Hiking routes near Bilbao

Bilbao

Do you love adventure and enjoy being outdoors with stunning views? If you are looking for your next walk and don’t know where to start, Bilbao is the perfect starting point. Here, you are lucky enough to have the mountains on one side and the Cantabrian Sea on the other. At DoYouSpain, we’ve put together a selection of the best routes around Bilbao so you can make the most of your trip and not miss a thing.

Mountain routes near Bilbao

Bilbao is special because the mountains are right next to the city. You don't need to go far to find all kinds of routes: from flat family walks to climbs for those looking for a challenge. The best part is the views of the valleys and the city when you get to the top. Also, most of them are circular routes, which are perfect for leaving your car in one place and returning easily to the start.

Mount Artxanda

Going up Mount Artxanda is the best plan to start the day with incredible views of the city. It is a circular route that lets you see the best of Bilbao. Here is the ideal path to complete the loop:

1. Plaza Nueva:  Start your route from the city’s Old Town and climb the 323 steps of the Calzadas de Mallona. These stairs will take you up to the Begoña Basilica.
2. Etxebarria Park - Mendiarte Viewpoint: Stroll through Bilbao’s largest park, famous for its old foundry chimney. Afterwards, you’ll find the Mendiarte viewpoint, a quiet spot to see the 'Botxo' without the crowds.
3. Artxanda Viewpoint - Pikotamendi: Once you reach the Artxanda viewpoint, you’ll find the famous 'BILBAO' sign, a perfect photo opportunity. Follow the path towards Pikotamendi to enjoy a quieter stretch.
4. La Salve Bridge - Guggenheim Museum: From La Salve Bridge, you’ll have spectacular views; it's less green than the previous section and much more urban as you head straight down towards the museum.
5. Zubizuri - Town Hall - Unamuno: Finish the walk by following the river, passing Calatrava’s bridge and the Town Hall. You’ll end up back at the starting point in the Old Town.

Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve

If you are looking for an authentic experience, this is a must-see. It is an environment where the river meets the sea, with plenty of different landscapes to enjoy along a single path.

1. Basondo - Santimamiñe Caves: The route kicks off at the Lezika car park in Kortezubi. You will start by walking through a landscape of rocks and narrow valleys, right next to the famous Santimamiñe caves.
2. San Pedro Chapel - Bolunzulo Cave: Follow the path to the San Pedro chapel. It is a special spot where you can see Bolunzulo, a natural swallowhole where the water disappears underground.
3. Climb to San Miguel de Ereñozar: It’s time to work the legs a bit on the climb through the holm oak wood. When you reach the chapel at the top, the views are breathtaking: you have the whole Gernika estuary, Arteaga Castle, and the sea right in front of you.
4. Ereño Village - Red Marble Quarries: Before heading down, you will pass through Ereño, where you can see the old red stone quarries that still show traces of marine fossils.
5. Return to Basondo: The final stretch is a gentle downhill walk through the forest that leads you back to the car park. It is a fantastic way to enjoy the purest nature Bizkaia has to offer.

Coastal routes near Bilbao

If you can’t decide between the beach or the mountains, these routes are the answer. This is the ideal plan for walking right by the sea and enjoying the most authentic landscapes of the Bilbao coast without any fuss.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

We couldn't leave out this icon of Bermeo. More than a hike, it is a walk that leads to the stone bridge where you climb the 241 steps to the chapel. Although entry is free, you must book online in advance.

The Flysch from Zumaia to Deba

The Flysch are layers of rock exposed by the crashing of the sea, creating a unique coastal landscape. Fun fact: it is one of the only places in the world where you can still see the evidence of the meteorite that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. As it is a long route, at DoYouSpain we’ve provided some options to see the best of it without the hassle:

• Zumaia and San Telmo: The route begins at the famous San Telmo Chapel (a filming location for the movie Spanish Affair). From here, the views of the Itzurun cliffs are incredible.
• Out and back: If you don’t want to walk the whole way to Deba because you need to get back to the start, the best thing is to walk as far as the Algorri viewpoint. It is a short stroll from the chapel that allows you to see the most famous rock formations.
• Sakoneta Beach: This is the wildest area. If you prefer to see this, you can take the car as far as the Itxaspe neighbourhood and head down on foot. There are ropes to help you get down to the bottom, but the views from the path above are already brilliant.

From Sopelana to Barrika

You’ll love this route through Uribe Costa. It’s a walk that connects the two villages via paths that hug the wild cliff edges.

• Starting point: The walk begins at the Atxabiribil beach car park (Sopelana). From up there, you just need to follow the dirt track that looks straight out over the Cantabrian Sea.
• Meñakoz Beach: You’ll pass this rocky cove with crystal-clear waters. It’s the perfect spot for a break before continuing towards the highest cliffs on the coast.
• Arrival in Barrika: The final stretch is all downhill to the Barrika beach car park. Don’t leave without heading down the steps to its famous beach, which was also a filming location for Game of Thrones.

When is the best time for hiking in Bilbao?

The ideal time is spring or early autumn. Nature is at its best and the temperature is perfect.

Prepare before your walk

To make sure you can just focus on enjoying yourself, have a look at these basic tips:

• The weather: The climate here changes quickly, so check the forecast.
• Footwear: Wear shoes with good grip in case there is mud.
• Water and snacks: Always take something to keep you hydrated and something to eat.
• Battery: Set off with your phone fully charged for maps and photos.

Hire a car in Bilbao with DoYouSpain

Hiring a car with DoYouSpain in Bilbao is the best option for these routes, as it allows you to reach spots where there is no public transport. In our search engine, we compare prices from all the companies so you save time and money. It is the most convenient way to go at your own pace, without timetables or waiting around.

How to find a cheap car in Bilbao

The key to saving is to compare and not leave it until the last minute. With the DoYouSpain search engine, we show you the best rates and deals in real-time. This way, you can choose the car that suits you best at the lowest price, quickly and transparently.

If you need anything at all, our team is available 24 hours a day on +34 964 83 09 95, in our Customer Service Area, or through our Virtual Assistant. Book your car now and get ready to discover the best trails at your own pace.