Bilbao Walking Guide on the Coast 🇪🇸

Bilbao is a stunning city located along the northern coast of Spain, surrounded by lush greenery, scenic views, and a beautiful coastline. If you’re looking to explore Bilbao by foot, especially along its coastal routes, there’s plenty to enjoy. Below is a walking guide for a coastal exploration that combines natural beauty, architecture, and local charm. 1. Starting Point: Bilbao’s Old Town (Casco Viejo) Start your journey in Casco Viejo (the Old Town) and explore its narrow streets and iconic sites like the Plaza Nueva, the La Ribera Market, and the Santiago Cathedral. While this isn't directly on the coast, it’s a great place to begin your walk. 2. Walk Along the River Nervión As you exit the Old Town, head towards the River Nervión, which runs through the heart of Bilbao and leads out to the bay. Along the riverbanks, you'll find lovely walking paths and plenty of spots to enjoy views of the city’s unique blend of modern and traditional architecture. Ruta de los Puentes (Bridge Walk): Cross over various bridges that connect different parts of the city. The most notable is the Zubizuri Bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava, which is a futuristic footbridge that connects the Ensanche area with the Abando district. 3. Walk to the Guggenheim Museum From the river, you can head west towards the Guggenheim Museum, one of Bilbao's most famous landmarks. The museum is located near the water, and its sweeping curves and titanium exterior are a sight to behold. The Guggenheim Park around the museum offers a great spot for a stroll, and you can enjoy views of the River Nervión. Tip: Take a moment to admire Puppy, the giant floral dog sculpture near the museum’s entrance. 4. Follow the Coastal Path towards Getxo Continue your walk from the Guggenheim towards the Getxo district. The path will take you along the Nervión River, past industrial areas and towards the open sea. Estuary of Bilbao: As you approach Getxo, you’ll pass the Estuary of Bilbao, which connects the river to the Bay of Biscay. The coastline here becomes more scenic, with cliffs and beaches ahead. 5. Getxo and the Beaches Getxo is a charming coastal town and a great place to relax, with its lovely beaches and beachfront promenades. From the Neguri neighborhood, you can continue along the coastal path to enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay. Playa de Ereaga: This beach is a popular spot for locals, with plenty of cafes and bars along the promenade. You’ll get a good view of the Puerto Deportivo de Getxo, a harbor filled with yachts. Puente Colgante (Vizcaya Bridge): As you walk along the coast, you'll also encounter the Puente Colgante, the world’s oldest transport bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It connects Getxo to the town of Portugalete across the river and offers great views of the coastline. 6. Return via the Coastal Path or Take the Metro You can either retrace your steps or take the metro from Getxo back to Bilbao. The Bilbao Metro is quick and efficient, with se