Historic Centre of Portugalete
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Description
The route through the historic centre of Portugalete allows visitors to discover the origins and development of this seafaring town, founded in 1322 and closely linked to the port activity of the Nervión estuary. The walk takes place within a historic urban layout of narrow streets, where traditional buildings, squares and architectural elements reflect the commercial and strategic importance that Portugalete once held as the outer port of Bilbao.
Along the route, visitors can learn about key aspects of its past, such as its role in the export of wool to Flanders, the historical significance of the former Barra de Portugalete for navigation, or the origin of the nickname “jarrilleros”, linked to the local chacoli wine tradition. The surroundings combine historical heritage, maritime memory and views over the estuary, offering a comprehensive insight into the identity of the town.
The route runs through a historic urban environment, with sections of narrow streets, stone paving and possible slopes or uneven surfaces typical of an old town. Accessibility conditions may vary depending on the specific section of the route. Visitors with specific accessibility needs are advised to gather information in advance and assess the itinerary according to their abilities and required support.
Highlight
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Sections with narrow streets, stone pavements, uneven surfaces and stairways typical of a historic centre.
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Mechanical walkways in some sections to facilitate mobility.
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Tourist Office:
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Address: Paseo de la Canilla, s/n (La Canilla building)
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Telephone: +34 94 472 93 20 / +34 94 472 93 14
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Website: www.portugalete.org
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Email: turismo@portugalete.org
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Tourist brochures and maps are available via the corresponding link.
How to get here
By the estuary
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Transporter Bridge
Portugalete – Las Arenas (Getxo)
Tel.: +34 94 480 10 12 -
Boat service
(Portugalete Boatmen Association)
Portugalete – Getxo (Las Arenas)
Tel.: +34 94 496 47 03 -
Euskal Herria vessel
Portugalete – Bilbao
Tel.: +34 94 496 47 03 -
Brittany Ferries Terminal
Port of Bilbao – Pier A3
48508 Zierbena
Tel.: +34 942 36 06 11 / +34 902 108 147
By train
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Commuter train
(Bilbao – Portugalete – Santurtzi) -
Euskotren
Atxuri, 6
Tel.: +34 902 54 32 10
www.euskotren.es
Destinations: San Sebastián, Durango, Bermeo, Sondika, Derio and Lezama -
FEVE / Renfe Commuter Trains
Bailén, 2
Tel.: +34 94 423 22 66
www.renfe.com
Destinations: Santander, Oviedo, Ferrol, Balmaseda
By metro
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Line 2: Bilbao – Portugalete – Santurtzi
Metro Bilbao
By road
Portugalete can be reached via motorway from any point in Spain or Europe. The A-8 motorway connects with the A-68, and the E-70 links to the A-8 towards Santander. The local road BI-3739 can also be used. The N-1 (Madrid–Irun) is the main route connecting Bilbao with southern Spain. From the Mediterranean, the fastest route is the Basque-Aragonese Motorway (E-805). From the Cantabrian coast, access is via the Cantabrian Motorway. Bizkaia is connected to Europe through the Bilbao–Behobia motorway (E-70).
By bus
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Bus lines:
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A3152 Bilbao – Portugalete (motorway)
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A3115 Bilbao – Santurtzi
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A3321 Portugalete – La Arena – Muskiz (Pilgrims)
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Bizkaibus
Tel.: +34 902 22 22 65
web.bizkaia.eus/en/web/bizkaibus
The Bilbao Bus Station, known as Termibús, is located in Garellano, next to San Mamés football stadium, with direct connections to the Metro (San Mamés station) and Renfe.
Tel.: +34 94 439 50 77
www.bilbaointermodal.eus
By plane
Bilbao Airport (Loiu) offers daily connections to major European cities. The airport can be accessed via road (N-633) or by commuter train.
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AENA (public airport management company)
Tel.: +34 902 704 404 / +34 91 321 10 00 Web
Route
Historic centre of Portugalete
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility (PRM)
The route begins at the foot of the Transporter Bridge, passing in front of the Town Hall. It then continues through the four streets with the greatest historical significance in the old town. These streets have a steep slope. The paving is cobbled, although fairly even. The street where the route ends, Casilda Iturrizar Kalea, is equipped with a mechanical walkway to overcome the incline. The streets are pedestrian-only and have very little traffic.Features and services
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- Section length
- 0,84 km
- Pavement
- Even cobblestone paving; paving slabs.
- Obstacles
- Presence of stairways in some areas
- Streets with steep slopes.
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Outdoor space: Parking areas and access to equipment
- How close is it to means of transport?
- Sí
- Is there a parking area?
- Yes
- Parking. Are there any minimum dimensions for adapted vehicles?
- Yes
- Are there slopes at the entrances?
- Yes
- Are the access slopes suitable for people with reduced mobility?
- Yes, with assistance from third parties
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Access
- Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?
- Yes, with assistance from third parties
Itinerary
- Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?
- No
- Unevenness through pedestrian routes
- Yes