What to see in Getxo, Bilbao: Practical tips

Getxo is an attractive seaside town just outside of Bilbao that offers coastal charm, Basque culture and natural beauty. A visit to Getxo is the perfect day trip from Bilbao where you can walk along the stunning cliffs, relax at the beaches, marvel at the beautiful monuments and savour the delicious Basque food culture.

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Getxo’s origins date back to the 12th century when farmers, fishermen and millers first settled in the Andra Mari area. The main development and transformation however started in the 19th century, driven by the industrialisation of nearby Bilbao.

Attracted by the stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs, Bilbao’s upper-middle class and wealthy bourgeoisie built elegant villas and mansions, first in Las Arenas and later in Algorta and Neguri.

With the construction of the Vizcaya Bridge, also known as the Hanging Bridge in 1893, the connection between Getxo and Portugalete (the left river bank) greatly improved accessibility and stimulated growth.

Why visit Getxo

Today, Getxo is a vibrant municipality with a perfect mix of historic charm, modern comfort and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s well worth a visit, either as a day trip from Bilbao or as a destination all on its own. The wide, golden beaches end in dramatic cliffs, the seaside promenade is lined with grand villas and the old port and town center are perfect for enjoying a drink or savouring local tapas.

When I (Sabine) studied in Bilbao, I decided to live in Algorta for half a year instead of staying in Bilbao with the other international students. It was the best decision I made. Algorta, as part of Getxo, has a rich and vibrant nightlife and atmosphere. It’s much more focused on local culture and traditions. My time in Algorta allowed me to learn so much more about the Basque Country, its people and its unique culture than I would have otherwise.

How to get to Getxo

There are several options to choose from when traveling to Getxo from Bilbao or from any other destination either by land, air or sea with a cruise. Find here all the possible options:

By Metro

The best way to visit Getxo as a day trip from Bilbao is by metro. It takes about 30 minutes to get there from Plaza Moyua in the city centre to metro Algorta.

The operating times of the metro are from 06h00 to 23h00 and the trains run very frequently. To get to Getxo from Bilbao, take the orange line L1 and get off at any of the six metro stations in Getxo depending on which area you want to explore.

The six metro stations are:

Areeta (Las Arenas)
Gobela
Neguri
Aiboa
Algorta
Bidezabal

What is handy about travelling by metro is that you can discover Getxo by getting off at one metro station and walk to another one. We got off in Neguri and walked via the marina and Algorta all the way to metro Bidezabal. From there we took the metro to Areeta to visit the Vizcaya bridge.

TIP: If you are staying a few days in Bilbao, we recommend getting the Barik card, a top-up transport card to allow you to travel all over Bizkaya by public transport and the same card can be used by various persons. It costs 3 Euro to purchase the card, but you’ll travel on reduced fees.

By car

You can also opt to rent a car to drive to and around Getxo. This will give you the freedom to visit all the other highlights around Bilbao, in the Basque Country or other places in Spain. It’s only a short drive of 15 km (or 9.5 miles) from Bilbao city centre to Algorta and parking should not be a problem, not like in Madrid or Barcelona. Follow the signs for parking and pay the fee.

If you are in Bilbao for a few days and not planning on going anywhere else, we don’t recommend renting a car just for visiting Getxo as it’s so easy to get to either by metro or by guided tour. If you do opt for renting a car, we can recommend this website to find the best deals and prices.

By guided tour

Even though it’s quite easy to take public transport from Bilbao to Getxo, you might want to join a tour and do some sightseeing along the way with an expert guide. Here are some recommended tours to explore Getxo and around:

• Getxo and the Vizcaya Bridge: Explore both the right (Getxo) and left (Portugalete) bank of the Nervion River, as well as the stunning Vizcaya Bridge.
• E-Bike tour to Getxo and Vizcaya Bridge: Discover both Bilbao and Getxo by E-Bike with a local guide.
• Boat tour to Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay: Scenic river cruise from Bilbao to the Estuary.

By Cruise Ship

The cruise terminal of the Port of Bilbao is located in Getxo, specifically at the Getxo Cruise Terminal. So any cruise ship with Bilbao as a port of call will actually arrive in Getxo. Most cruise passengers use a shuttle, tour or public transport to visit the highlights of Bilbao, and for good reason.

From the cruise terminal, the Getxo Marina, Ereaga beach and the neighbourhoods of Neguri and Algorta are all within a short walking distance. For example, it’s a beautiful 2 km (1.24 miles) walk along the beachfront from the terminal to the Puerto Viejo of Algorta.

What to see and do in Getxo

Vizcaya Bridge

The Vizcaya Bridge, commonly known as the Puente Colgante or Hanging Bridge, stretches across the Nervión River Estuary, linking the towns of Portugalete and Getxo. Inaugurated in 1893, it was designed by Alberto Palacio, a student of Gustave Eiffel and stands as a masterpiece of industrial engineering.

As the world’s first metal transporter bridge, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Remarkably, it still operates today, not just as a striking historical monument, but as a vital means of transport. The suspended gondola continues to carry both pedestrians and vehicles across the river, just as it did over a century ago.

Visiting the bridge is highly recommended. You can cross via the gondola for a quick and scenic ride, or for those craving a bit more thrill you can walk along the pedestrian pathway at the very top where you can be guaranteed of stunning panoramic views of the estuary and the coastline.

Getting there:

By public transport: To get to the bridge by public transport, take the metro L1 and get off at Areeta station. Or from the Portugalete side, metro L2, get off at station Peñota or Portugalete. From either side and metro station it’s a short 900 metres walk to the bridge.

By guided tour: As a visit to the Vizcaya bridge is one of the highlights of Bilbao, various tour companies have included it in their program. This guided bike tour not only visits the bridge, but also includes having pintxos and drinks at the Algorta Old Port. And this boat tour takes you along the Nervión river all the way to the Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay so you can admire the bridge from the water.

Should you want to venture further along the Basque Coast, then this tour is for you as it includes the bridge as well as places like Bermeo and Gaztelugatxe.

Walking: From the Bilbao Cruise Terminal, when arriving in Bilbao by cruise ship it’s a lovely 3 km (1.85 miles) walk along the promenade of Las Arenas beach.

TIP: For the best viewpoint of the bridge, walk towards the Andra Maria Basilica on the Portugalete side. It is a bit of a climb towards the church, but the view is worth it.

RElax on the beaches in Getxo

Getxo is home to no less than 5 beaches, making it a wonderful coastal destination in The Basque Country. These beaches are great for relaxing, sunbathing, making long beach walks but also for various water sport activities.

• Las Arenas Beach: Playa de Las Arenas is located right next to the Bizkaia Bridge and the Churruca Quay. It’s a small beach, around 250 metres long, with fine sand and is the closest beach to central Bilbao. This urban beachfront offers good facilities and is easily accessible by both public transport and car. The main attractions of this beach are: Paseo de las Grandes Villas, Churruca Monument and Vizcaya Bridge.

• Ereaga Beach: Playa de Ereaga is located between Neguri and Algorta and is one of the most popular beaches around Bilbao. It’s a 800 metres long beach stretching from the Arriluce Quay at the marina to the Puerto Viejo de Algorta. Next to the beach is a lovely promenade from where you can also see the beautiful mansions. It’s also a popular spot for surfing and various water sports.
  Main attractions: Punto Begoña Galleries, Old Port of Algorta, Getxo Marina

• Arrigunaga Beach: With its fine sand and the dramatic cliffs of La Galea, Arrigunaga Beach provides a scenic backdrop for a relaxing day by the sea. Situated in the town of Algorta, it offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere. This 628 metre long beach also provides beautiful views of the Aixerrota Windmill and El Abra Bay.
  Main attractions: Stunning views of La Galea cliffs, Aixerrota windmill, surfing

• Gorrondatxe – Azkorri Beach: This beach is situated in Andra Mari and is surrounded by cliffs and only accessible by a cliffside path. It’s not that close to Algorta and further away from the metro so this beach is more unspoiled than the first 3 beaches which are closer to the residential areas.
  Main attractions: Natural setting, cliffs.
• Barinatxe Beach: This beach is also known as La Salvaje, or ‘The Wild One’ and is located between Getxo and Sopela. It’s also surrounded by dramatic cliffs in a wonderful natural setting. Due to its great waves and favourable winds, Barinatxe is popular with windsurfers and paragliders. If you love to do paragliding yourself, have a look at this amazing paragliding activity.

Discover the Old Port of Algorta

The Old Port of Algorta, also known as Puerto Viejo (Spanish) or Portu Zaharra (Basque) began as a small harbour in the 17th century. As the population grew and the economy expanded in the 18th century, more housing was needed, leading to the construction of compact homes along narrow, winding alleys. This type of construction helped to protect against the strong northwesterly winds, while external staircases were a clever solution to maximise indoor space and allow for multi-storey homes.

Today, the Algorta Old Port is a must visit in Getxo, with its whitewashed houses, colourful fishing boats and steep cobbled streets preserving its traditional maritime atmosphere. It’s a lively and vibrant place, perfect for wandering around, enjoying a drink at a local bar and tasting delicious Basque pintxos. Plus, the area offers lovely views over the marina and nearby beaches

TIP: Do order a Kalimotxo as this was the birthplace of this Spanish red wine and coke cocktail as it’s still known today. Want to learn more about the history of Kalimotxo, read more here.

Marvel at the mansions

The Paseo de las Grandes Villas is a coastal promenade that perfectly showcases Getxo’s lavish past. It’s a 2.3 km (1.4 miles) coastal walk from Las Arenas beach to the Ereaga beach where grand villas can be admired. These mansions were built in the 19th and early 20th century in various styles, including eclectism, modernism and neo-Gothic.

Along the promenade, 29 interpretive panels explain the story and provide information of each of the villas with pictures and info in 3 languages; Spanish, Basque and English. While you can admire these grand villas from the outside, they are private homes and not open to the public for visits.

Good to know: It’s a flat walk on the seaside promenade that is very accessible and suitable for all visitors.

Discover the Getxo Marina

The Getxo Marina (Puerto Deportivo El Abra-Getxo) is a modern marina opened in 1997, located next to Ereaga Beach and near the Getxo cruise terminal at the entrance of the Port of Bilbao. It offers extensive mooring facilities and has a lively leisure area with restaurants, bars, shops and a cinema. It’s not only for people using the mooring facilities but is also frequented by those who are looking for a day or evening out.

Do visit the 2 historic buildings: the Casa del Náufrago, at the entrance of the marina which was built in 1912 as a sea rescue station, and the Arriluze Lighthouse, at the end of the pier.

Punta Begoña Galleries

The Punta Begoña Galleries were built in 1918 as a decorative retaining wall to hold back the cliffside. Instead of just building a simple retaining wall, the architect decided to create a place where people could enjoy the landscape and the Bilbao Estuary by means of the viewing balconies. Located right next to Ereaga beach, they form a unique landmark in Getxo.

These Galleries can be visited with a guided tour and more information can be found on their website, but only in Spanish and Basque language.

Have a drink at plaza San Nicolas in Algorta

Plaza de San Nicolás is a charming square in the heart of Algorta. Located next to the Church of San Nicolás de Bari, which was constructed between 1854 and 1863, it’s notable for its stepped belfry.

The square is a nice place to sit, relax, have a drink and soak up the local atmosphere as it’s where locals meet. As it’s close to the metro station of Algorta, it’s a good place to start or end you visit of Algorta.

Visit the Aixerrota Windmill

You’ll find the Aixerrota Windmill on top of the cliffs of La Galea, close to Arrigunagako beach. It was built in 1726 after a period of severe drought in order to use wind power to grind corn instead of using water mills. It was only in operation for about 50 years. Later it was restored and now has an adjacent restaurant.

The name aixerrota means windmill in Basque language.

Surfing paradise

Barinatxe beach is renowned for its consistent waves making it a surfer’s paradise and the perfect place to start surfing. There is also a surfing school offering classes to learn all the basics of wave surfing.

Punta Galea is also known for its big waves and big wave point break. Every year the Punta Galea Challenge surfing event is held attracting the world’s best surfers.

Surfing is also possible at Arrigunaga and Ereaga beach. You can see surfers all year round but the more challenging waves are in autumn and winter. So if you are planning on surfing in Getxo, make sure to wear a full wetsuit as the water gets very cold.

How much time to spend in the Bilbao area

Most people that visit Bilbao as part of a city trip will only be there for a few days. So when visiting Getxo as a day trip from Bilbao, I would count on minimum half a day to visit all the highlights of Getxo. If you have more time and the weather is nice you can easily make a full day out of it counting on a few relaxing hours at the beach.

As an itinerary I would recommend to either start at the Vizcaya Bridge (metro Areeta), visit the highlights of the bridge and then walk along the beachfront of Las Arenas to the Getxo Marina. Then continue further via Ereaga Beach and the beautiful mansions to the Algorta Old Port. Perfect to stop for a drink and something to eat.

Later you can explore Algorta, Arrigunaga beach and the Aixerrota windmill and then via metro Bidezabal back to Bilbao for the late afternoon or evening.

And this itinerary can also be done starting in Algorta and ending with a visit of the Vizcaya Bridge.

Practical Tips for visiting

Here are some useful tips for your visit to Getxo:

• Comfortable walking shoes: As there is a lot of walking involved, do bring good and comfortable walking shoes.
• Beach gear: If you are planning on spending some time on the beach, bring a light beach towel to sit on. And if you want to go for a swim, bring your swimming outfit too.
• Leave early: In the Basque Country, you never know how the weather will turn out, so when the sun is out, leave early and make the most of a sunny day.
• Plan your day: If you are planning on having a meal in Getxo, keep into account Spanish meal times. Lunch is around 1PM-3PM and dinner starts as from 8PM.
• Bring something warm: Even when you are leaving your hotel in Bilbao with the sun out, you never know if the wind will come up. The sea breeze in that area can be quite chilly so better safe than sorry.