15 Amazing Day Trips from Bilbao You Will Love

Looking for the best day trips from Bilbao? You’re in for a treat.

Bilbao is one of those cities that sticks with you — from its world-class food scene to its gritty charm and modern art vibe. But here’s the secret: some of the most unforgettable experiences lie just outside the city limits.

In less than two hours, you can find yourself walking through sleepy fishing villages, exploring medieval towns, hiking in lush mountains, relaxing on wild beaches, or tasting local wines with a view. Whether you’re into surf spots, scenic drives, nature trails, or just want to escape the city buzz for a bit — Northern Spain has it all.

In this guide, you’ll find the best destinations from Bilbao — with personal tips, local flavor, and a few hidden gems that are well worth the detour. Let’s hit the road.

👉 Planning to go to Bilbao? Check how you can spend a magical day in this beautiful city:
ONE Day In Bilbao? Here’s How To Spend It

Map overview

1. Plentzia – beach, coastal charm & underwater wine

🕒 40 min from Bilbao by metro or car

One of the easiest day trips from Bilbao — and yes, you can get there by metro. Plentzia is a small seaside town known for its wide calm sandy beach, scenic estuary, and maritime history. It shares a beautiful bay with neighboring Gorliz, making it perfect for families or anyone looking to relax by the water.

One of the most unique experiences here is the Bodega Submarina Crusoe Treasure — the world’s first underwater winery and artificial reef. You can even book a tasting of wines aged beneath the sea!

If you’re up for a walk, head to the Petrified Dunes of Gorliz, over 6,000 years old, and follow the trail to the Gorliz Lighthouse for stunning coastal views.

2. Bakio – surf, sun & txakoli

🕒 35 min from Bilbao

Bakio boasts the largest beach in Biscay, making it a hotspot for water sports — especially surfing. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the consistent waves and surf schools make it an ideal spot to catch some waves.

But Bakio is more than just a beach town. It has managed to preserve its rural roots, with a strong farming tradition that still thrives today. One of its proudest local products is txakoli — a crisp, young white wine typical of the region. You can learn all about it (and taste it!) at the Txakolingunea Museum, which tells the story of this unique Basque wine from vineyard to glass.

Bakio is the perfect blend of coastal energy and countryside charm — well worth a stop on any Basque day trip. It was one of my favorite trips from Bilbao.

3. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe – Game of Thrones fans, don’t skip this

🕒 1 h from Bilbao

One of the most iconic and dramatic sights in the Basque Country, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a tiny islet connected to the mainland by a winding stone bridge and 241 steps. It shot to worldwide fame as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones, but even if you’re not a fan, the natural beauty here is absolutely worth the trip. It definetely is one of the most famous trips from Bilbao.

After crossing a scenic stone bridge with two arches, you’ll begin the climb to the small chapel of San Juan at the top. Legend says that once you reach it, you should ring the bell three times, make a wish, and banish bad spirits. Whether you believe it or not, the views from the top are unforgettable.

📌 Tip: During high season (especially summer), a free timed-entry ticket is required. Be sure to check the official website before visiting, and aim to go early to beat the crowds.

4. Bermeo – a colorful fishing village

🕒 45 min from Bilbao

Bermeo is full of Basque character — colorful houses, fishing boats, and a strong maritime heritage. Once a major whaling port, today it’s a great spot for seafood lovers. Try marmitako (a hearty tuna and potato stew), white tuna, or anchovy preserves, and enjoy pintxos in the lively old town near the cheerful harbor.

Visit the Fishermen’s Museum in the historic Ercilla Tower, or explore the Aita Guria, a replica of a 17th-century whaling ship. For views, head to La Tala viewpoint, where you’ll get sweeping panoramas of the dramatic cliffs and Izaro Island offshore.

5. Mundaka – surfer’s paradise & chill vibes

🕒 45 min from Bilbao

Just next to Bermeo, Mundaka is a tiny fishing town with a massive reputation in the surfing world — home to Europe’s longest left-hand wave. It draws surfers from around the globe.

The heart of town is its charming fishing port, perfect for a quiet stroll or a coffee with a view. Don’t miss the Santa Catalina chapel, perched above the estuary with some of the best panoramic views of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Peaceful, scenic, and full of character — Mundaka is a coastal gem.

6. Gernika – history & culture

🕒 35 min from Bilbao

Gernika is a town forever marked by history. Bombed during the Spanish Civil War, Gernika became an international symbol of the horrors of war, immortalized by Picasso’s famous painting. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of peace and resilience.

Visit the Gernika Tree and the Meeting House, historic symbols of Basque self-governance and freedom. Take time to explore the Gernika Peace Museum, Euskal Herria Museum, and the Pueblos de Europa Park to understand the cultural and historical depth of the town. Gernika is more than a stop — it’s a meaningful experience.

7. Arteaga Castle – a fairytale spot

🕒 45 min from Bilbao

This neo-Gothic castle looks like something out of a storybook. It’s now a luxury hotel, but you can still admire it from the outside or stop by the surrounding nature reserve. It’s right in the heart of Urdaibai, so it’s a nice stop if you’re exploring Gernika, Mundaka, or Bermeo.

8. Lekeitio – postcard-perfect and underrated

🕒 1 h from Bilbao

One of the prettiest towns on the Basque coast, yet often overlooked. Lekeitio has a charming harbor, beautiful beach, and a walkable little island called San Nicolás you can reach at low tide. It’s a great mix of local life and scenic beauty. Sit by the harbor with a glass of txakoli and you’ll see what we mean.

9. Ondarroa – authentic and full of character

🕒 1 h from Bilbao

Close to Lekeitio, Ondarroa is another lesser-known fishing town with steep streets, colorful houses, and a proud identity. It’s very local, very alive, and a bit rough around the edges — in the best possible way. Expect fewer tourists and a strong Basque atmosphere.

👉 Hungry for more coastal charm? Here are more beautiful spots in the Basque Country:

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10. Durango – a taste of inland Basque Country

🕒 30 min from Bilbao

Durango isn’t coastal, but it’s worth a trip for its history and old town. It is a charming town nestled in stunning natural surroundings — a great spot for anyone who enjoys history and outdoor adventures. You’ll find narrow streets, churches, and a lively local vibe. It’s a good base if you’re heading into the Urkiola Natural Park for hiking or just enjoying the mountains.

11. Urkiola Natural Park – hike, breathe & unwind

🕒 50 min from Bilbao

If you’re craving green mountains and crisp air, Urkiola is one of the best trips from Bilbao. This natural park is full of hiking trails, thick forests, rugged limestone peaks and quiet meadows. It’s not too crowded, even in summer. Some trails are beginner-friendly, and others more challenging.

At the top, don’t miss the Sanctuary of the Santos Antonios (St. Anthony the Abbot and St. Anthony of Padua), a peaceful hillside site surrounded by ash, eucalyptus, and beech trees. Its roots stretch back to the early days of Christianity in the region.

If you’re craving a mix of cultural depth and natural beauty, Durango and Urkiola make for an unforgettable day trip from Bilbao.

12. Arratia Valley and Gorbeia Natural Park – slow travel

🕒 40–60 min from Bilbao

This peaceful valley is a great place for a slow drive or scenic walk. Tiny villages like Areatza, Artea, and Dima offer an authentic look at rural Basque life. It’s green, quiet, and refreshing.

Gorbeia Natural Park is the largest natural reserve in the Basque Country. The landscape here is dramatic and varied — rugged peaks, dense forests, open pastures, and peaceful streams.

At the summit of Mount Gorbeia stands a striking 18-meter-high metal cross, a symbol of the park and a popular goal for hikers. Whether you’re up for a challenging climb or just want to enjoy some scenic walks, Gorbeia offers endless opportunities to reconnect with nature.

This entire route — from Bilbao through Igorre, Areatza, and into the heart of Gorbeia — is a perfect day trip for anyone who loves history, mountain views, and quiet Basque villages.

13. Orduña & Salto del Nervión – a waterfall worth the hike

🕒 1 h from Bilbao

One of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders near Bilbao is the Salto del Nervión, Spain’s tallest waterfall, with a dramatic 300-meter (984 ft) drop in the shape of a horse’s tail. The waterfall only flows seasonally, typically after heavy rains in spring or autumn.

To get there, you will pass Orduña — once a bustling commercial hub between Biscay and Castilla, Orduña still holds on to its historic charm with impressive civil and religious architecture.

To reach the Nervión Viewpoint, take the A-2625 road and ascend the Orduña mountain pass. At the summit, look for the entrance to Mount Santiago (you’ll see a small hut and cattle grid). There are up to four parking areas along this road — the third one is the closest to the viewpoint, but parking spots are limited and some may require payment.

From the parking area, follow the well-marked forest trail — the PR-BU 42 (Fuente Santiago–Salto del Nervión) route — which takes you through peaceful woodlands and opens up to breathtaking cliffside views. The hike is easy and family-friendly, but if you have a fear of heights, be prepared — the cliff edges are dramatic.

14. Balmaseda – old bridges and religion

🕒 40 min from Bilbao

Balmaseda is the oldest town in Bizkaia, and it’s packed with historic character. Think cobbled streets, colorful houses, and the iconic Puente Viejo — a medieval bridge that once formed part of the town’s defensive walls. Wander through its old quarter, and you’ll find hidden gems like the Museum of Religious Art, housed in a former church.

But what really makes Balmaseda stand out is its culinary tradition. Don’t leave without trying the town’s signature dish: Putxeras. This hearty bean stew — made with pork, chorizo, and morcilla — was once cooked by railway workers over the heat of coal engines. Today, it’s still celebrated with pride, especially on San Severino Day (October 23). Pair it with a glass of local txakoli and you’ve got a true taste of the town.

15. Pozalagua Caves – underground wonderland

🕒 Just over 1 h from Bilbao

Hidden in the mountains near Karrantza, the Pozalagua Caves are a stunning and still relatively undiscovered gem. What makes them truly unique is their eccentric stalactites — rare formations that twist and grow in all directions, defying gravity and creating surreal shapes.

Discovered by accident in 1957 during quarry blasting, the caves can only be visited with a guide, who will walk you through their fascinating geology and history. A metal walkway leads through spectacular chambers, including the vast Versailles Room, ending at a massive natural dome. It’s one of the most extraordinary underground landscapes in Europe — and still a bit of a hidden secret.

Final Thoughts: Why day trips from Bilbao are worth it?

Bilbao is a fantastic base. In one direction you have dramatic Atlantic cliffs and colorful fishing villages. In the other, peaceful mountains and valleys. Whether you rent a car or take public transport, there are plenty of day trips to suit your mood — from surfing in Mundaka to wine sipping in Plentzia, hiking in Urkiola, or admiring waterfalls in Orduña.

In the Basque Country, the journey matters just as much as the destination. Drive slowly, take in the views, and let this lesser known part of Spain surprise you.