Bilbao

Bilbao: Adventure between Titanium and Cliffs

Bilbao is a city that has managed to reinvent itself, transforming its industrial past into a cutting-edge, cultural present, with the Guggenheim Museum as its flagship. But Bilbao's true secret lies in its surroundings: a spectacular landscape where the intense green of the Basque mountains blends with the wild blue of the Cantabrian Sea. The city is the perfect base camp for exploring a land filled with cliffs, legendary waves, and magical trails.

The Surf Sanctuary: The Basque Coast

Just a few kilometers from Bilbao lies one of Europe's most powerful and renowned coastlines for surfing. The Bizkaia coast is a magnet for surfers from all over the world, offering waves for all tastes and levels.

• Mundaka, the Magic Left: To talk about surfing in Europe is to talk about Mundaka. Its wave, a long, perfect left that breaks at the mouth of the Urdaibai estuary, is considered one of the best in the world. A natural spectacle worth seeing, whether you're a surfer or not.
• Beaches for Everyone: Sopelana and Plentzia. These two beaches, accessible by metro from downtown Bilbao, are the birthplace of Biscayan surfing. With their sandy bottoms and constant waves, they're the ideal place for both beginners and more advanced surfers to enjoy a great session.
• Kayaking and Paddleboarding: For a different perspective, explore the Bilbao Estuary on a paddleboard, discovering the city's transformation from the water. Or explore the tranquility of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve by kayak, a paradise of marshes and nature.

On Foot and by Bike: Exploring Green Peaks and Trails

The Bizkaia landscape is a labyrinth of trails and mountains that invite discovery. Putting on your hiking boots or hopping on your bike is the best way to connect with the essence of the Basque Country.

• San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: A place that seems like something out of a legend. The walk to the hermitage, climbing more than 200 steps on a rocky islet, is an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views of the Cantabrian Sea.
• Bilbao's Green Belt: The city is surrounded by a series of forest parks and mountains connected by trails. It's the perfect place for a quick getaway for hiking or mountain biking without leaving the city center.
• Gorbeia Natural Park: For the most demanding mountaineers, Gorbeia is the benchmark summit in Bizkaia. Its beech forests, trails, and the iconic cross at its summit are the focus of many mountain lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bilbao Adventure

What is the best time to surf near Bilbao?

Fall and winter are prime seasons for experienced surfers, as this is when the most powerful and consistent swells arrive. For beginners, summer is ideal, with smaller waves and a much more pleasant water temperature.

Do you need to be an expert surfer to ride the waves of the Basque Country?

Not at all. Although waves like Mundaka are reserved exclusively for experts, the Biscayan coast is full of beaches like Sopelana, Plentzia, and Laga that offer perfect conditions for learning and progressing safely.

Can you hike without a car from Bilbao?

Yes, one of Bilbao's great advantages is its excellent public transportation network. You can reach the beaches of Sopelana and Plentzia by metro, and many coastal towns and hiking trailheads by bus (Bizkaibus), making it extremely easy to explore nature.