Bilbao is brilliant… but the real flex is how quickly you can escape it. Within an hour (sometimes less), you can be walking on a beach, hiking through wild green mountains, staring at a UNESCO engineering masterpiece, or eating seafood in a fishing village that feels like it’s been quietly perfecting the art of “slow living” for centuries. That’s why day trips from Bilbao are such a game-changer. You get all the culture and pintxos in the city, then pop out for a mini-adventure and come back in time for dinner.

In this guide, I’ve pulled together the best of the best, split into easy day trips bytrain (no car, no stress, no parking rage) and the most rewarding day trips by car (hello hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and proper Basque countryside). You’ll get distances, approximate times, what to actually do when you arrive, and my favourite little “add this and you’ll love your life” tips, so you can spend less time planning and more time smugly looking at scenery.

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Best Day Trips from Bilbao by Train

One of the best things about Bilbao is its easy access to incredible day trips by train. Whether you’re in the mood for historic towns, stunning beaches, or UNESCO-listed engineering marvels, there’s a quick and scenic train ride waiting for you.

Here are the best day trips from Bilbao you can do by train—no car needed!

1. Portugalete – A Charming Riverside Town with History

Train from Bilbao: Cercanías C1 Line (~20 minutes)

Cost: ~€2.50 (one way)

Portugalete is one of the most historic towns in the Bilbao area, famous for its medieval streets, waterfront views, and delicious seafood. Located just 20 minutes by train from Bilbao, it’s the perfect half-day trip if you want to escape the city but don’t want to travel far.

What to Do in Portugalete:

• Wander through the Casco Histórico (Old Town), full of narrow alleys, traditional pintxos bars, and historic churches.

• Visit Basilica of Santa María, a stunning Gothic-Renaissance church with great views.

• Stroll along the Paseo de la Canilla, a scenic riverfront promenade with cafés and views of the Nervión River.

• Try fresh seafood at a local restaurant, this area is known for grilled fish and txakoli (local white wine).

Pro tip: Portugalete is right next to the Puente Vizcaya, so you can combine both into one trip (see next section).

2. Puente Vizcaya – The Hanging Bridge You Can Walk Across

Train from Bilbao: Cercanías C1 Line to Portugalete (~20 minutes) or Metro L2 to Areeta (~25 minutes)

Cost: ~€2.50 (one way)

The Vizcaya Bridge (Puente Colgante) isn’t just any bridge, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s first transporter bridge. Built in 1893, this industrial engineering marvel is still in use today, carrying cars and pedestrians across the river in a hanging gondola.

Ways to Experience Puente Vizcaya:

• Ride the gondola across the river: just €0.50 per person!

• Walk across the top of the bridge (€9) for epic views of the river and coastline.

• Take photos from both sides, the bridge looks especially stunning at sunset.

• Visit the Puente Vizcaya Interpretation Centre to learn about its fascinating history and engineering.

Pro tip: Walk across the bridge to Getxo, a beautiful seaside town with elegant mansions (see next section).

3. Getxo – Elegant Coastal Town with a Laid-Back Vibe

Train from Bilbao: Metro Bilbao L1 (~25 minutes)

Cost: ~€2.50 (one way)

Just 25 minutes from Bilbao, Getxo is where locals go to escape the city, breathe in the fresh sea air, and enjoy coastal walks. This town is known for its beautiful beaches, grand 19th-century mansions, and relaxed atmosphere.

What to Do in Getxo:

• Walk along the Paseo de las Grandes Villas, lined with elegant mansions from Bilbao’s industrial elite.

• Visit the Old Port (Puerto Viejo de Algorta), a charming fishing quarter with whitewashed houses and pintxos bars.

• Relax at Ereaga Beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

• Take in the views from La Galea Cliffs, a stunning coastal walking route.

Pro tip: Getxo has some fantastic seafood restaurants, grab a table with ocean views and order grilled squid (chipirones) with txakoli wine.

4. Plentzia – A Hidden Beach Town with Crystal-Clear Waters

Train from Bilbao: Metro Bilbao L1 (~45 minutes)

Cost: ~€3 (one way)

Plentzia is a beautiful, underrated beach town that feels worlds away from Bilbao, despite being just 45 minutes by metro. The crescent-shaped bay, calm turquoise waters, and relaxed village atmosphere make it one of the best day trips from Bilbao. I am biased though, I lived here for my teenage years!

What to Do in Plentzia:

• Spend the day at Plentzia Beach, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

• Walk along the Plentzia Estuary, a gorgeous riverside path that leads to the beach.

• Visit Txakoli Winery Gorka Izagirre, where you can taste the region’s famous white wine.

• Explore the small Old Town, filled with charming Basque houses and pintxos bars.

Pro tip: The Plentzia metro ride is one of the most scenic in the Basque Country, sit by the window for gorgeous views.

Day Trips from Bilbao by Car

While Bilbao itself is packed with things to see and do, some of the Basque Country’s most breathtaking landscapes and charming coastal towns are just a short drive away. If you have a car (or are up for renting one), these day trips from Bilbao will take you to hidden beaches, Game of Thrones filming locations, and stunning natural parks.

Here are the best road trips from Bilbao, each within 1-2 hours’ drive, perfect for a full-day adventure.

1. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe – A Legendary Island Hermitage

Distance from Bilbao: 45 minutes

Why Go? One of the most jaw-dropping coastal landscapes in Spain, made famous as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones.

This dramatic rocky islet, connected to the mainland by a winding 241-step stone path, is home to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a tiny hermitage perched on a clifftop. The views from the top are absolutely worth the climb.

Things to Do:

• Climb the 241 steps to the hermitage and ring the bell three times for good luck.

• Take in the stunning ocean views from the trail.

• Visit the nearby town of Bakio, known for Basque wine (Txakoli) and surf culture.

Pro tip: Although it’s free to visit you do need to pre-book your visit.

2. Bermeo – A Colourful Fishing Village

Distance from Bilbao: 40 minutes

Why Go? A picturesque harbour town, perfect for fresh seafood, boat trips, and authentic Basque charm.

Bermeo is one of the Basque Country’s most historic fishing villages, where colourful houses overlook a bustling harbour filled with fishing boats. It’s a great stop before or after San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

Things to Do:

• Stroll through the Old Port and grab pintxos at a harbourside bar.

• Visit the Fishermen’s Museum to learn about Bermeo’s maritime past.

• Take a boat trip to Izaro Island, a protected wildlife haven.

Pro tip: Try Marmitako, a traditional Basque tuna stew, in one of the local restaurants.

3. Mundaka – The Surfing Paradise

Distance from Bilbao: 45 minutes

Why Go? A laid-back surf town with world-famous waves and gorgeous views.

Mundaka is a legendary surf destination, famous for one of the best left-hand waves in the world. Even if you’re not into surfing, it’s worth a visit for its relaxed vibe, stunning estuary views, and great seafood.

Things to Do:

• Watch surfers ride the famous left-hand wave.

• Walk to the Santa Catalina viewpoint for epic ocean scenery.

• Explore the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-listed nature haven.

Pro tip: Go in autumn if you want to see pro surfers in action.

4. Lekeitio – A Hidden Coastal Gem

Distance from Bilbao: 1 hour

Why Go? Turquoise waters, golden beaches, and one of the prettiest old towns in the Basque Country.

Lekeitio is a seaside escape with a stunning beach, a charming harbour, and a small island you can walk to at low tide. It’s far less touristy than San Sebastián but just as beautiful.

Things to Do:

• Walk to San Nicolás Island at low tide.

• Relax on Isuntza Beach, one of the Basque Country’s best-kept secrets.

• Visit Basilica of the Assumption, an impressive Gothic church with a golden altarpiece.

Pro tip: Try the grilled seafood platters at a harborside restaurant.

5. Gernika – The Heart of Basque History

Distance from Bilbao: 40 minutes

Why Go? A town rich in Basque history, made famous by Picasso’s masterpiece “Guernica.”

Gernika is the symbolic heart of the Basque Country, best known for the bombing during the Spanish Civil War, which inspired Picasso’s world-famous painting.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Gernika Peace Museum to learn about the town’s tragic history.

• See the Tree of Gernika, a symbol of Basque freedom.

• Explore the Monday Market, one of the biggest and most traditional in the Basque Country.

Pro tip: If you’re a history lover, this is an essential stop.

6. La Arboleda & Peñas Negras – Mountains, Mines & Beans

Distance from Bilbao: 30 minutes

Why Go? A scenic mountain escape with hiking trails, history, and traditional Basque food.

La Arboleda was once a major mining village, and today it’s a peaceful mountain retreat with lakes, hiking trails, and incredible views over Bilbao.

Things to Do:

• Hike to Peñas Negras, a stunning viewpoint.

• Visit the Mining Museum to learn about the area’s past.

• Eat a bowl of Alubias de Tolosa (Basque black bean stew), the specialty of the region.

Pro tip: Go in autumn or winter, it’s the best time for comfort food and cozy mountain vibes.

7. Zumaia Geopark – Where Cliffs Tell a Story

Distance from Bilbao: 1 hour

Why Go? A geological wonder with stunning rock formations and a Game of Thrones filming location.

Zumaia’s Flysch cliffs are 65 million years old, showing layers of rock that tell the story of Earth’s history. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

Things to Do:

• Walk the Flysch Route along the cliffs.

• Visit Itzurun Beach, one of the most scenic beaches in Spain.

• Explore the San Telmo Hermitage, perched on the edge of a cliff.

Pro tip: Visit at low tide to see the full beauty of the Flysch formations.

8. Parque Natural de Armañón – A Hidden Nature Escape

Distance from Bilbao: 1 hour

Why Go? A wild, untouched natural park with caves, waterfalls, and dense forests.

Perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and escaping civilization, Armañón is one of the least-known nature reserves in the Basque Country.

Things to Do:

• Hike to Pozalagua Cave, famous for its unusual stalactites.

• Explore forests, waterfalls, and mountain trails.

Pro tip: Bring hiking boots and a camera, this park is seriously photogenic.

9. Parque Natural de Urkiola – The Basque Dolomites

Distance from Bilbao: 45 minutes

Why Go? Dramatic mountain scenery, epic hiking trails, and breathtaking viewpoints.

Urkiola is a hiker’s paradise, with rugged peaks, deep valleys, and mystical forests. The San Antonio Sanctuary sits at the highest point, offering panoramic views of the Basque mountains.

Things to Do:

• Hike the Anboto mountain trail, one of the most famous in the Basque Country.

• Visit the San Antonio Sanctuary and its incredible viewpoints.

Pro tip: Go at sunrise or sunset for golden light over the mountains.

Best Tours from Bilbao (For When the Train Won’t Cut It)

Some of the very best places around Bilbao are either awkward by public transport, slow to reach, or accessed via winding mountain roads that are… character-building, shall we say. If you want to see more without hiring a car (or gripping the steering wheel in mild terror), these guided tours are the sweet spot.

They take you beyond where trains comfortably go, handle logistics, parking, and timing, and let you actually enjoy the scenery, wine included, when relevant.

Here are the best tours from Bilbao that consistently deliver.

Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka & Gernika (The Classic Basque Trio)

This is hands-down one of the most popular day tours from Bilbao, and for good reason. You get dramatic coastline, surfing culture, and powerful Basque history all in one well-paced day.

Expect a stop at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (yes, Dragonstone), time in Mundaka to soak up the laid-back vibe, and a meaningful visit to Gernika, home of the Tree of Gernika and one of the most important stories in Basque history.

This is a brilliant option if you want variety without rushing, and zero parking stress near Gaztelugatxe.

Check out the detailed itinerary here.

French Basque Country Tour: Biarritz, Bayonne & Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Crossing the border into France feels surprisingly seamless on a guided tour, and saves you from navigating tolls, traffic, and border-town parking.

You’ll visit elegant Biarritz, historic Bayonne, and the postcard-perfect harbour town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Think coastal walks, colourful shutters, pastry stops, and a totally different take on Basque culture, all in one day.

Ideal if you want a two-countries-in-one-day brag.

San Sebastián, Hondarribia, Hendaye & Getaria

Yes, you can get to San Sebastián by train, but pairing it with nearby coastal gems is where a tour really shines.

This route usually combines San Sebastián with charming Hondarribia, beachy Hendaye, and foodie-favourite Getaria.

It’s a great option if you want iconic views, old towns, seaside lunches, and wine villages without hopping trains all day.

Check out the tour details here.

Basque Pyrenees Tour: Ainhoa, Sare & Rural Villages

If your idea of a perfect day includes rolling hills, traditional stone houses, and villages that look suspiciously perfect, this one’s for you.

Tours into the Basque Pyrenees often visit storybook villages like Ainhoa and Sare, tucked into green valleys near the mountains. These places are beautiful but fiddly to reach independently, which is exactly why a tour makes sense.

This is the slow, scenic, deep Basque option.

Rioja Wine Tour (Because Someone Else Should Be Driving)

Let’s be honest: if wine is involved, driving is a terrible idea.

A Rioja wine tour from Bilbao takes you into La Rioja, visiting vineyards, bodegas, and medieval wine towns, all without worrying about who drew the short straw as designated driver.

You’ll usually get:

• Multiple winery visits
• Tastings included
• Lunch in a wine town
• Zero stress

This is one of the best-value tours from Bilbao, especially if you enjoy food and drink.

Want to Explore More? Make It a Bigger Adventure

If you’ve got more than a couple of days up your sleeve, Bilbao is just the beginning. One of the best things about travelling in this part of Spain is how easily a short city break turns into a full-blown northern Spain adventure: coast, mountains, wine regions, and wildly different landscapes all stitched together by excellent food.

Turning This into a Road Trip

If the day trips above have you thinking, “Okay… but I want all of this,” then you’re already halfway to a road trip. My Northern Spain road trip guide pulls together the Basque Country, coastal villages, green mountain passes, and cultural stops into a route that actually makes sense with no frantic backtracking, no exhausting drives, just beautiful places stitched together properly.

The Ultimate Basque Country Loop

For something more focused (and honestly one of my favourite regions in Spain), my 7-day Basque Country itinerary takes you from Bilbao out to fishing villages, wine country, and inland towns that rarely make it onto first-time itineraries. It’s ideal if you want depth over distance, and if you like trips where every stop feels intentional, not just “nearby”.

Staying Longer in San Sebastián

If your heart is leaning more towards beaches, food, and long lunches that accidentally turn into dinner, you might want to base yourself in San Sebastián after Bilbao. My San Sebastián guide is packed with practical tips, neighbourhood advice, and exactly how to enjoy the city without getting swallowed by peak-season crowds.

Feeling Adventurous? Spain’s Only Desert Awaits

And if you really want to surprise yourself, and everyone you show photos to, head south to Bardenas Reales, Spain’s only desert. It’s a surreal, otherworldly landscape of cracked earth, mesas, and lunar formations that feels completely incompatible with the green north… which somehow makes it even better. It pairs beautifully with a Basque or Navarra itinerary and adds a “wait, this is Spain?” moment to your trip.

However long you stay, or however far you roam, Bilbao makes a brilliant starting point. The hard part isn’t finding somewhere worth going next… it’s deciding where not to.

Final Thoughts: Why Bilbao Is the Perfect Base for Exploring the Basque Country

Bilbao is one of those places that quietly overdelivers. It’s interesting enough to deserve your full attention, but compact and well-connected enough to make exploring beyond the city effortless. That’s what makes day trips from Bilbao such a standout part of any visit, one minute you’re bar-hopping in Casco Viejo or wandering museum-lined riverbanks, and the next you’re on a wild stretch of coast, deep in the mountains, or sipping wine in Rioja.

What really sets Bilbao apart is how easy it is to mix city life with adventure. You don’t have to choose between culture, nature, food, or scenery; it all sits within easy reach, whether you travel by train, car, or guided tour. Beaches, fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, historic towns, and green valleys are all close enough to visit without feeling rushed.

If you’re short on time, Bilbao works beautifully as a city break with a couple of well-chosen day trips. If you’ve got longer, it becomes the gateway to a deeper Basque (and northern Spain) experience, one that feels grounded, local, and refreshingly untouristy compared to some of Spain’s bigger-name destinations.

However you plan it, one thing is almost guaranteed: Bilbao won’t be the place you rush through. It’ll be the place that surprises you, pulls you further north, and makes you realise that some of the best travel moments happen just beyond the city limits.