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Coast of BizkaiaBizkaia's seaboard, 150 km-long from Ondarroa to Muskiz, combines traditional and coastal municipalities with their many beaches and natural environments. The visitor will get to know the peculiarities of little fishing villages, admire the 28 beaches of the coast and will observe thousands of bird species in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
We will begin our trip in the mouth of the river Ibaizabal, dominated by Portugalete's Bizkaia Transporter Bridge, denominated world heritage by UNESCO in July 2006. On the other side of the Abra we will find Getxo, full of mansions and palaces, and Algorta's old fishing port. Following the marvellous walk that goes along the coast, we will arrive in Sopelana and, later on, in Gorliz, both of them with natural beaches.
Natural spots, surfing and wide sandy areas
Once visited the village of Armintza, and on the way to Bermeo, we will enjoy the magnificent sea-view that will captivate visitors: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, near the Matxitxako cape. This municipality is very linked to the sea; it is Bizkaia's most northern port. There, you will find the Fishermen's Museum but the most characteristic spot is Izaro Island.
We will follow by the coast, passing through the core of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve till we arrive in Mundaka, Bizkaia's main reference as regards sea sports, especially due to the surfing. Likewise, we would like to mention Sukarrieta beach, with its fine sand, and which gives access to Laga, very frequented by bathers.
Soon, we will admire two of the most singular villages on the coast: Elantxobe, with its houses climbing up the hill, and the quiet village of Ea. Afterwards, we will visit Lekeitio, one of the nicest spots on the Bay of Biscay, and a first-rate tourist destination due to its beaches, San Nicolás Island and the old part of the town. To put an end to the coastal journey, we will reach Ondarroa, a unique fishing village that is build around its port, which is the headquarters for the most important deep-sea fishing on the Basque coast.
We will begin our trip in the mouth of the river Ibaizabal, dominated by Portugalete's Bizkaia Transporter Bridge, denominated world heritage by UNESCO in July 2006. On the other side of the Abra we will find Getxo, full of mansions and palaces, and Algorta's old fishing port. Following the marvellous walk that goes along the coast, we will arrive in Sopelana and, later on, in Gorliz, both of them with natural beaches.
Natural spots, surfing and wide sandy areas
Once visited the village of Armintza, and on the way to Bermeo, we will enjoy the magnificent sea-view that will captivate visitors: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, near the Matxitxako cape. This municipality is very linked to the sea; it is Bizkaia's most northern port. There, you will find the Fishermen's Museum but the most characteristic spot is Izaro Island.
We will follow by the coast, passing through the core of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve till we arrive in Mundaka, Bizkaia's main reference as regards sea sports, especially due to the surfing. Likewise, we would like to mention Sukarrieta beach, with its fine sand, and which gives access to Laga, very frequented by bathers.
Soon, we will admire two of the most singular villages on the coast: Elantxobe, with its houses climbing up the hill, and the quiet village of Ea. Afterwards, we will visit Lekeitio, one of the nicest spots on the Bay of Biscay, and a first-rate tourist destination due to its beaches, San Nicolás Island and the old part of the town. To put an end to the coastal journey, we will reach Ondarroa, a unique fishing village that is build around its port, which is the headquarters for the most important deep-sea fishing on the Basque coast.
Inland ValleysBizkaia's inland valleys are uneven and beautiful, with high mountains and low valleys cloaked in legends and deep valleys with a marked rural flavour. The three main inland regions in inner Bizkaia are Duranguesado, Arratia-Nervión valleys and Orduña, which offer visitors numerous attractions in the shape of medieval boroughs and natural parks -Urkiola and Gorbeia- that Bizkaia shares with Alava.
The Duranguesado valley, on the corridor running between Gipuzkoa and Bilbao, still offers the most rural and peaceful of Bizkaia's atmospheres. From Durango to Atxondo, many marked paths invite us to discover beautiful sports throughout the Urkiola Natural Park, with the mythical Anboto Mountain (1.331 m), very frequented by mountain lovers and popular for being Mari's dwelling, Anboto's Dame and main Goddess of Basque mythology.
Durango is one of the main accesses to the Urkiola Natural Park. The old quarter of the smart and noble village still keeps its medieval layout. The Neapolitan style of the Renaissance Town Hall facade and the Baroque Kurutziaga cross are eye-catching. Elorrio is another outstanding borough in this area. Now classed as historical monument, this village is remarkable for its accumulation of solidly built, emblazoned houses set out in elegant rows, dating back to the 17thand 18th centuries. On the outskirts heading towards Berriz we will find the Argiñeta necropolis, one of the most important funeral monuments in the Basque Country, formed by a group of pre-Christian grit and funeral steles.
Arratia and Orduña Valleys
Country buffs will feel completely at home in the Arratia and Orduña valleys in the south of Bizkaia. Arratia, named after the homonymous river born on the hillside of the Gorbeia massif (1.481 m), is the highest in the historical territory. The Gorbeia Natural Park spreads around it. Visitors can gain access from many municipalities, such as Zeanuri, Artea and Areatza, localities that offer samples of the Basque popular architecture like country houses, which are the most characteristic dwellings in the region.
Orduña is the only place in Bizkaia to boast the title of "city". Surrounded by land belonging to the Alava province, it acquired a great deal of importance in the Middle Ages when a road leading from Bizkaia to the meseta was opened through the Orduña crags. It is worth visiting its old quarter, which was classed as historical-monumental heritage in 1997, and admiring the buildings that form Los Fueros Square. Sierra Salvada offers the chance to practice hiking or other sports activities, such as paragliding and hang gliding, as well as to enjoy the spectacular landscape that offers the view of the river Nervión source.
The Duranguesado valley, on the corridor running between Gipuzkoa and Bilbao, still offers the most rural and peaceful of Bizkaia's atmospheres. From Durango to Atxondo, many marked paths invite us to discover beautiful sports throughout the Urkiola Natural Park, with the mythical Anboto Mountain (1.331 m), very frequented by mountain lovers and popular for being Mari's dwelling, Anboto's Dame and main Goddess of Basque mythology.
Durango is one of the main accesses to the Urkiola Natural Park. The old quarter of the smart and noble village still keeps its medieval layout. The Neapolitan style of the Renaissance Town Hall facade and the Baroque Kurutziaga cross are eye-catching. Elorrio is another outstanding borough in this area. Now classed as historical monument, this village is remarkable for its accumulation of solidly built, emblazoned houses set out in elegant rows, dating back to the 17thand 18th centuries. On the outskirts heading towards Berriz we will find the Argiñeta necropolis, one of the most important funeral monuments in the Basque Country, formed by a group of pre-Christian grit and funeral steles.
Arratia and Orduña Valleys
Country buffs will feel completely at home in the Arratia and Orduña valleys in the south of Bizkaia. Arratia, named after the homonymous river born on the hillside of the Gorbeia massif (1.481 m), is the highest in the historical territory. The Gorbeia Natural Park spreads around it. Visitors can gain access from many municipalities, such as Zeanuri, Artea and Areatza, localities that offer samples of the Basque popular architecture like country houses, which are the most characteristic dwellings in the region.
Orduña is the only place in Bizkaia to boast the title of "city". Surrounded by land belonging to the Alava province, it acquired a great deal of importance in the Middle Ages when a road leading from Bizkaia to the meseta was opened through the Orduña crags. It is worth visiting its old quarter, which was classed as historical-monumental heritage in 1997, and admiring the buildings that form Los Fueros Square. Sierra Salvada offers the chance to practice hiking or other sports activities, such as paragliding and hang gliding, as well as to enjoy the spectacular landscape that offers the view of the river Nervión source.
EncartacionesThe Encartaciones region, formed by ten municipalities, is the most western and the less known point of Bizkaia. It is land of battles between different sides and tower houses, many of them perfectly kept that will take us, magically, to an enchanted past. Its magnificent buildings and very appealing villages with woods, meadows and mountains make of the Encartaciones a unique and spectacular region.
Balmaseda, located on the banks of the river Kadagua, is the main town in the Encartaciones. Witness of pilgrims and traders, the first village of Bizkaia is popular as, at Easter, its inhabitants represent Jesus Christ's Passion. It is famous as well because of its rich cultural heritage. In its main square, with the beautiful church of San Severino and the Town Hall, with a wide colonnade known as La Mezquita (The Mosque), due to the amount of columns that withstand it.
History and Nature
Other areas such as Güeñes, Zalla and Sopuerta have many interesting monuments. The first one, which combines rural and urban areas and houses many palaces worth visiting, such as Arangoiti and Estrada, and the parish church of Santa María, commonly known as "El Sol" (the sun) for its exceptional facade. From there, we will visit the Murga baroque palace, current Town Hall in Zalla, whereas the Assembly House of Avellaneda is located in Sopuerta, a tower-house where in the past the General Assemblies of the ten regions forming the Encartaciones would meet.
Likewise, we can go to Carranza valley, an area with unique beauties such as the Ecological Park of Bizkaia, Karpin Abentura, where we will find different species of wild animals representing the Iberian and European fauna. The caves of Pozalagua are, doubtless, another spot worth visiting, with its spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations that defy gravity.
Balmaseda, located on the banks of the river Kadagua, is the main town in the Encartaciones. Witness of pilgrims and traders, the first village of Bizkaia is popular as, at Easter, its inhabitants represent Jesus Christ's Passion. It is famous as well because of its rich cultural heritage. In its main square, with the beautiful church of San Severino and the Town Hall, with a wide colonnade known as La Mezquita (The Mosque), due to the amount of columns that withstand it.
History and Nature
Other areas such as Güeñes, Zalla and Sopuerta have many interesting monuments. The first one, which combines rural and urban areas and houses many palaces worth visiting, such as Arangoiti and Estrada, and the parish church of Santa María, commonly known as "El Sol" (the sun) for its exceptional facade. From there, we will visit the Murga baroque palace, current Town Hall in Zalla, whereas the Assembly House of Avellaneda is located in Sopuerta, a tower-house where in the past the General Assemblies of the ten regions forming the Encartaciones would meet.
Likewise, we can go to Carranza valley, an area with unique beauties such as the Ecological Park of Bizkaia, Karpin Abentura, where we will find different species of wild animals representing the Iberian and European fauna. The caves of Pozalagua are, doubtless, another spot worth visiting, with its spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations that defy gravity.
BilbaoBilbao is located in the mouth of the river Ibaizabal in the north of the historical territory of Bizkaia, surrounded by several mountains such as Pagasarri, Ganeta, Restaleku, Arnotegi, Artxanda and Santo Domingo. Apart from being the capital of Bizkaia, it is the most populated Basque city and the economic driving force of the Basque Autonomous Region, as well as a cultural reference point.
The city has undergone an important transformation for the last decades, thanks to new infrastructures -the underground: Metro Bilbao -, the restoration of many buildings, the port's enlargement, the creation of new green areas, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Euskalduna Convention Centre and the Maritime Museum, but still preserving its old the charm.
"Siete Calles"
The Old Town, better known as Siete Calles (Seven Streets), constitutes Bilbao's core and its main commercial and leisure area. It is a real delight to walk through its narrow streets studded with bars, restaurants and typical and modern shops.
In the nearby, the Arenal Bridge connects the Old Town with the 19th-century urban expansion area, that consists of elegant buildings and big blocks. Don Diego Lopez de Haro Street, commonly called as Gran Via, is the core of the enlargement. This elegant business and banking thoroughfare has now become a semi-pedestrian street. Bizkaia's capital is also a financial and service centre. The Bilbao Stock Exchange -an economic reference at State level-, and the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) -house of relevant international fairs, are two of its main economic features. On the other hand, the Port of Bilbao is the biggest and most important one in the Basque Country and one of the leading ports in Europe.
Cosy, plural and cosmopolitan city, Bilbao welcomes a growing number of visitors every year, especially during the Aste Nagusia (Big Week). Bilbao's main festival takes place in August. Mari Jaia, a big blonde figure built of papier mache, is the soul of the festival.
The city has undergone an important transformation for the last decades, thanks to new infrastructures -the underground: Metro Bilbao -, the restoration of many buildings, the port's enlargement, the creation of new green areas, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Euskalduna Convention Centre and the Maritime Museum, but still preserving its old the charm.
"Siete Calles"
The Old Town, better known as Siete Calles (Seven Streets), constitutes Bilbao's core and its main commercial and leisure area. It is a real delight to walk through its narrow streets studded with bars, restaurants and typical and modern shops.
In the nearby, the Arenal Bridge connects the Old Town with the 19th-century urban expansion area, that consists of elegant buildings and big blocks. Don Diego Lopez de Haro Street, commonly called as Gran Via, is the core of the enlargement. This elegant business and banking thoroughfare has now become a semi-pedestrian street. Bizkaia's capital is also a financial and service centre. The Bilbao Stock Exchange -an economic reference at State level-, and the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) -house of relevant international fairs, are two of its main economic features. On the other hand, the Port of Bilbao is the biggest and most important one in the Basque Country and one of the leading ports in Europe.
Cosy, plural and cosmopolitan city, Bilbao welcomes a growing number of visitors every year, especially during the Aste Nagusia (Big Week). Bilbao's main festival takes place in August. Mari Jaia, a big blonde figure built of papier mache, is the soul of the festival.
BIZKAIA TOWN BY TOWN
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