What to See in Getxo | 10+ Noteworthy Attractions & How to Visit
Getxo is a seaside town found in the Greater Bilbao area in Spain’s Basque Country. Located on the privileged shores of the Ría de Bilbao (an estuary), Getxo is known for its affluent neighborhoods lined with mansions, sandy beaches surrounded by cliffs, and the unique iron Bridge of Vizcaya.
This quick guide includes what to see in Getxo and how to visit this beloved coastal town.
Getxo can easily be reached via public transit and is an ideal place to go for a stroll. The main promenades offer a chance to appreciate the “Great Mansions of Getxo.”
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.
Here are some of the best things to do in Getxo Spain and tips for visiting this seaside city near Bilbao.
Table of Contents
- How to Visit Getxo from Bilbao
- How Much Time to Spend in Getxo?
- What to See in Getxo Over a Few Hours
- Sleep in Getxo Spain
- How to Return to Bilbao from Getxo
- Overview | A Quick Guide on What to See in Getxo Spain
How to Visit Getxo from Bilbao
The easiest way to visit Getxo from Bilbao is by hopping on Line 1 (Orange) of the Bilbao Metro System.
Getxo is found in Zone 2 of the Bilbao Metro. If staying in Bilbao and exploring the many sights of the city, I think it’s best to use the centrally located Abando Metro Station.
There is a split in the line at San Ignazio, so always use the Line 1 trains with the final stop of Plentzia. Line 2 trains go in the direction of Kabiezes, so you’ll find yourself on the opposite side of the Nervión River.
➜ Psst… Do purchase the Barik Card if planning on spending a few days in Bilbao. The initial fee is €3 for the card, but it pays for itself with discounted fares on public transit and other top Bilbao attractions, like the Bilbao Funicular. We utilized the Barik Card in Bilbao and even on the trams in the Basque Capital city of Vitoria-Gasteiz
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.
Personally, I exited in Getxo Algorta Metro Station to explore the fishing port and then returned to Bilbao from Areeta Metro Station.
🚇 Bilbao Metro to Getxo | One-Way Zone 2 Fare: €1.90 | Barik Card One-Way Fare: €0.57 | Duration: +/- 30 minutes
Getxo Tours
It’s fairly straightforward to get to Getxo from Bilbao. The metro is easy, fast, and efficient.
There are lots of unique things to do in Getxo and sometimes a tour is a better way to see the seaside city.
➜ 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
➜ Private Kayak Tour along the Getxo Coast and Hanging Bridge is an excellent way to explore Getxo by sea
How Much Time to Spend in Getxo?
If visiting Getxo from the Basque Country’s unmissable city of Bilbao, plan on spending at least 2 – 3 hours here. This allows an ample amount of time to see the main Getxo attractions and stroll casually along the promenades.
However, there are plenty of things to do in Getxo from pintxos hopping, to walking across the Vizcaya Bridge. On a sunny day, you could spend the afternoon lounging at the beach.
Depending on what you are looking for, Getaria could be a few-hour trip from Bilbao, or equally, it could be easy to spend the entire day here. It all depends on what you want to see or do!
If looking to simply stroll along the seaside promenades, an ideal time to visit is during the morning or evening. Those looking to bike and hike should plan on visiting Getxo early in the morning.
Spend a Day in Getxo
If looking to spend a day in Getxo, I suggest picking up a bike and exploring the city and nearby beaches with coastal viewpoints.
There are pay-as-you-go bikes with Getxobizi that can be rented and returned at numerous locations along the estuary. It’s more of a bike sharing than a rental and the time limit is 90 minutes.
➜ Here’s a good bike rental company in Getxo for longer rentals
A hidden-gem path is La Galea and the Aixerrota Windmill, a walking or biking path that follows along the coast to Azkorri Beach (Gorrondatxe) or the wild and rugged Barinatxe Beach. It’s possible to continue farther to Sopelana Beach. All of these coastal beaches are known for their unique Flysch rock formations, rugged waves, and sandy beaches.
Unfortunately, I didn’t spend the whole day in Getxo so I didn’t have time to walk the Galea route, but it’s on my bucket list for my next visit to the Basque Country!
If planning on visiting and spending a few days in San Sebastian, it’s possible to see Flysch rocks between the two coastal villages of Zumaia and Deba.
What to See in Getxo Over a Few Hours
With a few hours, it’s best to stick to the neighborhoods of Getxo and stroll along the seaside promenade. This is my actual walking route from Algorta to Vizcaya Bridge while visiting Getxo.
1 | Algorta (Fishing Port)
I opted to exit the metro in Algrota to see the old fishing port. The white-washed buildings boast colorful doorways and in the summer months are decorated with flowers and plants. The hub of this neighborhood offers numerous cafes and pintxos bars.
The old port of Algorta leads to Ereaga Beach, or walk through the neighborhood to take the elevator.
2 | Take the Algorta-Ereaga Elevator
The Algorta-Ereaga elevator connects the neighborhood to the sea. The elevator was free on my visit (January 2024) and offers seaside views from the glass doors. The lift is found at Parque de María Cristina and drops next to the seaside restaurants of La Ola Getxo.
3 | Ereaga Beach
Whether you walk from the Old Algorta Fishing Port or take the lift, you’ll arrive at Ereaga Beach. Ereaga Beach is a popular beach due to its sandy beaches, central location, and being blessed with scenic cliffs.
On the west side of the beach, there are a few cafes and restaurants alongside a green park with playground equipment. There is also the extremely helpful Getxo Tourism Office which has tons of pamphlets and information on what to see in Getxo.
4 | Mirador de Atxekolandeta
After strolling along the beach of Ereaga, take a detour up the stairs to the Atxekolandeta viewpoint. There are incredible views of the beach that stretch out to the Cantabrian Sea.
It’s hard to miss the large concrete building, Galerias de Punta Begoña, a building built during the early 20th century. This historical site is in the process of being rehabilitated and can only be visited with a guided tour. For now, tours are only available in Spanish or Basque.
The Mirador de Atxekolandeta has a great observation deck to appreciate a panoramic view of the historical building and the pier. If interested in seeing some of the mansions of Getxo, continue on Atxekolandeta Street.
As for me, I opted to head to the seaside to walk along the fabulous pier promenades.
5 | Getxo Marina
The Getxo Marina is home to small fishing boats, but also on the backside is a cruise ship terminal. The marina has numerous restaurants and services for those coming in via cruise ship. Additionally, the Getxo Marina is where you can find sea activities like kayak rentals or sailing boats.
Near the entrance of the old marina, find one of the most iconic buildings, the La Casa del Náufrago with the Arriluze Lighthouse. Built-in the 1920s, this building has always played an important role. The name translates to the house of shipwrecks and a small group of fishermen and sailors independently helped aid those in emergencies.
Around the turn of the century, this marina was known to be the cause of many shipwrecks
By 1973, the Red Cross officially integrated with the independent Shipwrecked Rescue Society and is still housed in this iconic building.
6 | The Promenade of the Arriluze Pier
Some of the best views of the Casa del Náufrago and Arriluze Lighthouse can be seen walking along the promenade.
Follow the promenade along the walkway. There are a few signboards indicating the famous mansions of Getxo that can be seen to the left, with the sea to the right.
Perhaps the most eye-catching mansion is the Lezama-Leguizamón Palace.
7 | The Promenade of Las Arenas Pier
Continue along via the Las Arenas neighborhood promenade. With all the mansions facing the seaside, it is easy to understand that at the turn of the 20th century, Getxo was home to some of the wealthiest families in Spain.
The promenade passes Las Arenas Beach with a small park that is home to the famous Monument to Evaristo de Churruca.
Turn to the left to get the first glimpses of the impressive Vizcaya Bridge
8 | Vizcaya Bridge (Bizkaiko Zubia)
If you traveled from Bilbao to Getxo, chances are you wanted to see the impressive UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge. This incredible bridge was completed in 1893 and was designed by Alberto de Palacio.
The Vizcaya Bridge is a unique hanging bridge that uses a gondola that suspends above the water. This was the first bridge of its kind built anywhere in the world.
The bridge is made of twisted iron and is towering across the Ibaizabal River at 148 ft tall (45 m) and spans 525 ft (160 m).
The Vizcaya Bridge connects the Las Arena neighborhood of Getxo to the town of Portugalete.
How to Visit the Vizcaya Bridge
The Bizkaiko Bridge has been hailed as an incredible iron architectural construction of the European Industrial Revolution. It has been utilized since its construction, except for a small stint during the Spanish Civil War, meaning it’s been in operation for over 130 years!
The Hanging Bridge of Getxo can be visited in a number of ways.
- Walk the footpath located at the top of the bridge for stellar panoramic views (€10 plus €3 if you wish to include the audio guide / Official website
- Adventure lovers can bungee jump from the top or climb up iron structure
- Those with a Barik Card can do as the locals do and use the aerial gondola car to cross the bridge in a minute and a half for around 50 cents
The Vizcaya Bridge can be visited typically between 10:00 – 19:00. If looking to use the aerial cable car, the hours are between 5:00 to midnight.
The Bizkaiko Bridge is a highlight of visiting Getxo!
9 | Plaza del Puente Park
After exploring the bridge by foot, gondola aerial car, or appreciating it from the sidelines, head to the Plaza del Puente. This awesome plaza has views of the base of the bridge to understand the pulley system.
The Plaza del Puente has a nice park and has a few cafes and pintxos bars. Enjoy the views at one of the outdoor terraces or hang out on a bench for prime people-watching.
10 | Plaza del Ajedrez
After visiting Bizkaiko Bridge, head to the Plaza del Ajedrez. This large plaza is also home to a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and the Areeta (Las Arenas) Metro Station.
Sleep in Getxo Spain
With palaces and seaside views, Getxo is also a popular place to sleep when visiting Bilbao. Those who want to spend time on the coast and visit the beaches of Bilbao may opt to sleep in Getxo.
➜ El Puerto Viejo is a modern and highly rated apartment found in Algorta’s old fishing port
➜ Pensión Basagoiti is a budget-friendly accommodation option near the Algorta neighborhood
➜ Petit Palace Tamarises is a boutique hotel that is steps away from Ereaga Beach
➜ Palacio Arriluce Hotel is the ultimate splurge and luxury hotel if looking to sleep in Getxo. Onsite find a spa and bikes that are free to use
➜ Browse the Best Places to Stay in Getxo Spain
How to Return to Bilbao from Getxo
After visiting Getxo it’s easy to return to Bilbao via the many Getxo Metro Stations. As I visited the Vizcaya Bridge last, I opted to use the Areeta (Las Arena) Metro Station in the Ajedrez Plaza.
🚇 Bilbao Metro Getxo to Bilbao | One-Way Zone 2 Fare: €1.90 | Barik Card One-Way Fare: €0.57 | Duration: +/- 20 minutes to Abando Metro Station
Overview | A Quick Guide on What to See in Getxo Spain
In short, this is a quick guide on what to see in Getxo Spain in a few hours.
Getxo offers a glimpse into the affluent neighborhoods lined with mansions, seaside strolls, and of course sandy beaches engulfed by stunning cliffs. The main attraction in Getxo is the world-famous Vizcaya Bridge, an Industrial Revolution architectural marvel.
Getxo is easy to reach from Bilbao. Use the metro system to exit at one of the many stations and simply start walking! With a full day in Getxo, rent a bike or enjoy the highlights from the water in a kayak.
Getxo is a nice coastal escape from Bilbao and is worth visiting!
Have you visited the city of Getxo? What did you think of this seaside city in the Greater Bilbao area of Spain? Let me know in the comments below!
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