 MILES
The Paseo is the unofficial name given to Getxo's seafront – made up of Muelle de Las Arenas Areeta and Calle Marques de Arriluce e Ibarra. The 'Villas'…