Free walking tours in Elantxobe and what to see

Must-sees

Elantxobe is a small fishing village on the Bizkaia coast, within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Its houses cling to the slope of Cape Ogoño, so steep that the village is divided into an upper and a lower part, linked by narrow streets and steps. In the upper part, the turntable where the bus turns around stands out, because there is no room for it to manoeuvre.

Heading down the main street you reach the early 19th-century church of San Nicolás de Bari, with a Baroque altarpiece inside. Below is the harbour, the centre of village life, with its bars and natural pools by the quay. For the best view of the village and the coast, climb Cape Ogoño along a path that calls for proper footwear and caution near the cliff.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Elantxobe, and the village is easy to explore on your own. The usual plan is to include it on a driving route along the Urdaibai coast, with Mundaka, Bermeo or Gernika. Day trips along this coast leave from Bilbao.

How long to spend

An hour or two is enough for the village and the harbour, with time for a drink by the quay. If you climb Cape Ogoño, allow half a day. With a whole day you can add Laga beach, the neighbouring village of Ea and other stops in the reserve. Avoid arriving by car on festival days, as parking is scarce.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Elantxobe itself is very limited, with an apartment or rural house or two, so book ahead. Nearby, Ea and Ibarrangelu have rural houses in a very peaceful setting. If you prefer more services, Gernika, a short drive away, is a good base for exploring the whole Urdaibai area.