In the eyes of travellers, Bilbao may be the most attractive place to visit in Bizkaia. The capital city attracts a lot of the spotlight in the province due to places like the Guggenheim, the Old Town or San Mamés, which receive thousands of tourists every year. However, Bizkaia has unique and charming villages that leave no one indifferent.
These villages, most of which are coastal towns that bring together the essence of the past and the fishing traditions of the Basque people, may not be so well known to the general public, which is why they can go unnoticed on many travel itineraries. So that you don’t miss out on a fundamental part of Bizkaia’s charm and so that you can get to know these places in depth, from The Blues Lockers we tell you what to see in the 7 most beautiful villages in Bizkaia and why they are so charming.
Elantxobe: white houses and natural harbour
Elantxobe is a small fishing village that literally clings to the slopes of a mountain facing the Cantabrian Sea. This picturesque village stands out for its steep streets and its natural harbour, which seems to protect the terraced houses, forming a landscape that impresses from every angle.
This town is perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll, where you can enjoy its tranquillity, port and gastronomy in the company of the breeze. However, if you are lucky enough to have your trip during these dates, the 22nd of July you will be able to enjoy the “Madalenas”, an all-day party where thousands of young people from the surrounding area gather to enjoy a great atmosphere with music and activities for all ages.
Mundaka: a surfing and nature paradise
Mundaka is known for being one of the best surfing destinations, thanks to its famous left wave, considered one of the longest in Europe. However, this small town offers much more than water sports. Located in the Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai, Mundaka is surrounded by natural landscapes of great beauty, with beautiful beaches. In addition to surfing, you can walk around the fishing port and explore the old town., where you will find the Church of Santa María and charming fishermen’s houses. Like Elantxobe, it is a small village that can be visited in a morning or an afternoon, ideal for combining with other similar villages on a day trip by car, but it should not be missed on a travel itinerary in Bizkaia.
Bermeo: history and fishing tradition
Bermeo is one of the oldest fishing villages and with the most history in Bizkaia. Its port, once one of the most important in the Bay of Biscay, is still a central point in the life of the town. As you walk through the old quarter, you will see colourful houses and narrow streets that will take you back in time, as well as discovering the Ercilla Tower, which houses the Fisherman’s Museum.
One of the main attractions near Bermeo is the famous hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe., located on an islet connected to the land by a narrow stone bridge. This place, also known for being the setting for the series ‘Game of Thrones’, is a must-see destination for history and nature lovers. It should be noted that it is located on the outskirts of the town, requiring a car or public transport to reach it.
Gernika-Lumo: Basque history and symbolism
It may be that, in terms of beauty, Gernika-Lumo languishes slightly in comparison with the fishing and coastal towns mentioned above. However, this town, known worldwide for the bombing it suffered during the Spanish Civil War and for the famous painting by Picasso that immortalises this event, is a symbol of Basque identity, as it is the home of the tree of Gernika, under whose branches the Basque lords swore to respect the laws and charters.
Among the highlights to visit in Gernika are the Casa de Juntas, the park of the peoples of Europe, and the Peace Museum, which offers a moving exhibition on the history of the bombing and the effort for peace. Gernika is also a ideal starting point to explore the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, so it can serve as a reference point from which to get to several of the towns mentioned in this article.
Lekeitio: Beach, culture and seafaring tradition
Lekeitio is another of the most beautiful coastal towns in Bizkaia, famous for its beaches and fishing port. Isuntza beach is perfect for enjoying a sunny day and relaxing with views of the small island of San Nicolás, which you can reach on foot at low tide.
In the centre of Lekeitio, the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady is an imposing Gothic building that is well worth a visit. In addition, the old quarter preserves cobbled streets and typical Basque houses with wooden balconies. As was the case with Elantxobe, the 5th of September is celebrated the “Antzar Eguna” or Goose Day, a holiday worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.
Ea: A quiet corner between mountains and sea
Ea is a small, quiet seaside village that often goes unnoticed, but charms those who discover it. Its houses, lined up along the estuary that flows into the sea, and its tiny harbour give it a quaint and cosy atmosphere.
Es el lugar ideal para quienes buscan desconectar y disfrutar de la tranquilidad.
The Ea Bridge, which joins the two banks of the town, is one of its most characteristic points. Strolling through its narrow streets, you will come to Ea Beach, an small sandy beach sheltered between cliffs.
El entorno natural que rodea el pueblo es perfecto para hacer caminatas por la costa o disfrutar de un tranquilo día de pesca.
Barrika: cliffs and breathtaking landscapes
Barrika is a small, quiet coastal town that stands out for the beauty of its wild nature. Its steep cliffs and breathtaking views to the Cantabrian Sea have made it a perfect destination for those looking to enjoy a unique landscape and outdoor walks. One of Barrika’s main attractions is its beach, known for its rock formations and spectacular geological strata, visible at low tide.
Barrika beach, although somewhat more isolated and less well known than other beaches in Bizkaia, is ideal for lovers of hiking, surfing and landscape photography..
Además, la Ruta de los Acantilados, un sendero que sigue la costa desde Barrika hasta Sopela, te permitirá disfrutar de panorámicas asombrosas del mar y la costa vasca.
In short, Bizkaia is a region with many beautiful villages. Proof of this is that towns such as Durango, Portugalete, Armintza and Muskiz, which are also worth visiting, have not been included in this list. Ideally, you should take a car to travel around these towns on a route that takes two or three days. Leave your suitcases in a luggage locker in Bilbao and enjoy Bizkaia without worrying about bags, rucksacks or any other kind of luggage!
