Located just 15 kilometers out of Bilbao, Getxo is one of the undeniable pearls of the Basque Country. The small coastal town enjoys spectacular Atlantic Ocean views and is home to the renowned Vizcaya Bridge, but I can assure you it is more than that. Getxo will lavishly offer you a vibrant atmosphere full of history, local charm, and bright colors.
During my journey to the Basque Country, I visited Getxo twice. While you can see everything in one visit, the town’s vibe had a lasting impact, and I definitely wanted to revisit it. That said, in this Getxo travel guide, I will share photos and impressions and tell you how to make the most of your visit. Moreover, I will also narrow down the options for getting to Getxo and share a short, handpicked selection of places to stay.
Let’s start.
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Getxo Travel Guide
Although there are some things to do in Getxo, do not expect intense sightseeing. Places like this offer a different level of experience. Life unfolds quieter on this side of the Basque Country, and the ocean’s waves are a mesmerizing soundtrack. Therefore, part of experiencing Getxo is to slow down and immerse yourself in the open sea views, the slow rhythms, and the town’s history.
So, after my experience, here are the top 5 things to see in Getxo and how to enjoy them.
See the mind-blowing Vizcaya Bridge
Visiting the Vizcaya Bridge is the main reason why most travelers visit Getxo. Indeed, this industrial structure and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the top things to see in the Basque Country and throughout Spain. Rightly assumed as a symbol of Bilbao’s industrialization and the subsequent rise of the local bourgeoisie, the bridge is truly impressive.
The first time I saw it, I kept staring at it in awe. As is the case with many impressive constructions, the bridge was built as a historical necessity. The problem that had to be solved back in the day, at the end of the 19th century, was how to connect the two banks of the Nervion River without interrupting maritime traffic. Connecting the settlements of Portugalete and Las Arenas was not easy, but Alberto Palacio envisioned this stunning structure.
The so-called Puente Colgante -or hanging bridge- uses a gondola that moves from bank to bank and carries up to six cars and many passengers. It operates every eight minutes during the day, and the ride takes approximately 90 seconds. The services are rare at night -once per hour- but they never stop. The service was only interrupted for four years during the Spanish Civil War.
As you can imagine, riding the gondola and enjoying the views is a must-do when you arrive at the spot. The ride is smooth, and you should expect only a slight kick when the machine starts. You can buy a ticket straight on the spot (it costs 55 cents) or use your Barik Card.
The Vizcaya Bridge is one of the most mind-blowing constructions I’ve seen on my journeys, and it’s a definite industrial symbol of human creativity. Don’t miss it.
Getxo travel tips
Tip 1. If you decide to walk the waterfront route from Vizcaya Bridge to Ereaga Beach, you will come across the Great Mansions. These are iconic examples of Getxo’s palatial architecture built in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Tip 2. If you’d like to observe how the Vizcaya Bridge operates while having lunch or a glass of Rioja wine, I recommend stopping at Bar Kaixo. This tiny bar overlooks the bridge and felt very local to me. Don’t believe the online hate: the manners are not rough, and it’s one of the most down-to-earth spots I found during my journey. Order a Spanish omelet and a glass of Rioja and sit outside to observe the gondola transporting people and cars. See Bar Kaixo on Google Maps here.
Take in the Atlantic Ocean views at Ereaga Beach
If it’s not your first visit to my travel blog, you probably know how much I love the sea. However, it has been a while since I last saw the Atlantic Ocean. It was actually during my road trip to Alentejo that I spent time either swimming or strolling along the region’s beaches. Although I will share better images in this article, I picked this one because it was actually the first time I saw the ocean appear in Spain.
There’s no lack of beaches in Getxo, but you’ll probably see first the Ereaga Beach. That’s the main beach in Getxo, and it’s a short walk from Neguri metro station. Neguri translates to winter city, and ending up at Ereaga will offer you a cool and refreshing breeze. I visited Ereaga in late September; as you can see, just a few people were there. However, you can expect it to be fuller during the peak season.
Apart from the magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, there’s a beautiful seaside promenade. Following it, you will walk past the tourist office and a few cafes to enjoy pintxos and drinks before moving to Algorta, where the Old Port is. However, as I wrote earlier, places like Getxo deserve to be enjoyed at a slow pace. There’s no need to rush: take off your shoes, find a quiet spot at the beach, and unwind.
And this brings us to the next thing to enjoy in Getxo.
Swim in the Atlantic Ocean (but only if the weather allows it)
I added a separate section for swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, and there’s a reason for that. Unlike beaches in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean is significantly cooler (or even colder), and the tides and currents might even make it dangerous.
For example, by the end of September, the water was much colder than on Greek beaches and definitely more challenging. When it comes to swimming in places I’ve never been before, I always trust the locals. The day I visited Ereaga Beach at Getxo, just a handful of people swam. This didn’t seem discouraging, and after checking the water, I decided to swim for ten minutes.
However, if the water feels cold or you see no one swimming, it’s better to avoid it. In addition, if the waves seem hard to cope with, you should also stay ashore. Despite the urge to swim, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Enjoying the Atlantic Ocean views is already an experience in itself. But if you are comfortable enough, give it a try.
Stroll around the Algorta, the Old Port of Getxo
Walking along the beach promenade of Getxo will lead you to the right side, where Algorta is located. What seems like a tiny village with whitewashed houses is actually Getxo’s Old Port. The streets are steep at the so-called Puerto Viejo, and the bars are small, but you can enjoy tremendous views of El Abra Bay while tasting delicious pintxos or fresh fish.
Home to the area’s fishermen, the Old Port is nowadays a charming locality with a laid-back atmosphere. Saint Nicholas Square offers one of the few open spaces, and the Bar Arrantzale is a famous hangout for locals and travelers.
Close to it, you will also see the Monumento al Pescador y la Sardinera, portraying the maritime and fishing connection of the location through two old professions. The female figure is the sardine seller (Sardinera), while the male figure depicts a fisherman (Arrantzale).
If you don’t want to walk past the beach promenade, you can alternatively take the metro and stop at Algorta station. From there, it’s just a short walk to the Old Port.
Hike along the cliffs of Getxo
Lastly, after exploring the Old Port and enjoying its charm, it’s time to expose yourself to the elements. The so-called La Galea route will take you along cliffs and white beaches while you enjoy lovely ocean views.
You don’t have to take the entire La Galea route; however, I encourage you to walk at least part of it to understand better how life unfolded in the previous centuries in the area and how powerful nature feels here. There are a few things to see along the route, like the Aixerrota Windmill, La Galea Fort, and the Andra Mari Church. In addition, you will discover the most distant beaches in Getxo, like Gorrondatxe and Barinatxe.
Lastly, apart from feeling exposed to the elements, you will also see several viewpoints to photograph and contemplate for a moment or two.
How to get to Getxo from Bilbao (& Local Tours)
As I already told you, I visited Getxo twice during my Bilbao trip. Although this was unintentional, due to this fact, I used every available transportation to travel between Bilbao and Getxo.
Specifically, I rode a rented bike to Getxo from Bilbao on my first visit. The 15-kilometer ride will take between 45 minutes and one hour and is truly enjoyable. I always like riding bikes in the places I visit (like in Ljubljana or Berlin, for example), and stopping for a while along the road to check the map or photograph will define how much time you’ll need. For regular cyclists, I’d say it’s a fairly easy ride.
The second visit to Getxo was unplanned, so I decided to travel by metro and return by bus. I used metro line 1 and stopped at Neguri, which will give you an introduction to the area’s architecture. On the way back, I took the bus A3411 from Vizcaya Bridge. The metro is faster, but the bus takes a longer route through the neighborhoods, which I found more interesting.
Travel between Bilbao and Getxo
So, in brief, here’s how to get from Bilbao to Getxo:
- By bike in 45-60 minutes.
- By metro in 25 minutes.
- Lastly, it is 30-40 minutes by bus, depending on the traffic.
Obviously, your start or end point in Bilbao might slightly increase travel times or add some walking distance.
Getxo Tours and Activities
Since I talked about cycling to Getxo, I will suggest two tours for your visit. The first one is actually a guided cycling tour in Getxo (not from Bilbao), and the second is a boat trip. Specifically:
Bike tour in Getxo. The meeting point is close to Algorta train station, and from there, you will cycle together with your guide along the seaside. The tour lasts 2,5 hours and costs 50 euros per person. Pintxos tasting is included in the price! Book the bike tour here.
Boat tour. This boat tour starts from downtown Bilbao and takes you all the way to Getxo and the Vizcaya Bridge. It lasts almost three hours, costs 19 euros, and offers an immersive experience along the waterfront. Book the boat tour here.
Where to stay in Getxo
In the final section of this travel guide to Getxo, I will share some information about accommodation in the town. Although most people tend to visit Getxo on a half-day trip, the truth is that the small coastal town can be an excellent option for your trip.
If you have previously visited Bilbao or prefer to spend days at the beach, Getxo can be a good alternative. Bilbao is just half an hour away by public transport, and you will be in a quieter environment next to the Atlantic Ocean.
So, here’s my handpicked selection for accommodations in Getxo.
Ercilla Embarcadero Hotel. This is one of the nicest and fanciest hotels in the region. The Ercilla Embarcadero enjoys a fantastic location straight at Paseo Zugazarte and is set in a former Basque mansion. See prices and availability for the Ercilla Embarcadero Hotel.
Palacio Arriluce Hotel. The Arriluce is another elegant option for your Getxo vacation. The hotel offers a swimming pool and features a beautiful garden. Breakfast included. See prices and availability for the Palacio Arriluce.
El Puerto Viejo Accommodations. Lastly, if you’d rather stay at the Old Port, the El Puerto Viejo Accommodations is the right choice for you. Located in a quiet yet waterfront area, it offers fully equipped rooms in direct proximity to the sea: Both Ereaga and Arrigunaga beaches are less than 5 minutes on foot. See prices and availability for El Puerto Viejo Accommodations.
Getxo guide: Final Thoughts
Getxo became instantly one of my favorite places in the Basque Country. While escaping the rhythms of busy cities feels always nice, Getxo wasn’t just another escape. I was thrilled by Bilbao’s atmosphere, so I wasn’t actually searching for a place to unwind. What Getxo offered me was the privilege to be by the Ocean even in late September and enjoy a place packed with history.
The Vizcaya Bridge is a remarkable architectural achievement, and observing it up close was a highlight. However, each step I took in the area added more layers to the experience. Walking past the stunning mansions, swimming at Ereaga Beach, exploring the Old Port, and taking a short hike at La Galea all created a wonderful time.
Although there were more places to explore, I didn’t think twice about returning to Getxo. Seeing it from a distance, I believe the carefree hours I spent in town created tons of impressions. I’m interested in architecture, I love the sea and couldn’t think of not trying the local Pintxos and Rioja. Getxo ticked all the boxes, and honestly, I’d return to its welcoming soil (or sand) in a heartbeat.
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Last Updated on November 2, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos