Day Trips from Bilbao

Outside of its walls sits the beautifully green Biscay province, begging to be further explored. These roads are some of the most beautiful across Spain. Complete with rolling hills, quaint villages, and sloping mountains, there are many wonders to explore on your journey from Bilbao into northern Spain.

In less than an hour, you can travel from the winding city streets to sleepy coastal towns on the Bay of Biscay. And in a single day, you can discover enticing Spanish cities and striking ocean views just by venturing a little further outside Bilbao. So, pack your bags and get going to these great destinations.

San Sebastián

After Bilbao, San Sebastián is the Basque Country’s greatest treasure. Travel north out of Bilbao on the Alameda de Recalde and follow the signs for San Sebastián. A city on the sea, this is a great place to relax, soak up some sunshine and enjoy world-famous food. Wind down on one of three golden beaches or wander along a beautiful harbor. If you’re feeling a bit hungry, try out the variety of restaurants and cafes that are dotted across the coast. Some standouts include:

1. Arzak

This renowned, family-run restaurant, owned by Chef Juan Mari Arzak, has three Michelin stars and serves innovative Basque cuisine with a modern twist.

2. Bar Nestor

This legendary bar is known for its delicious pintxos (Basque tapas) and has been serving customers for over 50 years.

3. La Cuchara de San Telmo

This stylish bar serves creative pintxos and has a great selection of drinks if you are not driving. Explore the Plaza de la Constitución for a taste of the high life or visit the San Telmo Museoa to learn even more about the secrets of Basque culture.

For a taste of adventure, traverse Monte Urgull, sitting at the heart of the San Sebastián coast. Venture on foot for picture-perfect views of the town and visit the small castle museum at the peak to learn a little about the city and its historical importance in the Basque region.

Walk along the romantic coastline, mingle with locals in cafes and bars lining the way, and soak up the warm ambiance of traditional architecture. Fashion lovers will adore traditional Basque stores like Loreak Mendian – a treasure trove of designer fashion packed into a tiny boutique on the San Sebastián port.

Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve

As you start venturing out from Bilbao, you’ll come across Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve which is a UNESCO site home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including more than 200 species of highly colorful birds. Visitors can explore the reserve via bike or just walking and take in the beautiful landscapes. This area is also home to several picturesque villages, each with its own diverse character and personality. When you need a break from all the outdoor activities, the region's beautiful beaches are the perfect place to relax and wind down.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxey

A miniature expedition on the rocky Basque coast is a great way to indulge your sense of adventure. Gaztelugatxe means “castle rock ,” and this cone-shaped island boasts a beautiful church and rugged natural architecture that’s arguably every bit as impressive as the ornate building atop it.

Just 35km from Bilbao, it’s famed for its use as the mystical Dragonstone in the TV series Game of Thrones. This stunning setting will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to a different world – one of fantasy, adventure, and empires.

You can cross from the mainland on the rather curious stone bridge that zigzags over the ocean, offering breathtaking views of both coasts as you reach the halfway point. Through the late summer months, travelers take to the narrow pathways in search of good luck and blessings.

According to local tradition, visitors should ring the bell three times and make a wish when they complete the climb. You’ll find one thousand years of history and picture-perfect scenery on this tiny island. Due to its coastal location and rocky cliffs, this area also offers some great vantage points for bird watching.

Route of the Three Temples

The Route of the Three Temples is a popular circuit for locals and travelers alike. Drive to the starting point at Loyola an hour east of Bilbao and follow the beautiful roads south from here. The three temples located nearby are Roman Catholic places of worship built to honor the Virgin Mary and St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order.

Whether you love scenic road trips, spiritual experiences, or exquisite architecture, this has it all. Situated in the Urola Valley, Sanctuary of Loyola has a landmark basilica with a towering facade and regal blue interior and is the birthplace of the Catholic priest St. Ignatius. This sanctuary offers a unique view of the family townhouse as well as a stunning library and beautiful gardens.

The second highlight of your adventure is Ermita de la Antigua, a hermitage built with carpentry so impressive the ceiling appears to magically float, as if independent of the walls. After marveling at this example of Basque Romanesque architecture, enjoy scenic views in the recreational gardens or explore further with a walk to Mount Beloki.

Finally, venture on to the third great temple, the Sanctuary of Arantzazu. Avant-garde by design yet serenely religious, this awe-inspiring monument is set in the peaceful Aizkorri mountains, a popular hiking territory.

Santander

Venture west from Bilbao alongside Spain’s north coast on the A-8 to discover the beautiful city of Santander. The capital city of the Cantabria region features sun-kissed beaches and even more cultural gems to explore.

Playa Sardinero is the main beach, complete with its own casino, the Gran Casino del Sardinero. In summer, you’ll see rolling golden sands dotted with visitors. In winter, the blue seas are speckled with local surfers. Visit Matalenas beach for a quieter way to experience the coast, with luscious green cliffs acting as a windbreak and soft sand you can sink your feet into.

Since Santander’s beaches stretch for miles, you’ll be spoiled with choice when looking for a serene spot to settle down. The Magdalena Peninsula is a picturesque stretch where the ocean frames palaces, lighthouses and even a small zoo. Wander into a restaurant along the coastline to taste the cultural differences.

Local Cuisine

The local cuisine of Santander and the surrounding areas around it is known for its seafood with iconic dishes such as hake in green sauce and bacalao al pil-pil. If you’re in the mood to try something different, go for fabada asturiana, a stew with pork and beans, for an authentic taste of Cantabrian cuisine, or try the famous Cabrales blue cheese.

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