Although the capital of Biscay does not have a coastline, the sea is less than 30 minutes away by car or metro. That is why we invite you to visit our selection of the 5 most beautiful and closest beaches to Bilbao. If you find it hard to choose just one, we encourage you to visit them all. By car, it is just over 50 kilometres starting from the Hotel Silken Indautxu in Bilbao on a circular route. By metro or bus, they are highly recommended day trips.
Getxo
Just 12 kilometres from the city of Bilbao, Getxo offers a beautiful combination of beaches and cliffs together with the history of its Old Port. A charming network of narrow streets full of shops, restaurants and traditional bars that recall the fishing origins of the town. The most famous beach in Getxo is Ereaga. 800 metres of fine sand with all services and many possibilities if you like water sports such as surfing, canoeing, sailing or diving. If you prefer to stay on land, Ereaga beach is also very well known for its beach volleyball and beach football competitions. And if what attracts you most is food, the trick is to start by tasting one of the typical “pintxos” of the area while enjoying the wonderful views of the Abra Bay. How to get there: One of the best ways to reach Ereaga beach in Getxo is by metro. Take line 1 towards Plentzia and get off at Neguri. From Hotel Silken Indautxu in Bilbao it is 12 stops (about 20 minutes). From Neguri station to the beach it is about a 16-minute walk. To stroll through the Old Port, the Algorta stop is more convenient.
Sopela
Sopela, also known as Sopelana, is a municipality full of nature that alternates large cliffs with wild beaches. Two of the most visited are Arriaterra and Atxabiribil (also known as El Peñón), long stretches of fine sand with no clear separation between them and plenty of wind, ideal for surf lovers. Nearby there is a rocky cove known as “La Triangu” and, just after, the nudist beach of Barinatxe, where a world-famous naked race takes place every year. How to get there: You can walk from Getxo along the Punta Galea promenade, a spectacular 8-kilometre route. Another option is the metro. The same line 1 as for Getxo but getting off at Larrabasterra (30 minutes from the Hotel Silken in Bilbao). From Larrabasterra to the beach it is a 20-minute walk. In summer there is a bus line (Sopelbus) that takes you to the coast.
Plentzia
Plentzia beach is one of the most famous in Biscay. It may be because there is plenty of space to lay your towel, because it is close to the town centre or because it is located in a very beautiful bay next to the river mouth. There are many reasons, as it is also a relatively calm place despite its high occupancy in summer. In some areas of its more than 300 metres in length, water sports such as surfing or paddle boarding can be practised. It is also highly recommended to set aside some time to visit Butrón Castle following the GR-280 route. How to get there: It is very easy, as it is the last stop on metro line 1. From there a walkway leads to the beach along the estuary. It is about 40 minutes by metro from Hotel Silken Indautxu in Bilbao.
Gorliz
Gorliz beach is located right next to Plentzia. It is even longer, 842 metres, and is one of the favourites for families. There is no shortage of activities: sea activities (all kinds of water sports) and mountain activities (horse riding, hiking, cycling routes…). There is even a barbecue area. As a curiosity, next to the beach is the Gorliz Hospital, which was built there because it is the area with the most hours of sunshine in Biscay. How to get there: You can walk along the seafront from the Plentzia metro station. If you prefer not to walk that much, there is a bus every 20 minutes connecting Plentzia with Larrabasterra metro station. Another bus also connects Plentzia with Lemoiz.
Bakio
Bakio beach is one of the longest on the Biscayan coast. A large sandy beach next to Gorliz, very popular with surfers, especially on rough sea days when it is worth stopping to admire the strength of the ocean from the promenade. How to get there: Head to Moyua square (just over 5 minutes from our hotel in Bilbao). There you can take a bus that stops in Bakio. The journey takes about 50 minutes.
These are some of the most beautiful beaches you can visit near Bilbao, very well connected by metro and public transport. We hope you enjoy them!
