Basque Coast to Bay of Bilbao Walking Holidays

An exhilarating walk along the amazing Basque Coast, featuring cliffs, beaches and stunning estuaries as you make your way through charming coastal towns and characterful fishing villages to the lively and cosmopolitan Bilbao. A walking holiday with nature, culture and gastronomy at its heart.

Nights
7 to 7 Nights
Distance
67.6 to 67.6 miles
Location
Northern Spain
Difficulty
Moderate – Moderate to Challenging
Season
Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct
Price from
£945

Highlights

Nature, culture and gastronomy of the Basque Country

Amazing coastal walks and incredible views of a stunning coastal landscape from the peaks
The wonderful sandy beaches of Laida and Laga in the Urdaibai Natural Reserve
Characterful Basque fishing villages that maintain the region's culture
The magical location of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage
An exhilarating finale at the Bay of Bilbao
Vibrant Bilbao
a treasure of the Basque Country
From £945 per person
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The Basque region is quite different from any other region in Spain. Locally known as Euskadi, it has its own language, gastronomic traditions and a distinctive geographic and cultural landscape. You will discover many fascinating coastal towns and villages along the route to Bilbao, such as beautiful Lekeitio, Ea, Elantxobe, Mundaka and Plencia, each with their own ambience, pintxo bars and quiet medieval streets to be strolled. This stretch of the Basque Coast features dramatic clifftop scenery alongside beautiful beaches and stunning estuaries. For Game of Thrones fans the iconic Basque landmark of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, translated from Basque to "castle rock" is also "Dragonstone", Deanerys Targaryen's castle and truly is a magical location by the sea with its wonderful surrounding views. At the end of the walk the lively Bilbao awaits, where you can further immerse yourself in the region's culture. The city is renowned for its architecture and contemporary art collection as well of course, for its delicious Basque cuisine.

The walk starts in Lekeitio, one of the most beautiful towns in the Basque Country. From here there are incredible views of cliffs and remote beaches on your way to the coastal town of Ea. Onwards towards Mundaka and you are treated to the best views of the Basque Country along Urdaibai's estuary, the coast and surrounding mainland mountains. The next stage features the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage on your way to Bakio. A challenge then awaits with an ascent of Jata or this can be bypassed to walk the beautiful cliffs between the small harbour of Armintza on to the interesting town of Plencia with its lovely beach and estuary. The last stage gives you long-ranging coastal views along the cliffs until the Puna Galea Cape, when you are suddenly hit by the magnificence of the Bay of Bilbao! Continue on to visit the fantastic hanging bridge at the end of the Bay before heading to Bilbao's town centre.

A selection of good quality hotels and pensions with comfortable ensuite rooms and welcoming hosts, have been handpicked for your holiday.

Choose Your Walk

Our Basque Coast to the Bay of Bilbao Itineraries

Lekeitio to Bilbao

67.6 miles (108.8 km)

Key Information

  • 7 nights’ accommodation and 6 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfers
  • Personal transfers where indicated in the programme as a standard arrangement
  • Walk Pack, to include route notes, mapping and GPX tracks,
  • Destination guide.
  • Local support and telephone advice

Price Does Not Include

  • One breakfast (Bilbao - several cafes nearby)
  • Packed lunches (own arrangements)
  • Evening meals (own arrangements). Available in local restaurant or in-house
  • Bus tickets back to Lekeitio after Day 2 walk (approx. 2,5€)
  • Boat tickets (approx. 3€) for optional trip on Day 4 in June and September
  • Train tickets from Gernika to Mundaka or Bermeo (approx. 1,5€)
  • Metro or bus tickets at the start or end of Day 7
  • Travel to Lekeitio/travel from Bilbao

Customise your trip?

Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.

Hand-Picked Accommodation: Comfort Along the Way

We seek out the best accommodation of its type available

Hand-Picked Accommodation: Comfort Along the Way

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Customise your trip?

Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.

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