Bizkaia is a land of contrasts that are best discovered at a leisurely pace. Beyond the avant-garde of its capital, there is a network of towns with a soul of their own where traditions are not just a memory, but an everyday reality. If you are looking for the most beautiful villages in Bizkaia, get ready to travel from ports where a salt residue impregnates the colourful façades, to inland villages that guard medieval bridges and stone legends.
The following ten destinations are the perfect excuse to explore the back roads and discover that the true essence of the Basque Country is to be found in its squares and in the murmur of its ports.
Full guide: what to see in Bizkaia beyond its villages
Although the towns are the heart of our geography, Bizkaia offers natural and cultural experiences that top off any getaway. Before you set off, check out our tips to travel to the Basque Country, where we tell you all about transport and how to interpret the unpredictable northern weather.
If you have time, combining a visit to the most beautiful villages of Bizkaia with a 7 day trip around the Basque Country is the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on anything. And remember: if you are staying in Bilbao, the San Mamés Tour is the perfect plan to connect with the feeling that unites all these municipalities.
1. Getxo: embracing the river estuary and the sea
Getxo is elegance and tradition in equal parts. It is the place where the palatial architecture of the early 20th century coexists with the simplicity of fishing quarters.
- Bizkaia Bridge: much more than an iron structure; it is a symbol of industrial engineering. A visit to its walkway is a must for the best panoramic view of the area.
- Old Port of Algorta: a picture postcard corner with its white houses and coloured doors. It is the sacred place to have a “marianito” (vermouth) as the sun goes down.
- Aixerrota Windmill: a survivor of the 18th century that reminds us of the importance of wheat in the ancient Basque diet, surrounded by cliffs that invite you to go for a stroll.
2. Mundaka: the mystique of the left wave
You don’t have to be a surfer to fall in love with Mundaka. This small municipality, which always appears in the rankings of the most beautiful villages in Bizkaia, boasts a special energy. The views from Santa Catalina Chapel are unforgettable, with the river estuary opening out towards the ocean within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
3. Durango: stone and mountain under the Amboto
Located under the gaze of the imposing Mount Amboto, Durango is an essential stop for history buffs. Its old town is full of palaces and squares that invite you to chat. Its jewel, the Santa María de Uribarri Basilica, has such an immense wooden portico that it seems to want to embrace everyone who passes underneath it.
4. Plentzia: serenity and tradition in the bay
Plentzia is peace. Its river estuary, which winds its way down to one of the quietest beaches in Bizkaia, defines the leisurely pace of the village. Its cobbled streets and the Gothic architecture of its church speak of a shining commercial past. If you are looking for an unforgettable stroll, go up to Gorliz Lighthouse; the wind of the Bay of Biscay will renew your energy.
5. Lekeitio: the village that walks on water
What makes Lekeitio unique is the possibility of “conquering” San Nicolás Island on foot when the tide goes out. It is one of those places that confirm why this area is home to the most beautiful villages in Bizkaia. Its harbour is a not to be missed festival of colourful boats and nets drying in the sun.
6. Bermeo: soul of fishermen and gateway to Gaztelugatxe
In Bermeo you can breathe in the salt. Its Old Port is the heart of a town that has been devoted to the sea. It is the ideal base to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, but before going there, wander through its steep streets of colourful houses and attend a fish auction to see the most authentic Bizkaia.
7. Gernika: history, freedom and memory
Gernika is home to the roots of the Basque Country. The Tree of Gernika and the Assembly House are not just monuments, they are living testimony to our democracy. Gernika is a town that invites reflection and surprises with the vitality of its markets and the strength of its message of peace.
8. Balmaseda: a journey to the industrial Middle Ages
Balmaseda was the first town in Bizkaia and maintains this medieval pride intact. Its Old Bridge over the River Cadagua is a masterpiece of stonework. In addition to its history, its industrial side with La Encartada Beret Museum offers a fascinating insight into how tradition became industry.
9. Orduña: a monumental jewel among the summits
Orduña is a town with unique architecture, with its Plaza de los Fueros whose spaciousness and arcades take your breath away. Surrounded by mountains, it is the starting point to discover the source of the River Nervión, a natural environment that makes you feel small faced with the magnitude of nature.
10. Gastronomy: the finishing touch to your route
It is impossible to visit the most beautiful villages in Bizkaia without falling into culinary temptation. From the fresh fish along the coast to the inland beans, the region can be eaten in bites. To find out where to start, check out our guide to the 5 traditional Basque dishes in Bilbao, most of which came about in the kitchens of these villages.
