Driving route in Bizkaia

Driving route in Bizkaia Itinerary
  • City

  • Inland

Description

Discover Bizkaia at the wheel on a two-day break combining nature, gastronomy and coastline, as well as its industrial and mining heritage. This route winds its way through some of the most emblematic landscapes of the region, showcasing its most deeply rooted traditions.

Along the way, you will be able to enjoy local experiences on roads that allow you to explore Bizkaia with complete freedom. A perfect route to experience the essence of the region over a weekend.

On day one, Erandio, Portugalete and Getxo take centre stage, showcasing the history of mobility systems traditionally linked to the area.

On day two, we explore emblematic places such as Enkarterri, where you will learn more about the old water-powered ironworks and open-cast iron ore mines.

day 1

Classic motoring along the estuary

Bizkaia Bridge

Sides of the estuary of Bilbao

day 2

Between valleys and engines: motoring in Enkarterri

Pozalagua

Enkarterri

Classic motoring along the estuary Itinerary

City

Sides of the estuary of Bilbao

How to do it

  • coche
  • andar

Itinerary

Starting point Retromobile Storage & Detail S.L.

The route begins in Erandio, the home of Retromobile, a place dedicated to classic motoring. It is a specialist showroom for historic vehicles where the car takes centre stage. There is a selection of classic cars that showcase the evolution of design and engineering over time.

After the visit, you can explore the surroundings of Erandio and the estuary, where the landscape takes on a more industrial character. Here, you can appreciate the role freight transport and port logistics played in the development of the metropolitan area, offering a more complete understanding of the mobility systems linked to the region.

The route then continues to the Bizkaia Bridge, between Portugalete and Getxo, one of the region’s most iconic transport structures. This transporter bridge allows vehicles to cross from one bank to the other without interrupting navigation, making it one of the most iconic transport structures in the area.

Afterwards, you can explore Getxo, passing along Paseo de Zugazarte, known as the promenade of grand villas, where the landscape becomes residential and stately, associated with the rise of the industrial bourgeoisie. You can see iconic mansions and homes from the economic growth of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

During this route, a stop can be included at the Punta Begoña Galleries.

The route continues with a walk to Puerto Viejo de Algorta, where the route comes to an end, allowing you to enjoy a calmer seaside setting after completing the journey.

Itinerary

Top resource information

A GOOD IDEA

One of the most interesting options is to look out for one-off motoring events such as Retro Clásica Bilbao, held at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC). These events bring together classic vehicles, exhibitors and specialist activities, and can provide a highly enriching addition to the route if your visit coincides with them.

The experience can be complemented with a visit to Museo Aguinaga, which houses an exhibition linked to the automotive world where historic vehicles can be seen and their evolution appreciated. It is open on Saturdays or by appointment via the dealership.


Other Bilbao Bizkaia routes in the area

Experiences in the area

Between valleys and engines: motoring in Enkarterri Itinerary
  • City

  • Inland

Enkarterri

How to do it

  • coche

Itinerary

Starting point Loizaga Tower

The route begins with a visit to Loizaga Tower, located in Galdames. This site houses a remarkable collection of classic cars, and is renowned for its Rolls-Royce collection. The visit allows you to trace the evolution of the automobile across different decades in a unique setting, where historic architecture and automotive engineering come together, thus providing the first introduction to the route's main theme.

The route then continues to El Pobal Ironworks (Muskiz), a restored complex that demonstrates the operation of traditional water-powered ironworks. The visit provides insight into iron processing and its close link with natural resources, as well as ore transport systems, establishing a direct connection with the industrial evolution of the region.

The route then continues to Gallarta, where the Basque Country Mining Museum highlights the role of industrial transport in the region’s development. Here it is possible to understand how railways, loading facilities and logistics systems were fundamental to transporting ore and, more broadly, to the evolution of mobility in Bizkaia.

To end the day, the route heads to the surroundings of La Arboleda (Trapagaran), one of the most iconic mining landscapes in Bizkaia. Here, former open-cast iron ore mines can be seen, which after mining ceased have filled with water to form artificial lakes. The route also allows you to recognise the former industrial landscape and remains linked to ore extraction and transport, now integrated into a naturalised environment. This area is a clear example of the profound transformation of the territory resulting from mining.

The surroundings are also known for their gastronomic tradition, especially beans, a very typical local dish.

The site offers wide views over the mining landscape of the Margen Izquierda and the Gran Bilbao area, providing a visual conclusion to the day.

Itinerary

Top resource information

A GOOD IDEA

For those seeking a more active option, OcioKart in Güeñes provides an additional activity that lets you enjoy driving first-hand.


Other Bilbao Bizkaia routes in the area

Experiences in the area