Route 8: Cliffs, vineyards, and surfing beaches
On this route, you will discover the stunning landscapes, virgin beaches, and fascinating geological formations.
You will move through locations from the Game of Thrones series, including Muriola Beach in Barrika and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. You will also discover a region that has strong ties to txakoli. In the past, these lands were home to large vineyards that extended along the entire coast, making the administrative region of Uribe and Urdaibai an important centre for txakoli production. The character of coastal wines is shaped by the influence of the sea breeze and wind on the vines. This infuses the grapes and future wines with very special characteristics, including its freshness and lightness.
Route map
Route 8: Cliffs, vineyards, and surfing beaches
Stages of the route
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Stage 1 Touring Sopela, Barrika y Armintza
We suggest kicking off the day by exploring the Biscay Coast on a touring route that begins in Sopela.
From here, explore amazing beaches and cliffs and discover a geological treasure that is one of the most precious elements of our coast: the Flysch.
The flysch is a geological formation comprised of alternating layers of rocks in the sea resulting from the tectonic movements of the Earth’s crust over millions of years.
The best place to appreciate the beauty and peculiarity of this geological formation is in the towns of Sopela, Barrika, and Armintza.
The spectacular seaside views and unique rock formations of this geological phenomenon will leave you breathless.
Leave time for several stops to take photos of these incredible landscapes.
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Stage 2 San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
This coastal route continues towards San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
There are various lookouts from which you can enjoy this emblematic and captivating place.
If you are in good physical shape and got an early start on the route, you can climb the 241 steps to the hermitage located on the peak of this rocky islet and marvel at the impressive views.
We recommend planning ahead for this stop, and consider going early in the morning on less busy days or outside the high season to fully enjoy its charm and tranquillity.
Access is free of charge, but a ticket is required to enter. More info: https://www.visitbiscay.eus/es/-/san-juan-de-gaztelugatxe-castillo-de-roca-sobre-el-mar
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a magical place that also was a filming location for Game of Thrones, being where Castle Dragonstone was located.
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Stage 3 Bakio
After taking in the spectacular coast, now it’s time to discover the region’s great txakoli.
Head towards Bakio, a town that is closely connected to txakoli in Bizkaia with a tradition that dates back to the 14th century.
Bakio’s location in a mountain-protected valley next to the sea keeps it safe from cold winds and provides a gentle, warm micro-climate that is ideal for growing protected hillside grapes.
Baiko even had its own vineyard system that was -until the arrival of trellis vines- one of the town’s hallmarks: the trained vines. This method used stone pillars to reduce moisture so the grapes could grow healthy with enough air circulation. -
Stage 4 Visit to a Txakoli winery (Multiple options to choose from)
In Bakio, visit some of the bodegas offering wine tourism experiences.
Apart from learning about the txakolinera tradition and taking in the beautiful vineyard landscapes, you can taste txakolis crafted overlooking the sea. You may be surprised to hear that there is also red txakoli.
You can choose between Bodegas Doniene Gorrondona or Bodegas Zabala.
At Doniene Gorrondona, you will stroll through very special vineyards overlooking the sea and inland valleys. The bodega is located in an old Basque country house, offering different kinds of tastings and visits.
More information: https://www.donienegorrondona.com
Zabala is a modern, newly-built, family-run bodega. It is located in a lovely hilly environment surrounded by vineyards, some of which more than 100 years old. They offer the possibility of visiting the site and tasting some of their wines.
More information: https://www.zabalatxakolina.com/
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Stage 5 Bakio - lunch
After the bodega visit, it’s time to recharge your batteries with a delicious lunch in Bakio.
This coastal town offers a wide variety of restaurants where you can sample the traditional dishes of Basque gastronomy, like fresh fish and seafood, paring perfectly with txakoli. -
Stage 6 Txakolin Museoa-Txakolingunea
The day continues in Bakio learning much more about the fascinating world of txakoli with a must-do visit for any wine lover: the Txakolingune, Bakio Tzakoli Museum.
You can discover the origins, characteristics, and secrets of txakoli through audio-visual and interactive elements, absorbing the information in a way that is both entertaining and educational. Return home triumphantly as a true expert on the subject!
https://bizkaikoa.bizkaia.eus/detalleContenido.asp?id=250&t=1&idioma=IN
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Stage 7 Bakio - beach
In addition to being known for its txakoli, Bakio is also a major tourist destination thanks to its beach.
Fittingly, we recommend ending your visit to Bakio with a relaxing stroll along its spectacular beach, which is Bizkaia’s longest.
Along your stroll, you will find references to txakoli, such as the Txakoli Monument by Néstor Basterretxea.
Alternatives
Bakio is a well-known surfing location. You can take surfing lessons at one of the schools located in Bakio: https://www.bakio.eus/es-ES/Turismo/Escuelas-surf/Paginas/default.aspx