Bilbao Trip Overview
The estuary of river Urdaibai has many attractions that can be enjoyed in a short trip from Bilbao. The hermitage of Gaztelugatxe (set as Dragonstone in the Game of Thrones series) is a good start to enjoy the sea views in contrast to the mountain. Then, the coastal town of Bermeo allows you to see firsthand how the old fishing traditions are maintained in the present.
Finally, from Bermeo you reach Gernika, where rural and agricultural traditions are mixed with their varied history. Gernika is the reference town in Basque history, since here is the ancient tree where the medieval kings of Spain swore to respect local laws.
** Due to limited capacity, climbing the 241 stairs to the Gaztelugatxe hermitage is not guaranteed. Instead, you would first visit the town on the Biscayan coast Mundaka, known worldwide for its waves and fishing tradition, and then a stop would be made to enjoy a panoramic view of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe from the viewpoint.
Additional Info
* Duration: 8 hours
* Starts: Bilbao, Spain
* Trip Category: Day Trips & Excursions >> Day Trips
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What to Expect When Visiting Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
The estuary of river Urdaibai has many attractions that can be enjoyed in a short trip from Bilbao. The hermitage of Gaztelugatxe (set as Dragonstone in the Game of Thrones series) is a good start to enjoy the sea views in contrast to the mountain. Then, the coastal town of Bermeo allows you to see firsthand how the old fishing traditions are maintained in the present.
Finally, from Bermeo you reach Gernika, where rural and agricultural traditions are mixed with their varied history. Gernika is the reference town in Basque history, since here is the ancient tree where the medieval kings of Spain swore to respect local laws.
** Due to limited capacity, climbing the 241 stairs to the Gaztelugatxe hermitage is not guaranteed. Instead, you would first visit the town on the Biscayan coast Mundaka, known worldwide for its waves and fishing tradition, and then a stop would be made to enjoy a panoramic view of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe from the viewpoint.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: 48300 Guernica, Biscay, Spain
Gernika is known throughout the world due to the painting by Pablo Picasso that bears the same name (although spelled the Spanish way, “Guernica”). It was this town that was bombed in 1937, the events of which inspired Picasso’s most famous piece of art. The bombing by German and Italian air forces took many lives and left the town utterly destroyed. The destruction of Gernika was ordered by Francisco Franco in an attempt to overthrow the Republican government during the Spanish Civil War.
One of the reasons Gernika was chosen for the bombing is due to its importance both politically and historically. The Gernika Tree can be found here and it’s where, underneath its branches, Basques were granted autonomy in the Middle Ages. Next to the tree is the Biscayan Assembly, a place where the political leaders have meet to decide the fate of their people over the ages. Both the assembly and the tree offer insights into the history of the Basque people and can give a deeper understanding of more recent historical events such as the Basque independence movement. In addition, Gernika also has its own Basque museum, the Euskal Herria Museum as well as the Peace Museum. For those who are interested in Basque culture and politics, Gernika is a must.
On a lighter note, the city is also host to the Monday Market, one of the most important markets of the Basque Country
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Museo de la Paz de Guernica, Foru Plaza, 1 Vizcaya, 48300 Gernika-Lumo Spain
We will visit the museum for 40min.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Mural del “Guernica” de Picasso, Pedro de Elejalde Kalea, 2, 48300 Gernika-Lumo Spain
We will have time to admire this symbolic work of art
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Bermeo, Bermeo, Province of Vizcaya, Basque Country
Bermeo fishermen village guided tour will be included.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo Spain
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, whose name means “castle rock” in Basque (“gaztelu” = castle + “aitz” = rock), is a definite “must” if you are visiting the Basque Country. It is an awe-inspiring island located just off the shore along the Bay of Biscay. The views to, from, and around the island are simply beautiful.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is accessed by a man-made stone bridge. The bridge transitions into a narrow path that contains 241 steps and zigzags its way back and forth to the top. At the highest point of the island there is a tiny church dedicated to John the Baptist.
The island also has an intriguing history. Throughout the years it has housed a convent, served as a prison for Basque witches during the Spanish Inquisition, been used as a defensive outpost for the lords of Biscay, and was even ransacked by Sir Francis Drake.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
