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Things to do in Portugalete

Our most recommended things to do in Portugalete

From Bilbao: Basque Country Tour

1. From Bilbao: Basque Country Tour

Follow the river road of Bilbao towards the coast and admire the old industrial areas that once powered Bilbao. You will visit the Transporter Bridge of Bizkaia, the oldest bridge of this type in the world, still active and considered a beloved icon by locals. Afterward, you will see the neighborhood of Neguri and its old mansions owned by rich industrial managers before you head towards the interior of the province. Admire the traditional local houses and farmhouse structures, and discover the imposing old Castle of Butron. Arrive at the coastal village of Bakio, a popular summer holiday destination among Basque natives, before you follow the beautiful and wild coastal road, eventually arriving at your second stop, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.  This place is said to be one of the most beautiful locations along the Basque coastline. It is a huge rock on the top of the old hermitage of San Juan, and it is connected to the mainland by means of a long stone stairway. Next, you will continue to the fishing town of Bermeo. Here, you will stop to visit the narrow streets, the Juradera Church, the Ercilla Tower, the old port, and the Town Hall, among other sites. Enjoy free time for lunch, and your guide will recommend a selection of local restaurants. Later, you will stop at Mundaka, a beautiful site with magnificent views of the Urdaibai Biosphere, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Afterward, you will arrive at the village of Gernika to visit the Basque Sacred Tree and Casa de Juntas, or old Law House. Finally, you will return to Bilbao around 2:00 PM.

From Bilbao: Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, & Gernika

2. From Bilbao: Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, & Gernika

Leave Bilbao and discover other exciting and historic locations on the Basque Coast on this day tour. See the Vizcaya Bridge, the historic city of Gernika, visit a traditional fishing village, and enjoy a tasting of local products. Travel along the river of Bilbao, discovering the interesting industrial past of the city, and once at the coast, stop to see the Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage designated site. Pass by the majestic Castle of Butron, and eventually arrive at the Biosphere of Urdaibai. Admire the beautiful view from its lookout point, and discover the secrets of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a filming location of the famous TV series “Game of Thrones”. Make another stop in Bermeo, a typical fishing village, and stop to take a walking tour to enjoy its charming atmosphere. Take part in a tasting of local food, where a sample of pintxo is included. Reach the last stop in Gernika, and make a visit to the interesting Assembly House and the famous Tree of Gernika.

From Bilbao: Mountains and Sea Full-Day Tour

3. From Bilbao: Mountains and Sea Full-Day Tour

Depart Bilbao and head for Vitoria-Gasteiz to explore the capital city of the Basque Country. Take a guided walking tour through the center to see the cathedral, parliament and historical monuments of Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. Discover a medieval quarter in Plaza del Machete and admire the Church of San Miguel. Go to the Salinas de Añana salt flats and learn the history of the landscape. Continue to Orduña village and enjoy lunch at a typical restaurant in the medieval village of Balmaseda. Venture through the Ayala Valley and the mining area of ​​Bizkaia (Biscay) to reach the coast at Santurtzi and Portugalete, where you will cross the Vizcaya Bridge to Getxo.

From Bilbao: Basque Country 3 Cities 6-Day Coach Tour

4. From Bilbao: Basque Country 3 Cities 6-Day Coach Tour

See the highlights of the Basque Country on a tour of the cities of Bilbao, Vitoria and San Sebastian. Benefit from guided panoramic tours and walking tours to get a complete picture of each destination. Journey through an amazing landscape of dramatic sea views, typical fishing villages and vast forests of oak trees. Day 1: Bilbao Benefit from pick-up and transfer to your hotel to get a full tour program about the Basque Country. Day 2: Bilbao - San Sebastian Depart Bilbao and journey through the mountains towards San Sebastian. See the old tower houses of Azkoitia and visit the shrine at the Sanctuary of Loyola before making your way to the coastal town of Zumaia. Get magnificent views of the Bay of Biscay and stop in the medieval fishing village of Getaria. Continue to San Sebastian via the resort town of Zarautz. Take a panoramic bus tour of San Sebastian and see highlights such as Kursaal Palace on arrival. Enjoy some free time for lunch before taking a walking tour of the Old Town, and stroll past typical pintxo bars and the 18th-century Basilica of Santa Maria de Coro. Get tips on what to do with the rest of the evening and the following day at leisure. Day 3: San Sebastian Enjoy a free day to explore San Sebastian at your own pace. Day 4: San Sebastian - Rioja - Vitoria Take the highway towards Vitoria, passing the old town of Tolosa. Arrive at the village of Ordizia and go for a stroll before going to Oñati and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Arantzazu. Visit the former salt mining town of Salinas de Leniz, and then enter the wine producing area of Rioja Alavesa. Admire typical villages such as Labastida and Laguardia, where you will get some free time to explore the town and enjoy lunch independently. Continue to Vitoria for a panoramic tour of the capital of the Basque Country. Marvel at monuments such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria and Casco Viejo, and avail of free entry to the Artium Museum of Contemporary Art. Day 5: Vitoria - Bilbao Journey through the rural landscape of Alava en route to Salinas de Añana, where you will learn about the historic salt mining industry. Continue to the village of Orduña, surrounded by the mountains of the Sierra Salvada, and take a guided walking tour of the town. Get back to nature in Ayala and discover vast forests of oak trees. Stop for lunch in Balmaseda, and then go to the coastal town of Santurtzi, known for its seafaring traditions. Continue to Portugalete to cross the transporter bridge to Getxo, where you can go for a walk along the seafront and get a magnificent view of the Bay of Biscay. Continue to Bilbao and take a panoramic tour on arrival. Day 6: Bilbao Explore Bilbao at your own pace with a day at leisure. Get useful information from your guide to help you plan your day. Enjoy some free time in the city before your transfer to the airport.

Getxo and Vizcaya Bridge From Bilbao

5. Getxo and Vizcaya Bridge From Bilbao

During the 19th century the region of Bilbao experienced a huge industralisation development that led to two very different social classes: working class and bankers. Each one laid on river Nervion's West and East banks, and both areas developed their own way. This tour will take you to learn about the Bizkaia bridge, built in late 19th century as a representation of the iron industry in the area, and the link of both river banks. On the left side there lies the medieval village of Portugalete, with steep and narrow streets and Camino de Santiago routes. On the right side, you will discover Getxo, with all her different areas: from majestic Las Arenas and exclusive palaces of Neguri to the charming centuries-old houses of the Old Port in Algorta and the astonishing views from the cliffs of Punta Galea. The estuary of river Ibaizabal, coming from Bilbao, has many secrets ready to be discovered. Do not miss this chance of seeing all of them!

Getxo: Bay of Biscay Guided Water Bike Tour

6. Getxo: Bay of Biscay Guided Water Bike Tour

Take in the colors of Getxo from the Bay of Biscay on this water biking tour. Follow your guide to the Vizcaya Bridge on a sustainable water bike that requires no previous experience to operate. Share your experience with ease with the included photos and videos of your tour.  Meet your guide at the activity provider's office at the marina in Getxo. Put on the provided life jacket and hop on the easy to operate water bike. Take to the water on this motorless watercraft that allows you to focus on the sights without the roar of a motor.  Pass by the luxurious Great Villas of Getxo on your way to the Vizcaya Bridge which connects the towns of Portugalete and Las Arenas. Enjoy the fun of peddling on a water bike that is similar to a paddle board to which a bike has been added. Return to the meeting point at the end of your tour and receive digital photos and videos of your experience that you can post on social media. 

Top sights in Portugalete

Other Sightseeing Options in Portugalete

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What people are saying about Portugalete

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 393 reviews

The "gathering" service for participants was very punctual and precise. The clean and comfortable bus, competent driver and guide, especially the latter (Stephan) did not spare himself even in the rain. Great experience. #riccitour will recommend it on its travel page.

Another fantastic excursion with the driver/guide Josh. Speaks English and Spanish. First stop at Puente Vizkaije. Then to Gaztelugatxe with a magnificent view. Then to Bermeo with a delicious pinxto and then end with a beautiful walk in Gernika

Great. Very complete tour. Very good guide: Josu. Vale a pena pous will know 4 places with their singularities in 5 hours.

All great. The visit to San Juan is only a glimpse from a viewpoint, from which there is not a very good view.

Our guide, Josh, was excellent. Very knowledgeable about the region.