Bakio, what to see and do.

Bakio, what to see and do in one of the most popular coastal towns in Bizkaia.

Bakio, one of the most emblematic coastal municipalities of the Biscayan coast, offers a wide range of places and experiences to enjoy the Basque coast. Located in the Gulf of Biscay, in the region of Uribe, a few minutes drive from San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bakio stands out for its history, culture and traditions. Some aspects, of which we will talk at length in this article on what to see and do in Bakio.When we are asked about the attractions of Bakio we always emphasize its cliffs, its beaches and its mountains. 3 spaces that from the tourist office of Bakio encourage us to visit through 4×4 routes, surfing courses and hiking trails. These options, combined with a great gastronomic experience, allow us to enjoy this coastal town to the maximum. Doesn’t sound bad, does it? These activities represent great options for all those people looking for what to see and do in Bakio. Which one do you choose? We choose all of them!

This land historically linked to our beloved txakoli is still one of the Biscayan municipalities with the highest number of txakoli wineries per inhabitant. You only need to look at the slopes of the Burgoa, Garbola or Jata mountains to see that the txakoli tradition is still very much alive in this territory. So much so that a visit to a winery is an essential part of any trip to Bakio. Who is up for it?

If you are looking for what to see and do in Bakio we recommend you to read carefully each of the following sections, we are sure that they will provide you with interesting information to visit the town from a different and original point of view.

Guided tours in Bakio.

If you want to know Bakio in the company of a local guide, you should know that we offer guided tours for groups throughout the year. In fact, we have different guided tours: geological tours and cultural tours. In any case, whatever your preference is, we encourage you to contact us so that we can help you to organize your trip to Bakio.

What to see in Bakio.

In this section we are going to present some of the most characteristic attractions of the town. If you have any questions, we encourage you to use the comment system that you will find at the end of this article to let us know. We will try to respond as soon as possible.

Bakio beach: Bakio beach is one of the most popular beaches in Bizkaia. And is that many of the inhabitants of Bilbao, Mungia and the rest of the surrounding towns move to Bakio to enjoy this great sandy area and its promenade. This beach is located in the urban center, which makes that it has all the services that you can need.

Hermitage of San Pelaio: Located between the urban center of Bakio and the Matxitxako cape, this small Biscayan hermitage surprises for its location, its antiquity and for being one of the few samples of Romanesque art in the province. Built in the 12th century, this hermitage has a traditional element in this type of buildings in Bizkaia, a wooden portico that surrounds the structure in its entirety.

Txakolingunea: Txakolingunea, the txakoli museum, is located at the entrance of Bakio, next to the fronton. A space that highlights the importance that this town has had in the production of this wine so typical of Euskadi. The climate of Bakio, the sea and the temperature of the land have made it possible for txakoli to be produced in Bakio since the 14th century. In this sense, Txakolingunea brings us closer to the history and the method of elaboration of txakoli. A pleasant and didactic visit that includes a tasting of local wines. All this at a crazy price, practically free! A museum that perfectly complements the visit to any of the wineries in the town.

Cliffs of Bakio: The cliffs that surround the town of Bakio create an idyllic landscape. In fact, the cliffs that we find next to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the island of Akatz were one of the scenes that the series Game of Thrones selected in Euskadi.

Nature: The forests, the beach, the cliffs, the sea and the txakoli vineyards form a beautiful mosaic during the more than 6 kilometers of coastline that covers the town of Bakio. A coastal stretch, in which stands out the protected biotope of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an area between Cape Matxitxako and Bakio that stands out for its great natural wealth.

Parish of Santa María de la Asunción: Located in the neighborhood of Elizalde de Basigo de Bakio, on a hill, the parish of Santa Maria de la Asunción gives us beautiful views of the municipality that concerns us today. In front of the church we find a small free parking lot where we can leave our vehicles if we want to enjoy the church, the vineyards that surround it or the Elexpuru Palace. About this last one we will speak to you later, in the section of palaces of Bakio.

Palaces of Bakio: Bakio has several buildings worthy of mention. Among all of them we must mention the palaces of Ormatxa and Elexpuru (both from the XVII century and located next to the Parish of Santa Maria de la Asuncion), Villa Quinta Torre, the Feliena Palace, Torrea, Itxas – ondo, Rosario Enea or Torre de Balanda house. Some of these palaces are the result of the phenomenon of the Indianos, people who after traveling and succeeding in America returned to their hometown to build a residence where they could retire. An example of this is Quinta Torre, a mansion that Juan Bautista Torre, a successful businessman in the hardware sector, ordered to build upon his return from Cuba, where he amassed an important fortune. All the buildings mentioned above have a history that we are sure will catch your attention.

Crossed sails in the wind: This work of art by José Ramón Anda Goikoetxea (Bakaikoa 1949) is located at the end of the breakwater, at one end of the local beach. A sculpture, which represents the pirate ship that sank off the coast of Bakio more than 2 centuries ago and that today appears in the coat of arms of the town. With 8 meters high and its striking emerald color, this work of art attracts the attention of all the people who come to the beach of Bakio.

Askada Viewpoint: This curious viewpoint designed by the architect Javier Bengoa Mardaras (1953), offers a beautiful panoramic view of the beach of Bakio and the sea, while the town center is the backdrop. If we see the viewpoint from above, from a bird’s eye view, we can see that the name of the town is written in different shapes and materials. In addition to the different platforms that make up this viewpoint, we also find stairs that lead directly to enjoy the beach and the sea. An access very used by surfers and local bathers.

Txakoli sculpture: This sculpture dedicated to txakoli is a creation of Néstor Basterretxea (1924). A work of art that was installed in Bakio in 2007 to nourish the beautiful art collection that the town has. This piece pays a well-deserved tribute to the txakoli, one of the typical drinks of Euskadi. Located in the Sabino Arana Avenue, next to the beach, in the maritime walk of Bakio, this work of steel of 6 meters of span reminds us by means of a plate placed in its frontal part the strong union that this locality has with the sea and the txakoli. It reads “Hemen daukaguz gure Bizkaiko burdin senoan landurik, itxas haize eta txakolinaren izateak alkarturik”, which, in Basque says something like “Here we have our strong iron of Bizkaia worked, joining the wind of the sea and the txakoli”. This work of art represents a tree, which, located by the sea, pushed by the wind and the saltpeter, encourages us to enjoy the txakoli gorri (red in Basque) so famous of the town.

Viewpoint of Jata: The viewpoint of Jata is located on the road linking the towns of Bakio and Armintza (Lemoiz). A space that, when the eucalyptus and other trees allow it, gives us magnificent views of the town.

Picnic areas: Bakio has several picnic areas where you can enjoy a nice family day. And thanks to the barbecues, tables and fountains with which they are equipped, these picnic areas offer a perfect space to spend the day outdoors. Examples are the Merendero de Larrondo or the Merendero de Jata.

Mountains of Bakio: Mountains like Burgoa, Garbola or Jata give us spaces and views worthy of mention. It is for this reason that it can be a good idea to climb to the top of one of them.

What to do in Bakio.

If you are looking for what to do in Bakio you are in luck. Throughout this section we are going to present authentic and original experiences that are designed to make the most of our getaway to this point of the Basque coast. Activities for all tastes, which, developed in the municipality of Bakio will contribute to make us enjoy this coastal town.

Route in 4×4: The Basque company 4×4 ocio aventura encourages us to enjoy its impressive 4×4 route along the Basque coast aboard its fleet of SUVs. And this company based in Bakio has designed a 4×4 route that has amazed all those who have enjoyed it. We personally loved it. A great option if you want to enjoy a nice adventure aboard a 4×4 and know Bakio at the same time. Remember that you can book this activity at the best price from our reservation center, from here.

Surfing: Surfing is undoubtedly the most practiced water sport in the Basque Country. In this sense, we must indicate that Bakio is one of the most important enclaves of the Biscayan coast. Thus, from the tourist office of the locality they encourage us to enjoy its beach while practicing this aquatic sport. According to the experts, the beach of Bakio offers waves practically all year round, being these between 2.5 and 3 meters. These characteristics have attracted many surfing events to the town. The surf schools that we find in Bakio offer courses of initiation and improvement in which is included all the necessary material to carry out the activity. An activity that pushes us to learn to surf the waves and enjoy the great beach of Bakio, one of its greatest charms.

Txakoli Winery: Txakoli is part of the culture, tradition and history of Bakio. In order to feel the essence of this town we recommend visiting one of its 4 wineries with denomination of origin of Bizkaiko Txakolina. In any case, we recommend you to know the famous “Txakoligorri de Bakio”, the red txakoli of Bakio, a variety with great tradition in this town of Bizkaia.

Hiking: The great environment that surrounds Bakio makes it possible to enjoy magical trails. In this sense, the tourist office of Bakio has designed 3 routes that help us to know the town while we stretch our legs. A great initiative that is having a lot of success. We encourage you to ask for these routes in the tourist office itself.

Electric bike rental in Bakio: Service not available. Ebike Basque Coast, the electric bike rental company in Bakio, offers us the opportunity to enjoy the town and its attractions on 2 wheels. An opportunity that we wanted to take advantage of to contemplate epic places like San Juan de Gaztelugatxe or Matxitxako. The experience could not have been better. The electric motor of the ebike has made the ascent to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe become a family ride suitable for the general public. In our opinion the help of the electric motor of the Ebike is essential so that people who do not cycle regularly can climb the slopes that separate Bakio and Matxitxako in total comfort. In addition, the prices of electric bike rental, competitive and attractive, make many people choose this option to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Remember that you can rent your electric bike in Bakio at the best price from our reservation center.

Route Bakio San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: The town of Bakio is located about 7 km from San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a nice opportunity to make a route that takes us directly to this idyllic place. Remember that, as we have mentioned, it is also possible to do this route by bike. In fact, it was the route that we did when we rented the electric bicycles. In case you opt for the latter option, know that it takes about 30 minutes to reach our goal. A route that, thanks to the help of the electric motor becomes a nice family ride on the coast of Biscay.

Guided tours in Bakio: Ekobideak friends have designed a very special guided tour in Bakio. This Basque company oriented to show us the little secrets of the world through ecology has a guided tour called “A volcano in Bakio? A very interesting experience that we recommend you to enjoy.

What to see and do near Bakio.

In the vicinity of Bakio we find a beautiful range of places to visit and enjoy. Unique places that make our trip to Bakio a magical and unforgettable getaway. Are you ready to know what to see and do near Bakio?

Bakio Tourist Office.

In summer Bakio has 2 tourist offices. The first one is located in Txakolingunea, in the txakoli museum next to the fronton, at the beginning of the village, while the second one is located in front of the parking lot, next to the bus stop, at the exit of the village towards Bermeo. Remember that the latter is only open during the months of July and August.

History.

Formerly, Bakio was divided into two urban centers, on the one hand Basigo, which had its own church and the title of Anteiglesia, and on the other hand the nucleus formed by Zubiaurralde and San Pelaio. The latter two belonged to Bermeo at that time. All of them were annexed to Bakio in 1927 to create the municipality we know today. The economy of Bakio has always revolved around the farmhouse, although already in the 13th century the famous forges and mills of Bakio strengthened the local economy. It was not until the 20th century when Bakio began to become the fashionable town in Bizkaia, in that coastal town that welcomed a good number of Bilbaínos and Bilbaínas in summer. Tourism had arrived in Bakio. This sector reached its peak from 1970 onwards, transforming the whole town. Examples of this are the summer residences such as Etxegorri, Itxas Begi or Itxas Ondo.

Indian movement.

Due to the Carlist Wars, many people from Bakio were forced to leave Bakio in search of a better future. One of the most sought after destinations was Cuba, a country where they amassed great fortunes to finally return to their homeland at the end of the century. This is how today we can contemplate mansions such as Quinta Torre or Feliena.

Festivities in Bakio.

The town of Bakio has a very varied festive calendar. And is that the first festivities of the year that are held in this coastal town, the feast of St. Joseph, on March 19, followed by San Juan (23 and June 24), San Pelaio, June 26, Andra Mari (August 15) and San Joan Dolozak (last days of August). The last two, Andra Mari and Sa Joan Dolozak attract the largest number of people.

Location.

Bakio is located in a privileged area of the Basque coast. Coves, cliffs and beaches make a stroll along this stretch of our coastline an adventure. A delight for the senses. Even more so, when we see San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in the middle of the sea. Views of which few municipalities can boast. Although these views that we have just described can be seen easily during any walk along the beach, viewpoints such as Askada or Jata offer us a higher altitude to enjoy these idyllic landscapes. On the other hand, its location, only 30 minutes away from Bilbao, allows all the people who visit the capital of Bizkaia to get to know this town without having to waste a lot of time in traveling.

How to get to Bakio.

If you are looking for how to get to Bakio, know that we have several options. On the one hand, public transport, which is only present in Bakio through the bus service company of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, Bizkaibus, and on the other hand, private transport.

Where to park in Bakio.

If you decide to reach Bakio by private vehicle, you should know that almost the entire municipality has OTA / TAO, Traffic and Parking Ordinance. This regulation governing parking in Bakio makes it essential to pay for parking during the summer season. That said, remember that the OTA is in force in Bakio from June to September but does not have the same schedule throughout the summer. Here is the official schedule (subject to change, check the city council’s website):

Where to eat in Bakio.

Bakio has establishments that perfectly represent the great Basque gastronomy. Gastronomic temples for all tastes and pockets. In our case, we recommend a humble restaurant that, with good raw materials and hard work, has managed to ensure that all those who visit Bakio enjoy local and seasonal products. It is Birjilanda, a restaurant located near the beach, in the bar area. A place that offers the traveler a good portion of Basque cuisine.

Video of Bakio.

As usual in our articles we wanted to add a small video about Bakio so you can better appreciate all the spaces that we have mentioned throughout this article. In case you like it, we encourage you to subscribe to our YouTube channel, we are sure you will find experiences and spaces that will call your attention. In any case, we hope that this video contributes to give you a more realistic idea of what you will find in this small coastal town.

The beach, the mountains and the cliffs form the natural wealth of Bakio, spaces that are complemented with experiences like the ones we propose in this article. We hope that our tips on what to see and do in Bakio will help you plan your trip to Bakio. Do not forget to use the comment system that you will find at the end of these lines to send us your doubts and opinions. You can also follow us on our social media profiles(Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube) Ondo pasa!