Last Updated on 14/04/2025 by secretmoona
Looking for the perfect day trip from Bilbao? Just 20–30 minutes away from Bilbao lies Getxo, a charming coastal town packed with Basque culture, seaside beauty, and historical marvels. Located along the right bank of the Bilbao Estuary, Getxo invites you to unwind with its sandy beaches, neighbourhood lined with Belle Époque mansions, traditional fishing ports, and the iconic Vizcaya Bridge—the world’s oldest operating transport bridge.
What is Getxo?
Getxo is made up of five neighborhoods: Andra Mari, Algorta, Areeta (Las Arenas), Neguri, and Romo. Each offers its own charm, from dramatic cliffs and golden beaches to quaint harbours and stunning homes. Getxo offers a delightful day out with plenty of attractions to fill your morning and afternoon. Activities in Getxo include walking, eating at a pintxo, hiking along the scenic cliffside paths, and relaxing by the sea.
Top Things to Do in Getxo
Marvel at the Vizcaya Bridge
The first stop on our day trip to Getxo is a true highlight: the Puente de Vizcaya, also known as the Vizcaya Bridge or Bizkaia Hanging Bridge. Even if you haven’t heard of it, you’ve likely seen it on postcards or posters from Bilbao.
This massive iron structure stretches 160 metres across the Nervión River and is supported by two towers, each standing 61 metres tall. It is impressive in size and has historical significance. UNESCO has designated it a World Heritage Site, as it is the first mechanical transporter bridge ever built, dating back to 1893. The bridge was constructed to allow tall sailing ships to pass while connecting Getxo’s Las Arenas district with Portugalete.
What makes the bridge especially intriguing is its gondola system. Suspended by cables, the gondola glides across the river, carrying passengers and cars, providing a unique experience.
There are three ways to cross the river:
- Walk on the pedestrian walkway, located 50 metres above the water. This option is for the more adventurous and offers fantastic panoramic views of the Nervión Estuary and surrounding areas. It costs €10 and is accessible from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Book your ticket here.
- Take the gondola to cross the river for just €0.55.
- Hop on a traditional Gasolino boat to cross the estuary for only €0.50.
See the Monument to Evaristo de Churruca
Near the Bizkaia Bridge and before reaching Las Arenas beach, you’ll find a small park featuring an intriguing monument dedicated to Evaristo de Churruca. This sculpture consists of a tall stone obelisk with a seated bronze statue of Evaristo de Churruca, flanked by figures representing industry and navigation on either side.
The monument not only honours Evaristo Churruca, an important figure from Getxo who contributed significantly to the industrial development of Biscay, but it also symbolises human resilience against Neptune, the god of the sea and nature. This depiction illustrates a man battling the forces of nature.
Relax at Las Arenas Beach
Getxo has several beautiful beaches that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Just steps from the bridge, you’ll come across Playa de Las Arenas, a stretch of golden sand with boats gently bobbing in the background, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
During our visit in November, it wasn’t quite the season for sunbathing, but locals were walking their dogs or simply enjoying the tranquility of the beach.
Along the promenade, people walked, strolled, and biked, accompanied by stunning mansions facing the sea. Each mansion features a pedestrian crossing leading directly to the seafront, which I found charming. The grandeur of these homes makes it evident that Getxo has long been a residence for some of the wealthiest families in Spain.
More beaches to explore in Getxo
Getxo is blessed with several other beaches worth visiting. These are excellent escapes when you need a break from the bustle of Bilbao.
- Ereaga Beach – Great for families and surfers
- Arrigunaga Beach – Tucked below cliffs, wild and scenic
- Azkorri-Gorrondatxe Beach – A hidden gem with a more natural setting
Discover Getxo’s Seaside Mansions
Getxo has stunning architecture, characterised by beautiful mansions that line its long promenade and neighbourhoods. Like Bilbao’s modern city centre, the town is well-maintained, boasting picturesque squares and parks where visitors can relax while taking in the views of the Biscayan coast.
As you explore different areas of Getxo, you’ll encounter palaces and mansions built by wealthy industrialists from the 19th to early 20th centuries. Neighborhoods such as Las Arenas, Neguri, and Atxekolandeta are renowned for their impressive architectural styles.
You can embark on a self-guided tour called the “Walk of the Great Villas of Getxo.” A PDF publication from Getxo Tourist Office dedicated to these villas is available for download, complete with a map to guide your stroll. This walk will showcase remarkable examples of Basque and European architectural styles, illustrating the lifestyle of the bourgeoisie. Among the notable sites to admire are:
- The Palace of Lezama-Leguizamón, a salt-like palace overlooking Abra Bay.
- Villa Ariatza, currently the Embarcadero boutique hotel.
- The Palace Ampuero, a stunning mansion designed in the Regionalist style.
- The traditional Basque house, Aitzgoyen.
- The Palace of Arriluze, now transformed into a luxury hotel.
- Casa Cisco, a mansion inspired by English cottages.
These homes not only feature beautiful façades but also reflect the luxurious heritage of Getxo’s elite.
Stroll Through the Old Port of Algorta
The charming fishing port of Algorta is an ideal place to relax and connect with locals. The traditional old harbor, Puerto Viejo de Algorta, can be accessed after passing Ereaga Beach and is characterized by its narrow, winding streets and traditional whitewashed fishermen’s houses.
Once a bustling fishing hub, this area is now perfect for enjoying local seafood and pintxos (Basque tapas), accompanied by txakoli (a local white wine) in its cozy bars and restaurants. The port comes alive during local festivals, providing an authentic glimpse into Basque maritime heritage.
Tip: Download “El Puerto Viejo, de casa en casa” for a self-guided audio tour of the area.
After visiting the port, we recommend checking out the Casa de los Náufragos (Shipwrecked House), the Punta Begoña Galleries, La Galea Fort, and the Aixerrota Mill, all located in some of the town’s best spots.
Visit Portugalete
Located across from Getxo, on the opposite bank of the Nervión River, the town of Portugalete is definitely worth a visit. Much of its historical quarter remains well-preserved, and the town is conveniently connected to Getxo by the Vizcaya suspension bridge. Portugalete boasts several attractions that merit your time, including the Town Hall, which dates back to the nineteenth century and is strategically situated alongside the estuary and the monument dedicated to engineer Víctor Chávarri.
Additionally, the Santa María Basilica, built between the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries, features the largest walnut wood altarpiece in the world. Santa Clara’s convent, with its striking yellow facade, is also worth a visit.
Strolling through the charming old streets of Portugalete is a delightful experience. The seaside promenade and the old dock are also enjoyable.
Other Things to Do in Getxo
Getxo is vibrant with events throughout the year. If you’re visiting during the summer months, consider timing your day trip to coincide with one of these exciting festivities:
- Andra Mari Festivities – May
- Corpus Christi Festivities – Algorta Old Port – June
- San Ignacio Festivities (Los San Ignacios de Algorta) – July
- Santa Ana – Las Arenas – July
- Algorta Old Port Festivities – August
Be sure to check local calendars via the Getxo Tourist Office when planning your trip around these lively celebrations.
How to Get to Getxo on a Day Trip from Bilbao
- By Metro: Take Line 1 to stations such as Areeta, Gobela, Neguri, Aiboa, Algorta, Bidezabal, or take Line 2 to Areeta/Portugalete to start at the bridge.
Duration: ~30 minutes | Cost: ~€1.50 - By Car: Drive via BI-637 (La Avanzada), Getxo is about 14 km from Bilbao
- By Bus: Routes A3135, A3411, A3151 and A3414 (Bizkaibus) connect Bilbao to Getxo
How Much Time Do You Need in Getxo?
A full-day trip from Bilbao allows plenty of time to explore the bridge, enjoy the beach, savour some pintxos, shop and stroll past beautiful mansions. If you want to experience local festivals or take things at a more relaxed pace, consider staying overnight.
Hotels in Getxo
Getxo Final Thoughts
Although our visit to the seaside town was a last-minute decision, we were happy to see that there were many things to do in Getxo. Whether you’re into architecture, nature, food, or history, this delightful town offers a little of everything, making it the ideal day trip from Bilbao.