Getxo, what to see and do.

Getxo, what to see and do in one of the most beautiful towns in Euskadi.

Getxo, what to see and do on the shores of Abra Bay. Located just 20 minutes from the center of Greater Bilbao, on the Basque coast, we find one of the most complete municipalities on the entire Cantabrian coast. An urban center where Basque culture and history are very much present. A must-see on any trip to the Basque Country. All these claims can be easily argued by simply mentioning some of its most important attractions, such as the Bizkaia Bridge, the Old Port of Algorta, the Aixerrota Mill, the cliffs of Punta Galea, and the Grandes Villas promenade, which are simply incredible. These places, together with the five neighborhoods that officially make up the municipality (Las Arenas, Algorta, Romo, Neguri, and Andra Mari), form an attractive tourist destination. But Getxo is not just a town to see, it is also a town to enjoy. In this regard, we must emphasize the wide range of experiences available in Getxo, from bird watching, jet skiing, and boat trips to guided tours and gastronomic experiences. Don’t hesitate to request a quote, we will help you in any way we can. You can also consult our booking center. Remember that we have special rates for groups. We hope you like this little tourist guide to Getxo that we have created. Want to know what to see in Getxo? Keep reading!

Getxo was founded in the 12th century around the Church of Andra Mari, an urban center where people lived off agriculture, herding, fishing, and milling. One of these activities, fishing, led some of these inhabitants to build their homes in the upper part of the port of Algorta, a unique and picturesque area that today captivates thousands of travelers: the Old Port of Algorta. Industry did the rest. The golden age experienced during the industrialization of Bizkaia meant that Getxo became home to many of the businessmen of that era. As a result, today we can stroll along the so-called “Paseo de las grandes villas” (Promenade of the Great Villas).

What to see in Getxo.

Here is a summary of all the places we recommend visiting in Getxo. We hope you like them. If you are looking for a specific place, we recommend using the comment system below. We will try to respond as soon as possible.

Bizkaia Bridge: This suspension bridge was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. It is a true feat of engineering and architecture. A unique means of transport in the world. In addition to using this bridge to cross the estuary and reach the neighboring municipality of Portugalete, you can also visit its upper walkway. On sunny days, the views are simply breathtaking. Highly recommended. More information: Bizkaia Bridge, the suspension bridge of Greater Bilbao.

Muelle Churruca: This pier located in the neighborhood of Las Arenas, was designed and built by the engineer Evaristo de Churruca y Brunet. Hence its name. This structure was created at the end of the 19th century in the last stretch of the Nervion estuary, before reaching the Bay of Biscay. We must remember that this area was a space of marshes and dunes. A place that changed a lot depending on the tides. It was the latter, the tides, which created huge sandbanks that prevented the navigation of merchant ships. Many ships succumbed to this natural element, so many that it became known as the “sand bar”. Thus, the Churruca docks, located on both sides of the estuary (Portugalete and Las Arenas), altered the currents of the Abra until these fearsome sand walls disappeared.

Areeta Beach: The beach of Areeta or Las Arenas, is one of the 5 sandy beaches that the municipality of Getxo has. A beach of fine sand 250 meters long, which, located in one of the most important residential areas of Getxo, offers a bath to all those who do not want to waste time in displacements.

Real Club Marítimo del Abra: The Marina of the Real Club Marítimo del Abra – Real Sporting Club is one of the most emblematic marinas in Bizkaia. Although today, these two clubs form a single body, in the past it was not so. The current club is the result of the merger of the Real Sporting Club and the Real Club Marítimo del Abra, founded in 1898 and 1902 respectively. These two clubs decided to merge in 1972 to form a space with more than 200 moorings for boats between 6 and 25 meters in length.

Walk of las grandes villas: A few meters from the sea, stand some of the most important buildings in the town. Authentic architectural jewels that enjoy spectacular views over the Bay of Abra. Through this tour we will know some of the most representative buildings of the golden age of Getxo. Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful urban walks of the Basque coast. Among all the buildings that we will find on our walk, the Lezama Palace – Legizamon, a palace of the eighteenth century, which will surprise you.

Castaway house: After the walk of the great villas we arrive to the castaway house of Getxo. A structure built between land and sea, which formerly housed the Castaway Rescue Society. Its aesthetics reminds us of the typical farmhouses of the interior of the Basque Country. What about you?

Getxo Marina: This marina, inaugurated in 1997, is located at the entrance to the port of Bilbao, in the inner bay of Abra, next to Ereaga beach. It is undoubtedly one of the most important marinas in Bizkaia. It offers all the necessary services for sailing and water sports (sailing, rowing, jet skiing, etc.). There is also a leisure area where you can enjoy restaurants, bars, cinemas, and shops, among other things. Adjacent to this marina is the Bilbao cruise terminal, one of the most important links between the Basque Country and the rest of the world. You can find more information by reading our article on the Getxo Marina.

Cruise port of Bilbao: The cruise terminal of the Abra is one of the most attractive areas for cruise lines. This is how Getxo has welcomed some of the most famous and luxurious cruise ships in the world in recent years. More information: Bilbao Port Cruise Terminal, how to get there, where to park, what to see and much more.

Galleries of Punta Begoña: What was once the house of Horacio Echevarrieta, has become one of the greatest historical heritage of the town. And it is that the galleries of Punta Begoña, were an important part of the mansion that this Basque businessman had in front of the beach of Ereaga. One of the most special 20th century buildings in Bizkaia and Euskadi. From this peculiar balcony, Horacio could see the iron mines of La Arboleda and the left bank. Spaces of great industrial importance of which he was the owner.

Ereaga beach: Ereaga beach is perhaps one of the most important urban beaches in Getxo. Located between Algorta and Las Arenas, this beach surprises us with more than 800 meters of fine sand. A unique spot, which takes on greater prominence thanks to the Old Port of Algorta, the Marina and the impressive cliffs that surround it. Undoubtedly one of the most popular beaches near Bilbao.

Old Port of Algorta: The old port of Algorta is the old fishing port of the town. A space, which today preserves in all its splendor the atmosphere of the past. We recommend walking its steep and narrow streets while enjoying the local gastronomy. Do not forget to have a drink in the emblematic stairs of the lower part of the “Old Port” while you enjoy the sea and its charms. Undoubtedly one of the most demanded spaces by the own getxotarras.

Arrigunaga Beach: This sandy area located next to the cliffs of La Galea, is another of the urban beaches available in this town of Bizkaia. Unlike the previous one, the seabed is made of sand and rock, so it can be somewhat dangerous when practicing water sports. Caution.

Aixerrota Mill: Located on the cliffs of La Galea, the Aixerrota Mill is one of the few windmills found in the Basque Country. Its location, on a high point, facing the Bay of Biscay, facilitated the entry of strong winds that moved its enormous blades in order to be able to grind the corn of the area. This mill is a faithful representative of all the windmills that were built at the end of the 18th century due to a severe drought that caused the production of the water mills to drop alarmingly. The Aixerrota windmill was built between 1726 and 1727 and ceased to be in operation in 1787. After the drought, most of the mills were converted into houses. This one, however, has become home to one of the most famous restaurants in the area: Cubita Restaurant.

Punta Galea Cliffs: The cliffs that separate Getxo and Sopela, give us one of the most striking and beautiful spaces of the Biscayan coast. In addition to being able to enjoy one of the coastal walks with the best views of all Euskadi, we can also enjoy the rich ecosystem found in these parts.

Fort of La GaleaThe great industrial activity of the port of Bilbao and the mines on the left bank had a direct impact on the expansion of Getxo. Thus, in 1742 the so-called Castillo del Príncipe (Prince’s Castle) was built, today known as the Fort of La Galea. A defensive space that was created to monitor the entry and exit of merchant ships that made the trade routes between Euskadi and Europe.

Aizkorri beach: Gorrondatxe beach, also known as Aizkorri beach, is one of the quietest beaches in Getxo. Away from the city center, this beach is located in an environment of great natural value. Witness to this is the “golden nail”, which, embedded between the rocks of the cliffs that guard this beach, indicates that it is a special place geologically speaking. The fact that during most of the year it has more grass than sand, always arouses the interest of visitors. A beach worth visiting.

Getxo Cliffs Route: Walking among the cliffs of the town is a must. This route starts at the Aixerrota Mill, near Punta Galea and ends in Armintza, passing by the beaches of Sopela. Amazing landscapes worth visiting. A route that we highly recommend.

Neguri Golf Course: This golf course is part of the Real Sociedad de Golf de Neguri, a club formed in 1911, which formerly had an 11-hole golf course in Leioa and which, since 1961, has one of the best golf courses in the Basque Country. The 18-hole course, par 72, has a total of 6,200 meters located a few meters from the sea. An impressive space. More information in our article about golf in Bilbao.

La Salvaje Beach: Barinatxe beach, popularly known as “La Salvaje”, is located between the municipalities of Sopela and Getxo. A sandy area, which as its nickname indicates, has different characteristics from the rest of the sandy areas of the municipality. The fine sand, the cliffs, the wind, and its rough waters, make it one of the most natural beaches in the region. One of the most popular beaches for surfing. Also, this beach has a naturist area on one of its sides. One of the most popular beaches near Bilbao.

Bolue Wetland: This wetland is another of the natural enclaves to take into account in the municipality of Getxo. And the fact is that this space of 12 hectares of extension, keeps in its interior a great representation of our fauna and flora. An area in which the Gobela river and the Bolue stream join to form a space of great charm. This space is included in the Territorial Plan of Wetlands of the Basque Country.

Hermitage of Santa Ana: Located in a residential area, between parks and trees, the hermitage of Santa Ana is one of those special spaces in Getxo. Founded in 1864 by Francisca Labrocha, widow of Máximo Aguirre, this small hermitage has become one of the greatest representatives of neo-Gothic architecture in Bizkaia.

Guided tours in Getxo.

We offer guided tours for groups throughout the year. This service can be complemented with other services such as transportation, accommodation, active tourism activities, or gastronomic experiences. We tailor all our services to the needs of each group. This is the perfect option for companies, associations, and schools that want to discover Getxo in the company of a local guide. Can you imagine a guided tour of Getxo on foot and by boat? Two completely different perspectives that help us discover this town in a comfortable and fun way. Are you in? Don’t hesitate to request a quote. We are waiting for you!

Excursions from the cruise port.

We offer excursions for groups arriving at the Bilbao cruise terminal. This is a great option for exploring the Basque Country in comfort, accompanied by a local guide. If you are planning to arrive at the Bilbao cruise port and would like to go on an excursion, we recommend that you contact us so that we can send you a personalized quote.

What to see near Getxo.

In the vicinity of Getxo, we find very interesting places to visit. And is that the province of Bizkaia keeps in its interior spaces with a lot of charm. Places that we recommend you to visit with your eyes closed. We recommend that you take a look at the list we have created.

What to do in Getxo and surroundings.

The tourist office has catalogued a large number of things to do in Getxo, a great sample of the possibilities that this coastal town offers. Here is a selection of all the possible things to do in Getxo. In case you have any questions, do not hesitate to use the comment system of this article to send them to us.

Videos about Getxo.

Over the last few years we have published several videos about Getxo on our YouTube channel. Of all of them, we have selected 2 for you to check the stunning beauty of this Basque municipality. Also, if you like to discover new plans and destinations, we recommend you to subscribe to our channel, we are sure you will find dozens of videos that will catch your attention.

As you can see, we have provided you with a long list of places to see and things to do in Getxo. We hope it will help you plan your visit to Getxo. In any case, you should know that the tourist office is located next to Ereaga Beach, a few meters from the Hotel Igeretxe, so don’t hesitate to stop by for more information. If you have any questions, you can also use the comment system below. We will try to respond as soon as possible. Ondo pasa!