Free walking tours in Getxo and what to see

Must-sees

Getxo is a coastal town at the mouth of the Bilbao estuary, and its great monument is the Vizcaya Bridge, linking Las Arenas with Portugalete. It was the world’s first transporter bridge and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can cross in the hanging gondola or go up to the top walkway, about 50 metres high, to see the estuary from above.

From Las Arenas, a seafront walk leads towards Neguri and Algorta, past large early 20th-century villas. In Algorta, the Puerto Viejo keeps its fishermen’s houses huddled on the slope, with bars for a drink. Carry on to Ereaga beach and then Arrigunaga. Above it is the Aixerrota windmill, and further north the cliffs of La Galea.

Free tours and guided visits

In season there are free tours in Getxo that cover the Vizcaya Bridge, the villa-lined promenade and the Puerto Viejo. Guided visits to the bridge, with a trip up to the walkway, and boat trips on the estuary are also common. From here it is very easy to take day trips to Bilbao, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe or the Urdaibai coast.

How long to spend

A full day is enough to see Getxo at an easy pace. In the morning visit the bridge and cross to Portugalete. In the afternoon walk along the promenade to the Puerto Viejo and finish at Ereaga or La Galea at sunset. If you are using it as a base for Bilbao and the coast, allow three or four days.

Where to stay

Algorta is the liveliest area, close to the Puerto Viejo and Ereaga beach, with good metro links to Bilbao. Las Arenas is next to the Vizcaya Bridge and quieter and more residential. Neguri has a stately feel and silent streets. In any of them you will have the metro a few minutes away for getting around.