Biscay (Bizkaia in Spanish) is a province in northern Spain, located in the Basque Country region. The most famous city in the province is Bilbao, which is why it is also referred to as Bilbao/Bizkaia when talking about the region. Although Bilbao is primarily known for the Guggenheim Museum, the city and its surroundings offer much more for an active vacation. With its mountainous landscape, the surroundings of Bilbao are fantastic for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and even climbing. The city is surrounded by green mountains and is conveniently located near the coast, the Bay of Biscay. The rugged coastline with its cliffs and the surrounding mountains, which offer stunning views, form a picturesque backdrop. A vacation in Bilbao is therefore more than just a city trip; mountains, coast, and city come together in Biscay. I stayed in Bilbao for a week and explored the highlights in the surroundings of this beautiful city in Spain.
What to Do During Your Vacation in the Surroundings of Bilbao?
One of the great things about Bilbao is its lush green and mountainous surroundings. So, if you’re going on vacation to Bilbao, you can choose to stay in the city and explore the surroundings from there. But you can also choose to stay outside the city and make a day trip to Bilbao itself. I visited this region in the fall (early October) and stayed in a hotel in the heart of Bilbao. It’s a super fun city that also begs to be explored. Besides the Guggenheim Museum, there are many more fun attractions, everything is within walking distance, and you can enjoy delicious food in the many pintxos bars. Highly recommended in my opinion! So be sure to read my tips for the city, but in this article, I’ll share what you can do in the surroundings of Bilbao because the combination of city and nature is so worthwhile!
The Green Ring of Bilbao
The Green Ring of Bilbao, known locally as “Anillo Verde,” offers outdoor enthusiasts an immersive hiking experience that encircles the vibrant city for a total of 38 kilometers. This extensive route comprises various stages, each leading explorers to the most picturesque green spaces in the vicinity of Bilbao. Designated as GR 228, the Green Ring is esteemed as one of the Grand Tours of Spain, signifying its significance as a premier hiking destination.
Embarking on the GR 228 presents an opportunity to traverse some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Biscay, unveiling the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. From lush forests to rolling hills, the route showcases the diverse terrain that surrounds Bilbao, inviting hikers to immerse themselves in its captivating scenery.
Each stage of the Green Ring offers its own unique highlights, allowing adventurers to tailor their journey based on personal preferences and fitness levels. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll through verdant parks or a challenging hike up rugged trails, the GR 228 caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.
As you traverse the Green Ring, you’ll encounter an array of natural wonders, including tranquil rivers, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints that offer sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore charming villages, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions that provide insight into the rich heritage of the region.
The Green Ring of Bilbao not only offers a rewarding hiking experience but also serves as a gateway to discovering the hidden gems of Biscay’s countryside. Whether you choose to walk the entire route or explore select stages, the GR 228 promises unforgettable adventures and unforgettable memories amidst the pristine beauty of northern Spain.
Climb the Pagasarri
The Pagasarri is part of the Green Ring of Bilbao and is one of the most popular spots among locals for hiking. From the city, it’s just a half-hour walk to the starting point of the hiking route up the mountain. It’s not the most beautiful or exciting hiking route you can find in Biscay, but the top is definitely worth it. From the top of the Pagasarri, you have stunning views over Bilbao and the surrounding area. There is also a bar here with cozy picnic spots everywhere. Especially on a sunny weekend day, it’s very enjoyable to visit.
The Highest Point of Biscay in Gorbeia National Park
Another beautiful hiking area in Biscay is Gorbeia National Park. In this park, you’ll find the eponymous mountain, which at 1871m forms the highest point of Biscay. At the top of the mountain is an 18m high tower that you can hike to, offering fantastic views over Biscay. But even in the surroundings of the mountain, you’ll find numerous hiking routes. The hiking routes in Gorbeia National Park take you through rolling landscapes, past caves and rock formations, and through forests. A recommended hike in this area is a walk to Ojo de Atxular. This natural rock gate offers a beautiful view of the hilly landscape of Biscay.
Game of Thrones Filming Location: San Juan Gaztelugatxe
If there’s one location that tourists can easily find during their vacation in Biscay, it’s San Juan Gaztelugatxe (‘Castle Rock’ in Basque). This small peninsula truly captures the imagination. The walk to San Juan Gaztelugatxe is manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness. And once you’ve climbed the 241 steps, you can enjoy stunning views over the Bay of Biscay. As you walk here, you can imagine why this location was chosen as one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones.
San Pedro de Atxarre Viewpoint
San Juan Gaztelugatxe isn’t the only place along the Bay of Biscay coast that’s worth a visit. The coastline around the surfing village of Mundaka and San Pedro de Atxarre is also very beautiful. A nice walk of about 40 minutes takes you to the chapel of San Pedro de Atxarre, which sits atop a hill. The view you’ll find here is definitely worth the climb. From here, you’ll overlook the rugged coastline of the Bay of Biscay, as well as have a beautiful view of Mundaka and other coastal towns in the area.
Surfing Village Mundaka
From San Pedro de Atxarre, you can see why Mundaka is popular among surfers. The village is known for its left-hand wave. There’s a relaxed atmosphere in the village, and besides surfing, you can also enjoy beautiful coastal walks. So if you want to stay overnight on the Bay of Biscay, this is a good choice.
Castillo de Butrón
A much-photographed castle in Biscay is Castillo de Butrón. And it’s not surprising, as the castle looks like it’s straight out of a Disney film or fairytale book. Unfortunately, the castle is not accessible to the public inside, but the outside is definitely worth a stop during your vacation in Biscay.
Itsaslur Coastal Path
The Itsaslur coastal path is a beautiful walking and cycling route along the coast of Biscay. The path is one of the ‘Via Verdes’ of Bilbao/Bizkaia. These roads are old railway lines that ran from the mines to the sea. What are now beautiful walking and cycling paths used to transport iron ore from the mines to the ships at sea. Although you can still see remnants from these earlier times here and there, you can’t imagine it anymore when you walk or cycle here now. The Basque name Itsaslur comes from sea (itsas) and earth (lur), and that’s exactly what comes together on this coastal path. The route is 3.5 km long and starts at Playa las Arenas.
As you explore the Itsaslur coastal path, you’ll be captivated by the harmonious convergence of land and sea, where the rugged beauty of the coastline meets the tranquility of the ocean. Whether you’re walking or cycling, the stunning vistas and serene surroundings make it a truly unforgettable experience. So, lace up your shoes or hop on your bike, and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Itsaslur coastal path, where every step or pedal stroke brings you closer to the beauty of Biscay’s coastline.
