Bilbao Bizkaia Family
Despite looking to the future, Bilbao Bizkaia is a land deeply rooted in tradition. The evolution we have undergone in recent decades has made our territory a place where tradition and the avant-garde coexist in equal measure.
In the following blog we bring you a selection of routes and walks for the whole family so that you don't miss anything: from the incredible city of Bilbao and its mountains, to the more than 150 kilometres of coastline.
You will get to know Basque culture in all its splendour, from the city to the coast, from the mountains to the most outstanding museums and buildings. We believe that its architecture, landscape and gastronomy will leave you open-mouthed.
Metropolis, coast and mountains
Discover Bilbao
The Old Town, the original Bilbao
Located on the right bank of the estuary is the Old Town. Here you can breathe the history of Bilbao through its narrow streets and emblematic buildings such as the Cathedral of Santiago, the Euskal Museoa, the Bidebarrieta library and the Ribera Market. In the maze of its streets, you will also be able to try an endless number of pintxos and enjoy the close attention of the local shops in Bilbao.
The more avant-garde Bilbao
The next walk goes from the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum to the San Mamés stadium. Design and avant-garde, a fitting description for Abandoibarra, which holds the best of this century's architecture and is considered by many to be an authentic open-air museum. During this tour you can enjoy buildings such as the Guggenheim Museum, the Deusto Library or the Bizkaia Aretoa building.
Thanks to its 165 metres in height, the Iberdrola Tower is one of the most outstanding buildings on this route and very close to it is the Doña Casilda Park, where you can visit the Museum of Fine Arts with more than 7,000 pieces. Next to the museum you will find the Euskalduna Palace. Finally, we arrive at San Mamés, the stadium of Athletic Club de Bilbao, where a unique experience awaits you in the museum.
Experiences on the coast of Biscay
Urdaibai, Biosphere Reserve
Urdaibai is considered a natural treasure. It spans over 22,000 hectares and includes some 22 towns and villages. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1984. And in the heart of Urdaibai we have San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. After crossing the three-arch bridge you will have to climb the 241 steps to visit a unique hermitage in the world.
Experiences with the sea in the background
One of the activities that the kids will enjoy the most is whale watching, a route that can be done from different towns, all of them with a great seafaring tradition, such as Bermeo and Santurtzi. Canoeing is also a good way to spend a day with the family, and Urdaibai is ideal for this activity.
Bizkaia has become one of the favourite surfing destinations for national and international surfers. Among the most popular beaches are Barinatxe, Sopela, Meñakoz in Barrika or La Arena in Muskiz among others. Of course Mundaka and its left wave is a must for any surfer, and as a matter of fact several editions of the world surfing championship have been held here.
Natural Parks
Urkiola Natural Park
Throughout its 5,768 hectares we can find wonders of nature such as Mount Anboto and the Cave of Mari. This rugged, rocky landscape is also home to the Urkiola Sanctuary and the Presazelai Beech Forest: here you can witness the beech trees that once supplied the area's charcoal burners.
Armañón Natural Park and Pozalagua Cave
This park has more than 200 caves and chasms, with the Pozalagua cave standing out for its eccentric stalactites. Here you can enjoy underground trails, as well as breathtaking views from its viewpoints, making it the ideal place for family hiking.