What to do in Bermeo – Travel Guide and Tips

With a rich maritime history, Bermeo is a charming fishing village on the rugged coast of the Basque Country in northern Spain. Renowned for its picturesque harbour with colorful houses, narrow cobblestone alleys, cozy squares, bustling port and vibrant atmosphere, Bermeo offers a well balanced mix of traditional culture and modern charm.

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Brief History of Bermeo

Bermeo was declared a town in 1239 by Don Lope Díaz II de Haro and became one of the most important fishing ports and maritime hubs in the Basque Country in the years following. The village prospered and became the capital of the province of Biscay (Vizcaya) in 1476. However, due to internal conflicts and the rise of Bilbao, Bermeo went into decline and lost its capital status to Bilbao in 1602.

Later, at the end of the 17th century, Bermeo began to prosper again due to its thriving fishing industry, particularly in preserved and canned fish. Today, Bermeo remains an important hub for canned food with seasonal fresh fish supplied by its port.

Why visit Bermeo

A visit to Bermeo offers a unique opportunity to experience its rich maritime heritage and to get a glimpse into traditional Basque life. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, located near the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and close to some of the top highlights in the Basque Country such as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and Gernika.

Being in close proximity to Bilbao, a visit to Bermeo makes for a great day trip, either to explore the town itself or combined with other nearby attractions. So after exploring all the highlights of Bilbao and the nearby beaches in Getxo, it’s worth taking the drive to Bermeo.

When going by car, the drive from Bilbao to Bermeo takes about 30 minutes and from San Sebastian, it takes approximately 1.5 hours.

If you are looking to rent a car, we highly recommend to compare prices for car rental via Discover Cars or via Rental Cars.

If you are not driving, we recommend joining a tour from Bilbao, which can include Bermeo and other coastal landmarks. Some recommended tours are:

Where to stay in Bermeo

Bermeo is not a large town and can be visited in half a day. It is however a great gateway to other popular places to visit in the area, while staying in a beautiful village. From Bermeo, it is easy to get to places like San Juan de Gaztalugatxe, Guernica, Mundaka and the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.

What to do in Bermeo, Spain

Old Port of Bermeo

One of the highlights in Bermeo is a visit to the Puerto Viejo or Old Port. The Puerto Viejo is a charming and picturesque area of town characterized by its narrow, colourful houses built against the rock, with each row perched higher up the slope. These harborside buildings are painted in a variety of vibrant colours giving the port a lively and inviting atmosphere.

Take a stroll along the old breakwater while enjoying the view of the boats with these beautifully painted buildings as a backdrop. You can also relax with a drink or sample typical pintxos (small appetizers) at one of the numerous bars and terraces located in these waterfront buildings.

In the Old Port, you can also find the Fuente de los Tres Caños, the oldest fountain in the province of Bizkaia (Vizcaya).

Torre Ercilla

Torre Ercilla, or the Ercilla Tower which was constructed in the 15th century is the oldest building in Bermeo and the only one remaining of the original 30 defensive and residential towers built during that era. The tower served as a home until 1944 when it was declared a national monument. It was also the cradle of the family of the notable Spanish poet Alonso de Ercilla y Zuñiga (1533-1594).

It was restored and, in 1948, became the home of the Fisherman’s Museum (Museo del Pescador). Located above the Old Port in the city center, the tower now plays a key role in showcasing Bermeo’s maritime heritage.

Museo del Pescador

The Museo del Pescador, or Fisherman’s Museum is a small museum dedicated to the history, traditions and fishing heritage of the local fishermen in Bermeo. What sets this museum apart is that it’s one of the few museums in the world specifically focused on the life, work, environment and customs of Basque fishermen.

There is a small entrance fee of €3.50 (as of 2024). For more information on opening hours and guided tours, please visit the museum’s website.

Puerta de San Juan

In the 15th century, Bermeo was completely surrounded by a defensive wall that had seven gates connecting the old town with major pathways. One of these gates, known as Puerta de San Juan (or San Juan Arch) led to the nearby hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which is reflected in its name. Built in the 14th century, it is the only one of the original seven gates still standing today. Don’t miss out on visiting this historic landmark in Bermeo when in town.

Plaza Sabino Arana

One of the squares you should not miss is the Plaza de Sabino Arana Goiri, located in the heart of the Old Town. Two prominent buildings on this square are the Town Hall and the Church of Santa María de la Asunción.

The Church of Santa María de la Asunción, completed in 1858, is the newest church in Bermeo and was built in neoclassical style. It was constructed on the site of the earlier Church of Santa María de la Tala, which had to be demolished due to its poor state of preservation. The church is notable for its distinctive triangular façade and elegant columns.

Opposite the church stands the Town Hall, built in 1733, also in neoclassical style. The building features two sundials on its façade, adding to its architectural interest.

Casino

The Casino is an elegant historic building located in the city center at the edge of Lamera Park. It was built in 1894 by the Spanish architect Severino de Achúcarro in the style of a traditional French château. Initially, the casino served as a social club for the higher class of the area, known as the Bermeo Social Club.

After the floods in 1983, the building had to be renovated and was rebuilt in an eclectic style. Today, this beautiful building serves as a cultural and social venue while also housing a restaurant. We loved the interior of the old casino and decided to have a menú del día in this beautiful setting. We really enjoyed the food and it felt special to sit next to a huge stained glass window.

Santa Eufemia Church

Dating back to the 13th century and built in late Gothic style the Iglesia de Santa Eufemia is the oldest church in Bermeo. It’s a small church located between the port and the Lamera Park.

Lamera Park

The Lamera Park is a green area behind the Old Port, lined on one side with bars, restaurants, and terraces. This park, which used to be an old shipyard, has been transformed into a lovely gathering spot where locals come to relax or enjoy a drink and a pintxo at one of the many nearby bars.

It’s a sizeable and well-maintained park providing a pleasant space for both leisure and social activities.