Route 2: From port to port through Greater Bilbao
Along this route, you will have to opportunity to explore some of Greater Bilbao’s most fascinating and interesting locations while discovering the region’s rich history and unique culture.
Our journey begins in the enchanting town of Getxo, which is known for its stunning coastal landscapes and beaches, as well as its magnificent villas and palazzos built in the 19th century as summer homes for the upper bourgeoisie and aristocracy. Yet Getxo’s history goes back to the Middle Ages, with fishing, herding, and agriculture having been the area’s main economic activities for many years. And of course, you guessed it, txakoli and grape cultivation were also part of life at Getxo’s country houses. There is evidence of this going back at least to the 17th century. The Port of Bilbao’s seafaring and mercantile activity also influenced Greater Bilbao with a growing population and flourishing economy, while also leading to a decline in wine production.
Route map
Stages of the route
-
Stage 1 Getxo Marina
The day begins at the Getxo Marina sailing along the coast where, depending on the crossing you´ve chosen, you will have to opportunity to enjoy dazzling views of town looking towards Abra, the Bilbao estuary, Old Port, and the stunning cliffs of Galea Point. During this journey, you can enjoy a txakoli tasting aboard. There are various companies that offer this trip privately and to groups, as well as boats with regularly scheduled sailings. More info: Actividades Getxo Costa
Curiosity: Did you know that the sea is a key aspect of txakoli production on the Bizkaia coast? It lends the wine a marked Atlantic influence that we can taste in its fresh, refreshing character, while also keeping the climate more temperate and is ideal for the vegetative development of the vineyards
-
Stage 2 Ereaga beach- Old Port of Getxo
After your seafaring experience and once back on land, we will walk along Ereaga Beach to reach the charismatic Getxo Old Port. This picturesque port still maintains the charm of yesteryear and remains a small fishing village.
Here, we suggest a nice lunch to enjoy local gastronomy together with a refreshing txakoli. There are numerous bars with sea views where you can sample an endless variety of pintxos, as well as local restaurants around the port if you prefer something more substantial.
-
Stage 3 Promenade of the Great Villas
After enjoying your meal, we suggest a pleasant stroll keeping the sea on your right along Paseo de las Grandes Villas, where you can admire the majestic 19th and 20th century seaside palaces that will transport you to Gexto’s golden age. There is a self-guided tour with informative panels that make this route entertaining and informative.
-
Stage 4 Vizcaya Bridge
After about 3 km, you will reach the breathtaking Bizkaia Hanging Bridge, one of the world’s oldest transporter bridges linking the estuary´s two shores. Inaugurated in 1893, this was the first transporter bridge on earth, linking the two banks and marking a revolutionary event for the development of the area and society at the time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a demonstration of the industrial revolution’s impact on the region.
We invite you to cross the bridge either by using the suspended nacelle or upper footbridge that can be accessed by lift. There, you can enjoy spectacular views of your surroundings.
-
Stage 5 Portugalete
The historical and noble village of Portugalete awaits you on the other side of the bridge. It earned the name “villa jarillera” because of the small clay jars used to serve the txakoli produced there between the 15th and 18th centuries.
One curious Portugalete fact involves an ordinance that existed in the 15th century that prohibited wines from other regions from being brought in until the local txakoli supply ran out. This town was quite important for txakoli production.
Portugalete is also noteworthy due to its fishing and maritime trade activities. In the 19th century, it even became a favourite spot for royalty and the bourgeoisie to spend their summers. We can marvel at the splendour of the structures next to the Hanging Bridge if we continue on our stroll towards the Iron Pier. This structure is considered to be one of the 19th century´s great works of engineering. Don’t miss the tide gauge used to record sea level changes.
-
Stage 6 Santurtzi
If you want to keep on walking, continue along the wharf and you will reach Santurtzi in about 15-20 minutes. This is another of the route´s important txakoli-producing towns.
Curiosity: This fact may surprise you. In the 1860s, Santurtzi became Bizkaia´s largest producer of txakoli.
Alternatives
- If you’re spending more than a day in the area, there are many activities to enjoy in Getxo: https://www.getxo.eus/es/turismo/que-hacer
- If you prefer connecting with nature, we suggest the Cliff Route, which passes through many of Getxo’s points of interest while offering panoramic vistas of Abra Bay: https://www.getxo.eus/es/turismo/que-ver/ruta-acantilados
- Mendibile Jauregia is definitely worth a visit—a palace from the late 17th century that’s now home, among other things, to the Regulatory Council of the Bizkaiko Txakolina D.O., the authority that ensures the authenticity of the wines produced by its member wineries. The palace also has an exhibition space where you can learn about the production, history and culture of this fantastic wine through panels and videos.