So, what to see and do.

So, what to see and do in one of the most charismatic towns in Euskadi.

Ea, also known as Ie, is one of those towns that does not disappoint. An urban nucleus that, thanks to its small historic center and its stone bridges, has made half the world fall in love with it. It is not for less. It is a different, special town. That is why we wanted to publish this tourist guide on what to see and do in Ea, a text, with which we try to spread our love for this impressive Basque town. Ea is located in the region of Busturialdea, on the northwestern coast of Bizkaia, 1 hour from Bilbao. One of the most striking areas of the Basque coast. Do you want toknow what to see in Ea? Pay attention because we are sure you are going to love it.

Although Gernika and Bermeo hold the honorary title of largest and most important urban centers of the northwestern coast of Bizkaia, we must remember that small towns like Ea or Elantxobe, are the most visited for its beauty and uniqueness. The towns of Natxitua, Bedarona and Ea surprise the traveler with an idyllic, film-like landscape. A dream environment that invites us to enjoy the tranquility that this incredible rural landscape offers us.

History of Ea.

The space in which today we find the village of Ea has been occupied since ancient times, as attested by the first evidence of life found in Ea (1st century). On the other hand, what are now Ea’s neighborhoods (Bedarona and Natxitua), were once independent villages that were on the road linking Gernika and Lekeitio. Two urban centers, which, in addition to having a strategic location, also had an enviable demography and economy. The main activity of Bedarona and Natxitua was agriculture, although there was also a minority that was dedicated to fishing. It was this minority, fishermen from Ereño, Bedarona and Natxitua, who in the 16th century created a permanent settlement at the mouth of the Ea estuary. In the 19th century, the number of inhabitants of the towns of Bedarona and Natxitua were surpassed by that of the town of Ea, a fact that led to the municipalities of Bedarona and Natxitua becoming districts of Ea.

What to see in Ea.

Ea is a town with a strong personality, an aspect that is clear just by visiting its small historic center. A simple and authentic village. A place with a lot to see and enjoy.

Historical center: To speak of the urban nucleus of Ea is to speak of its estuary. And it is that the route that these waters make until reaching the sea is essential to understand the nature of this Basque town. The historical center of Ea is formed by several parallel streets that are only separated by the estuary. To cross this natural riverbed, Ea has 4 bridges that facilitate accessibility from both sides of the estuary. These structures also give the town a very special charm. So much so that they have become an emblem of the municipality. We recommend that you get lost in its small historic center until you get out to the sea, walk along the promenade of the Tala and enjoy the coming and going of the txalupas (boats).

Bridges: The bridges are undoubtedly one of the great eye-catchers of this small Biscayan town. One of its most attractive features. At present this small town has 4 bridges. Of course, the old stone bridge, is the greatest sign of identity of the municipality.

Churches: The fact that the town that we now know as Ea was once divided into different urban centers with their own identity, has meant that today we find up to 4 churches in the same municipality. Two of them are located in the historic center, separated by the estuary, San Juan Bautista and Santa María de Jesús, while the other two are in the neighborhoods of Natxitua (Nuestra Señora de la Consolación) and Bedarona (San Pedro). As if this were not enough, Ea has 3 hermitages, San Bartolomé (Bedarona), Santa Águeda (Natxitua) and the Atalaya (next to the port of Ea).

Buildings: The houses and farmhouses that we find between the territorial limits of Ea are another of its great attractions. Both the houses in the port area and the farmhouses scattered throughout the neighborhoods of Natxitua and Bedarona are very good representatives of the traditional architecture of Euskadi.

Atalaya: The Atalaya de Ea invites us to walk along the edge of the sea until we reach the Talako Ama hermitage. An ascending walk, short and of little difficulty, which runs along the slope of the mountain until you reach a beautiful viewpoint. Although the hermitage does not take special prominence, we must say that the views offered by this natural viewpoint are some of the best in the municipality. It is really worth the walk. The access to this route is in one of the sides of the fishermen’s house of Ea, better known as “Belletxe”.

Natxitua: This small town surprises us with beautiful views of the sea before reaching the historic center of Ea. A stop on the way, that many people take advantage of to get some nice panoramic views of the area.

Bedarona: Like Natxitua, Bedarona is one of the neighborhoods of Ea. Located on a hill, with the sea as a backdrop, this urban center attracts us with its views and tranquility.

Belletxe: The fishermen’s house of Ea, popularly known as Belletxe, is a small wooden building that, elevated by pillars, keeps the material of the fishermen of the municipality. This building is located at the mouth of the estuary, next to the beach, on the Paseo de la Tala. The importance of this building is such that it appears in the coat of arms of the municipality.

Beaches of Ea: This small Basque village has several stone coves protected by huge cliffs and lush vegetation. These spaces are highly coveted by scuba diving and nature lovers in general. However, the beach that we find in the town of Ea itself takes the palm as far as beaches are concerned. And it is that at present it is the most demanded sandy beach by the own eatarrak. Although our recommendation is that you enjoy all of them, you must know that the beach of Ea, accessible from the own urban nucleus, is the one that better equipment has.

Where to sleep in Ea.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Ea, you are in luck. During the creation of this report we have selected one of the most beautiful accommodations and with the best customer service in Ea. It is the houses of Ea Astei. A small complex of 5 rural houses, which, managed by Mertxe Begiristain offers us everything we need to make our getaway to Ea an unforgettable trip. In case you want to check availability and prices of this accommodation or simply to book, we recommend you to do it from hereWe recommend you to make your reservation here, without commissions, at the best price, easy and intuitive.

What to see near Ea.

The environment in which Ea is located, allows us to enjoy dozens of spaces within a radius of about 30 minutes. And spaces such as the Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai, Lekeitio, Bermeo or Gernika are just some of the places we recommend you to visit.

Urdaibai: Named a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco, this small earthly paradise enchants everyone who decides to visit it. A perfect enclave for nature lovers and rural environments. More information: Urdaibai, 22 places to see and enjoy.

Boat routes: If you want to know this environment from the sea, if you want to make maritime routes in Urdaibai, we recommend you to book one of the departures that the company Hegaluze makes. This company, based in Bermeo, makes regular routes to visit some of the most important places of Urdaibai at very competitive prices. In case you are interested in these experiences we recommend you to book from here, safe, without commissions and at the best price.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is considered by many as one of the treasures of the Basque coast. A different space that attracts the attention of everyone who visits it. We must remember that the producer of the successful television series Game of Thrones chose it as one of the scenarios of Euskadi where to shoot several scenes of one of its last seasons. A fact, which has made visits to this corner of Bizkaia increase visibly.

Bermeo: This fishing village is one of the most visited areas by people visiting this part of Bizkaia. A town, in which the port gains special prominence. If you want to know Bermeo in depth, we recommend reading our article on what to see and do in Bermeo. On the other hand, you should know that it is in Bermeo, from where the boat trips in Urdaibai that we recommend you start. You can book here.

Matxitxako Lighthouse: On one of the slopes of Mount Sollube, in perfect harmony with the sea, we find 2 lighthouses. The old lighthouse and the new lighthouse of Matxitxako. A very demanded space by the specialists in bird and cetacean watching.

MundakaMundaka: This small town is internationally known for its great left wave, but Mundaka is much more than a paradise for surf lovers. Its streets, narrow and with a certain slope, lead us to the port, a space where we find a nice list of places to see and experiences to do.

Elantxobe: Elantxobe is another of those different, unique villages. Like Ea, Elantxobe is of special interest for people looking to visit unique, authentic places. We recommend you to read our article “Elantxobe, what to see and what to do“.

Lekeitio: Fishing village located about 10 minutes drive from the town center of Ea. Another town that you must visit. Recommended. You will fall in love with its beaches and town center.

Santa Catalina Lighthouse: The only visitable lighthouse in the Basque Country is located in the cliffs of Lekeitio, very close to Ea. A great opportunity to enjoy a guided visit and get to know the entrails of this very special building. More information in “Guided visit to the Santa Catalina lighthouse in Lekeitio“.

Urdaibai Bird Center: This museum and bird watching center offers us to know the natural wealth of Urdaibai from its facilities. A space in which birds play a special role. More information: Urdaibai Bird Center.

Oma Forest: The Oma Forest or Painted Forest of Oma is one of the most demanded natural spaces in the area. And it is that, to the beauty of the Oma Valley we must add the impressive collection of art that we find in the forest. A space to admire and enjoy. More information: “Oma Forest, the painted forest of Urdaibai“.

Arteaga Castle: The current castle, rebuilt in 1856, houses a hotel and restaurant in the heart of Urdaibai. A space that attracts attention just by looking at its exterior.

Urdaibai beaches: All the beaches of Urdaibai have a special charm. But even more so, the beaches of Laida and Laga, 2 authentic treasures of nature. That is why we do not hesitate to classify them as 2 of the best beaches near Bilbao.

Cape Ogoño: Ogoño offers a beautiful route through its interior to end up seeing what is undoubtedly one of the best views of all Urdaibai. And from the top it is possible to see the beach of Laga at our feet, a marvel.

Basondo: This shelter takes care of those animals that have had an accident and cannot return to their natural habitat. A space very similar to Karpin in the Karrantza Valley. In this natural space live great representatives of the autochthonous fauna.

Santimamiñe: The cave of Santimamiñe and its paintings are one of the great discoveries of Bizkaia. Its paintings, dating from the Upper Paleolithic, are an icon of Basque history. Unfortunately, at present it is not possible to visit these paintings, the only possibility is to visit a reproduction at the entrance of the cave.

San Pedro Atxarre: The viewpoint of Urdaibai. A space in which the impressive landscape in which we find ourselves is literally under our feet. A highly recommended visit.

Ispaster: This Basque village surprises us with the beach of Ogella, a cove of stone that has an intertidal mass of great ecological interest. In addition, in its urban core we find buildings such as the bowling alley, the church or the house of the Indians, structures that we are sure you will like.

Boat tours in Bilbao: If you want to take a boat tour of Bilbao to get to know the city while enjoying a pleasant boat ride, we recommend that you consider the possibility of booking a place on one of the regular departures of Bilboats. A service that, together with the audio guides that we provide completely free of charge, helps everyone who visits us to know how important the estuary has been for the city of Bilbao. You can make your reservation at the best price here.

TopaBermeo: If you are looking for a different activity that will help you to know the town of Bermeo in Bizkaia while having fun, we recommend that you value the possibility of enjoying TopaBermeo. A treasure hunt or escape village, which shows us the charms of this small Basque town from the fun. You can make your reservation at the best price here.

Where to eat in Ea.

If you want to enjoy the Basque gastronomy, we recommend you to enjoy some of the most demanded restaurants in Ea and surroundings. Within a radius of 30 minutes there are many options. An example of this is the Arita Berri restaurant and the Lezika restaurant. Two houses where it is usual to leave with a smile from ear to ear. Especially Lezika’s weekday menu, good, nice and cheap. As always, we look forward to your opinion. On egin!

Video of what to see in Ea.

Once again, we wanted to use our YouTube channel to show you the beauty of one of the most visited corners of Euskal Herria. A short walk through Ea, in which we have tried to capture with our camera some of the most striking spaces of the municipality. We hope you like it. If so, we encourage you to subscribe to our YouTube channel and we are sure you will find many other places that catch your attention.

As you have seen in this article about what to see and do in Ea, this is a unique town. Neither better nor worse than other towns that you will find during your travels around the world, just different. We hope you like it as much as we do. As you know, your opinion is very important to us, so we encourage you to use the comment system that you will find below these lines to send it to us. Ondo pasa!