Get ready for adventure
If you enjoy active travel, Bizkaia has everything to get your adrenaline rushing
When you think of nature, you usually think of peace and tranquillity. However, nature offers more than that: It is also the setting of exciting adventures. In Bizkaia, there are lots of unforgettable active travel experiences you can have.
In the water sports department, especially in the summer months, you can go surfing, canoeing, white water rafting or kayaking. Plus, you go diving in the sea in Urdaibai, Lekeitio or Gorliz.
Also, our coastal area is great for hiking in the mountains or across nature parks. A couple of stages of St James’ Way go through Bizkaia, from Markina-Xemein to Bilbao via Gernika.
Nature at its best
Caves, mounts and valleys filled with magic
Climbing mountains, diving deep into the sea or soaring in the sky, in Bizkaia fun is guaranteed. You can do eleven extreme sports, either on the coast or in the hinterland: surfing, canoeing, trekking, water skiing, hot-air ballooning… Get ready for great adventures!
In a natural paradise like Urdaibai, from March to September you can test your skills at archery, white water rafting or kayaking and canoeing at sea. For surfers, there are the beaches in Mundaka, Bakio and Sopela, which have the most fabulous heaving waves.
In the coastal town of Lekeitio, you can take canoeing or kayaking lessons. Maybe you would rather hike along the coastline. It is not that easy, though, since you will have to climb vertical walls or leap into the sea and swim. On the beautiful, extensive beach in Gorliz, you can try snorkelling or outdoor training, an alternative to your gym workout in a wonderful setting.
If you are travelling inland, you can try a wide range of sports like mountaineering, hiking or caving in Urkiola Nature Park. Although there are no ski resorts, many an adventurer go skiing in the area anyway.
Do you love animals? If so, come to Karrantza, in the westernmost tip of Bizkaia, especially if you are travelling with kids. Karpin Fauna is a wildlife recovery centre occupying 20 hectares. Animals belonging to more than 55 species have become residents of the facility. Plus, it offers spectacular views of the Karrantza Valley. Walk across the forest to travel back in time from the Jurassic period to the extinction of dinosaurs.
How To Get There
There is no better way to get to these places than driving a car, especially if you are planning to go to Karpinabentura. Urdaibai can be reached by public transport. Check timetables in advance.
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Train
Karpin Fauna: In Abando Station, hop on the train to Zalla. You will arrive at your destination in two hours. In Zalla, get on the Bizkaibus line A-0652 and get off at El Callejo. The bus stop is a 30 minutes’ walk to Karpin Fauna.
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Bus
Urdaibai: Take the Bizkaibus line A-3526 (Gernika-Ibarrangelu) and get off at the Laida campsite.
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Car
Karpin Fauna: From Bilbao, take the A-8, exit to Colindres-Burgos, and then take road N-629 to Karpinabentura. It will be a two hours’ drive. There is a free parking area with 350 spaces for cars and five for coaches. Urdaibai: To go to Ibarrangelu from Bilbao, take the N-637 and the BI-635, exit toward Amorebieta/Gernika. Continue on roads BI-2238 and BI-3234 until you reach the Garteiz neighbourhood in Ibarrangelu. Park your car just across the adventure activity centre.