The 8 Best & Realistic Day Trips from Bilbao Spain

Bilbao is the Basque Country’s largest city and is often overshadowed by the charm of nearby San Sebastian. While over one million visitors will spend the day at the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao has plenty of other things to see and do.

Bilbao’s Casco Viejo, the historic center of Bilbao, is a delight to wander and includes pintxos bars, lively plazas, churches, and twisting cobblestone streets. Take a stroll along the Nervion River or head up to the hills to get a different view of Bilbao from the Artxanda Mirador by taking the Bilbao Funicular.

While Bilbao warrants at least two days, do plan an extra day or two to explore the nearby treasures. Or maybe take a day trip to an overlooked city or sip wine in the Alavesa wine region. One of Bilbao’s best features is its diverse day trip options. There is a wide variety of day trips from Bilbao, which includes everything from coastal villages to inland wine fields.

Many of these day trips are reachable by public transit from buses to trains.

I’ve included my favorite day trips from Bilbao and how to reach each one. These are realistic day trips and do not require too much commute time.

Here are eight of the best day trips from Bilbao Spain.

Table of Contents

• Getxo
• San Sebastian
• San Juan De Gaztelugatxe
• Bermeo
• Vitoria-Gasteiz
• Castro Urdiales
• Gernika
• The La Rioja Wine Region
• Best Day Trips from Bilbao Spain

1 | Getxo

Getxo is a seaside town just outside the limits of Bilbao and is located on the privileged shores of the estuary of Bilbao. Getxo is known for its affluent neighborhoods lined with mansions and sandy beaches surrounded by cliffs. Its most iconic structure is the iron Bridge of Vizcaya.

The Bridge of Bizcaya is a unique and recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. The iconic red bridge connects the villages of Getxo with Portugalete over the Nervion River and was the first gondola-style bridge to carry both people and vehicles.

The main Getxo attractions can be seen in a few hours and can be incorporated into a lovely stroll in the morning or evening. With more time, relax at one of the sandy beaches or hire a bike and head to the cliffside paths.

How to Visit Getxo | The Easiest Day Trip from Bilbao

It’s fairly straightforward to get to Getxo from Bilbao. The metro is easy, fast, and efficient. 

➜ Psst… Do purchase the Barik Card if you plan to use public transit, ride funiculars, or cross the Bizkaia Bridge. The initial fee is €3 for the card, but it pays for itself if sightseeing in Bilbao and the region.

The easiest way to visit Getxo is by using the Bilbao Metro System (Line 1, also known as the Orange Line). 

Getxo is found in Zone 2 of the Bilbao Metro. If staying in the heart of Bilbao, the centrally located Abando Metro Station is the most convenient.

Getxo Metro Stops

Getxo has six main metro stops

• Areeta (Las Arenas Neighborhood)
• Gobela
• Neguri (Neguri Neighborhood)
• Aiboa
• Algorta (Algorta Neighborhood)
• Bidezabal (last stop in Getxo)

Areeta is the closest metro station to the Vizcaya Bridge, while Bidezabal is closest to the Arrigunaga Beach and some cliffside hiking trails. 

 🚇 Bilbao Metro to Getxo | One-Way Zone 2 Fare: 2.10€ | Barik Card One-Way Fare:  0.70€ | Duration: +/- 30 minutes

Getxo Tours From Bilbao

There are lots of unique things to do in Getxo and sometimes a tour provides the best overview of the area.

➜ Getxo And Bizkaia Bridge From Bilbao is a half-day tour that includes all transportation logistics and access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Vizcaya Bridge

➜ Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside) is a top-rated tour in Getxo for those looking to explore Getxo and the coastal cliffs by bike

2 | San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a stunning seaside city that is blessed with a lovely Old Town and has spectacular beaches. The beaches are surrounded by Montes, which are rolling hills. While the city and surroundings are beautiful, most travelers visit San Sebastian to delve deep into the delicious cuisine.

San Sebastian is known for their delicious pintxos and the numerous top-rated Michelin-star restaurants. There are currently 13 restaurants near San Sebastian that hold Michelin stars.

San Sebastian is a straightforward day trip from Bilbao due to its numerous connections and diverse transportation options. However, I highly recommend spending at least a few days in San Sebastian.

There are numerous accommodation options to stay at in San Sebastian.

In addition to the incredible food, San Sebastian is blessed to be on the Bay of Biscay and is within proximity of the Pyrenees and the Basque Mountains. This prime location offers some even more day trip possibilities, like walking along the Flysch route near Zumaia, eating fresh fish in Getaria, or heading to the hillside to experience a Basque Cider House. It’s also easier and closer to cross the border and experience the French Basque Region.

How to Visit San Sebastian from Bilbao

Bilbao to San Sebastian is extremely well-connected. These are two of the most popular cities in the Spanish Basque region, so it’s a breeze to move between them.

While the train does run between San Sebastian and Bilbao, the journey is quite slow and long.

 🚆 Train Bilbao to San Sebastian | Central Departure Location: Casco Viejo Zazpikaleak | San Sebastian Arrival Station: Amara Donostia Station |Company: Euskotren Trena (E1) | Average Train Fare:  €7 | Duration: around 2.5 hours, with trains departing every hour | Verify the Train Schedule with Euskotren here

Multiple buses depart throughout the day from the main bus station in San Sebastian to Bilbao.

🚌 Bus Bilbao to San Sebastian | Departure Location: Bilbao Intermodal | Bus Companies include: Lurralde, Alsa, FlixBus | Average One-Way Bus Fare: 6 -15 Euros | Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

I don’t necessarily recommend a tour between Bilbao and San Sebastian because I think both cities are worth visiting as an overnight destination.

3 | San Juan De Gaztelugatxe

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a beautiful protected area that is found between the villages of Bermeo and Bakio and is by far one of the easiest day trips from Bilbao.

The Chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe sits at the very top of a rocky island. This local hermitage site is connected to land via an iconic staircase with 241 steps. Due to its steep grade and slippery staircase, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is not recommended for travelers with limited mobility or health issues.

The chapel was built in honor of John the Baptist around the 9th century, but the original church no longer exists. After the pilgrimage up to the church, it is said you must ring the bell three times for good luck and to chase evil spirits away.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe has gained recent popularity as the filming location for Dragonstone Castle in the HBO series Game of Thrones.

One of the most important things to know is that if visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe during high season, permits are required. The permits are free, but are necessary on certain days. The daily allotted permits are capped at 1,462 people each day during high season.

How to Visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

Gaztelugatxe is located on Spain’s Northern coast in Urizarreta. The most convenient way to reach Gaztelugatxe is by car, but during high season, parking can be difficult, and unless you get lucky with a free spot, it will cost 3.50€.

Public Transportation

It is possible to reach Gaztelugatxe by public transportation, but it is a little more complicated. The bus stop next to the entrance is Gaztelu Begi, and there is an actual bus stop there with current timetables.

🚌 Buses from Bilbao | Check with Bus Company Bizkaibus | Average One-Way Bus Fare: 3.40€, discountwith Barik Card | Duration: +/- 1 hour 30 minutes

➜ During the high season, bus A3524 runs between Bermeo and Bakio and stops at Gaztelu Begi.

➜ From Bilbao, there are also frequent buses to both Bakio (A3518) and Bermeo (A3527). 

It is possible to walk from the villages to Gaztelugatxe, with Bakio being the preferred walking route. Those looking to walk from Bakio will want to check out the official walking route here.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Tours

The easiest and most convenient way to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is via a tour. Many of the tours also include the convenience of a permit (during high season).

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is typically offered as a day tour from Bilbao or as a day trip from San Sebastian. Always make sure to verify the tour departure city.

Most tours of Gaztelugatxe include other points of interest like viewpoints, fishing villages, and more.

➜ This is a highly rated day tour from Bilbao that includes stops at Gaztelugatxe, the seaside village Mundaka and Gernika

➜ Another tour option from Bilbao is this highly praised tour which includes the hike to Gaztelugatxe, exploring the fishing port of Bermeo & Pintxo Lunch

4 | Bermeo

Bermeo is a lovely fishing village with an old port. The old port is lined with fishing vessels, colorful homes, and plenty of places to enjoy a drink or a meal. The old town is built along the hill and provides numerous pedestrian-friendly streets. There are numerous bustling pintxos bars, shops, and cobblestone streets to explore.

One of the best things to do in Bermeo is simply to stroll through the hillside streets of the Old Town. An unmissable place is the Plaza Sabino Arana with its gazebo and town hall, and the church of Saint Mary.

Another fabulous place to catch a drink or pintxos is the numerous bars and restaurants that line the green leafy Park of Lamera.

Bermeo is still very connected to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Many of the local fishermen still participate in a ritual to ask the saint for good health, weather, and good luck with the fishing season. The fishermen complete three turns to the port side and three to starboard around Gaztelugatxe. Many also offer St John’s wort to the sea after burning it in a pan.

Bermeo is also where you can spot the first step of Saint James to Gaztelugatxe in no other place than San Juan’s Gate.

How to Visit Bermeo

From Bilbao, there are also frequent buses to Bermeo. Bermeo is also easy to combine with the unmissable site of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

🚌 Bilbao to Bermeo | Departure Location: Abando (Geltokia/Estación) | Bus Line: Bus Company Bizkaibus, A3527 | Average One-Way Bus Fare: 3.40€, but a discount with Barik Card | Duration: +/- 1 hour 45 minutes

Again, an organized tour is one of the best ways to see a variety of sites in one day. Most organized tours from Bilbao to Bermeo include a stop at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

➜This complete tour from Bilbao includes stops at Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, and includes a sampling of the local wine of Txakoli

➜ This is a popular day tour from Bilbao with access to Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, and Gernika

➜ This highly rated day trip from Bilbao includes Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, and Gernika

5 | Vitoria-Gasteiz

One of the most overlooked cities in the Basque Region is Vitoria-Gasteiz. This gem of a city is actually the Capital City of the Spanish Basque Country. With multiple connections and routes, Vitoria-Gasteiz is one of the best day trips from Bilbao.

There are plenty of things to do in Vitoria-Gasteiz. One of the best places to start is by wandering through the Casco Viejo, the Old Medieval Quarter. Vitoria-Gasteiz has one of the most well-preserved Old Towns in all of Spain. The Old Town dates back to the 12th century and showcases the Santa Maria Cathedral, museums, and delicious restaurants and pintxos bars.

The city is a hub for art, so find the Contemporary Art Museum Artium and the equally impressive Museo de Bellas Artes. Vitoria-Gasteiz’s love for art can also be seen in the large and colorful murals found throughout the Old and New Town.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is truly an amazing city to visit in the Basque Country. While it is worth the day trip, you might regret not staying at least one night in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

How to Visit Vitoria-Gasteiz | Overlooked Bilbao Day Trip

Again, if short on time, Vitoria-Gasteiz can be visited as a day trip from Bilbao. Make sure to take the early bus to Vitoria-Gasteiz from Bilbao to make the most of your time. The easiest place to catch the bus is at the Bilbao Intramodel station.

🚌 Bus Bilbao to Vitoria-Gasteiz | Bus Company: Autobuses La Union | Average One-Way Bus Fare: 6.20€ | Duration: 55 minutes

There are frequent trains that connect Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz, but the train takes much longer than the direct buses. The train station in Vitoria-Gasteiz is more centrally located than the bus station. Check Timetables & Fares here.

6 | Castro Urdiales

Castro Urdiales is a cute village found in the Cantabrian region of Spain, but it is only around 30 minutes from Bilbao by car. This seaside village is small, but it has a lively old town.

A highlight is the Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción, which was built during the 13th century. The church hours are limited, but it’s so worth taking a peek inside. Next to the church is a green area with an old castle and some ruins. Take a stroll over the medieval bridge and follow it along the pier.

Castro Urdiales has a surprising and fun tapas scene. At night, the old town offers numerous bars with house specialty tapas. We arrived on a weekend and were lucky to catch live music in the streets. The numerous streets all lead to the main plaza with the Town Hall, which acts more like the living room of the village.

With such a lively nightlife scene, you may wish to spend the night in Castro-Urdiales. We spent a weekend and absolutely adored our time here.

The Amestoy Park is an excellent place to take a stroll and where you can find the town’s letter signage.

During the summer months, it’s possible to swim at the numerous surrounding beaches.

How to Visit Castro Urdiales

The easiest and fastest way to day trip from Bilbao to Castro Urdiales is by car.

There are frequent buses that connect Bilbao to Castro Urdiales. There are two different types of buses, one that goes directly via the Autovia and one that stops at smaller pueblos along the way. Obviously, the faster route is via the Autovia.

🚌 Bus Bilbao to Castro Urdiales | Bus Company: International Regular Bus Castro | Average One-Way Bus Fare: 3.40€ | Duration: +/- 30 minutes

7 | Gernika (Guernica)

Gernika is an inland village that lies within the heart of the marshlands of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. The village is the inspiration for Picasso’s masterpiece “Guernica,” as it was bombed and nearly destroyed on April 26, 1937.

The village was rebuilt, and much of the modern tourism is focused on the tragic history of the bombing ordered by Franco and carried out by German and Italian airstrikes. There is the Museum of Peace, which shows the horrors of the war and shares the stories of those who survived. Along with the museum, there is the possibility to visit the air-raid shelters.

There is also a replica of Picasso’s painting made of tiles on display in town.

Another thing to see is the Casa de Juntas (Assembly House) with its famous stained glass window of a tree. The Tree of Gernika is one of the most powerful symbols of the Basque people and their traditional freedoms.

Gernika also has the Euskal Herria Museum, which highlights Basque history and traditions. Those who want to experience one of the most traditional markets should visit on a Monday when local producers from nearby villages come to sell their produce and artisan goods.

How to Visit Gernika

Guernica is an easy day trip from Bilbao with frequent bus connections and a train option. With a car, Bilbao is less than a 45 minute drive.

Public Transportation Bilbao to Guernica

🚌 Bus Bilbao to Guernica | Departure Location: Most central location is Abando Bus Stop | Bus Company: Bizkaibus, Bus#A3514 | Average One-Way Bus Fare: 2.55€ | Duration: +/- 1 hour |Verify the Current Schedule here

 🚆 Train Bilbao to Gernika | Central Departure Location: Casco Viejo Zazpikaleak | Company: Euskotren Trena | Average Train Fare:  3.40€ | Duration: 55 minutes | Verify the Train Schedule with Euskotren here

Guernica Tours from Bilbao

If short on time, Guernica is typically included with a few other stops on most Bilbao day tours.

➜ This is one of the highest-rated tours from Bilbao that includes stops at Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka, and Gernika

➜ This is another popular day trip tour from Bilbao with stops at Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, and Gernika

8 | Rioja Alavesa of the Rioja Wine Region

La Rioja may be one of the most famous wine regions in Spain. Most people don’t realize that some of the La Rioja denominación de origen calificada (denomination of qualified origin DOCa) is produced in Rioja Alavesa, which is part of the Basque region.

In Rioja Alavesa in the Basque Country, one of the must-visit villages is Laguardia, with its picturesque streets lined with family bodegas. This hilltop village is well preserved and a highlight of the Alavesa wine region. 

For architecture and wine lovers, a stop at Winery and Hotel Marques de Riscal on the outskirts of Eltziego to see the Frank Gehry-designed building. Eltziego is another picturesque hilltop town of the Basque Rioja Alavesa region.

Right across the border of the Basque Country is Haro, one of the best places to sample wine in the Rioja Region.

How to Visit the Rioja Wine Region on a Day Trip from Bilbao

The Rioja Alavesa is a popular tour option. I recommend using a tour service to visit this region as a day trip from Bilbao, so you don’t have to worry about driving and transportation logistics. Spain has strict alcohol restrictions, so it’s best to simply enjoy one of Spain’s best wine region.

➜ This highly rated Rioja Wine Tour includes two different wineries that departs from Bilbao

➜ This private tour from Bilbao highlights not only the wine of the Rioja region but also the Architectural Gems

➜ This is a popular La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour from Bilbao that includes a picnic lunch

Psst… If looking to drive, stay in the La Rioja wine region and follow along with this La Rioja Road Trip Itinerary

Conclusion | Best Day Trips from Bilbao Spain

In short, these are some of the most accessible and best day trips from Bilbao.

While a majority of these day trips from Bilbao are in the Basque Country, some are scattered throughout the diverse autonomous communities in Spain, from the La Rioja region to the underrated region of Cantabria.

The city of Bilbao is a highlight of visiting the Basque Country, but some of the biggest treasures are waiting to be discovered along the coastline of the Bay of Biscay and into the depths of the Basque countryside.

To get a real feeling of the Basque Country, try to take at least one of these awesome day trips from Bilbao. From charming Old Towns, foodie havens, and seaside promenades, there are plenty of diverse day trips waiting to be discovered from Bilbao.

Have you taken any of these day trips from Bilbao? Which one was your favorite? Do you have a day trip from Bilbao that I’m missing that you absolutely loved? Let me know in the comments below!

Pin This Post for Later!

Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.