Basque Coast to Bay of Bilbao Walking Holidays
Walk the dramatic Basque Coast, following cliffs, beaches and stunning estuaries through traditional fishing villages and coastal towns before reaching the vibrant city of Bilbao. Combining rewarding walking, maritime heritage and renowned local cuisine, this journey showcases a distinctive side of northern Spain.

Walk Information
- Difficulty
- Moderate – Moderate to Challenging
- Distance
- 67.6 to 67.6 miles
- Nights
- 7 to 7 Nights
- Location
- Northern Spain
- Season
- Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct
- Price from
- £945
A Taste of the Basque Country
- Basque Culture & Cuisine
- Pintxos, seafood and local traditions
- Traditional Fishing Villages
- Lekeitio, Ea, Mundaka and Bermeo
- Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
- Estuaries, beaches and birdlife
- Laida & Laga Beaches
- Two of the Basque Coast's finest beaches
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- The iconic island hermitage
- Vibrant Bilbao
- The cultural heart of Biscay
Key Walk Features
Walking Spain's Basque Coast
Enjoy some of the finest coastal walking in northern Spain as you follow the Bay of Biscay through a landscape of cliffs, beaches, estuaries and rolling green hills. This is a region with a strong identity, where local traditions, cuisine and culture remain an important part of everyday life.
Between walks, relax in welcoming coastal towns, sample fresh seafood and pintxos, and experience a side of Spain that feels distinctly different from the Mediterranean. Several stages offer shorter and longer options, allowing you to tailor the walking to your preferences while enjoying the varied scenery of the Basque Coast.
Combining dramatic coastal landscapes, excellent food and a fascinating culture, this is an immersive journey through one of Spain's most distinctive regions.

A Coast Shaped by the Sea
For centuries, communities along the Basque Coast relied on fishing, shipbuilding and maritime trade. As you walk, you'll pass working fishing ports, historic harbours and coastal towns whose identities were shaped by the Atlantic.
Bermeo remains one of Spain's most important fishing ports, while many villages along the route retain their traditional character and close connection to the sea. This maritime heritage is visible throughout the journey, from harbour fronts and local traditions to the region's renowned seafood cuisine.
The Basques were also among Europe's great seafarers, venturing into the North Atlantic for fishing and whaling expeditions. Today, their legacy remains woven into everyday life along the coast, adding another layer of interest to this rewarding walking holiday.

Path Walkthrough
Beginning in the fishing port of Lekeitio, follow the Basque coastline through a succession of beaches, cliffs and coastal villages. Walk above secluded coves, enjoy sweeping views across the Bay of Biscay and discover communities where fishing remains an important part of local life.
Pass through the harbour village of Ea, the dramatic cliffside settlement of Elantxobe and the surfing town of Mundaka before entering the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Here, estuaries, woodland and sandy beaches create some of the most memorable scenery of the holiday. A climb to the San Pedro de Atxarre hermitage rewards you with panoramic views across the reserve and coastline beyond.
Continue via Bermeo and the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe before following coastal paths to Bakio, Plentzia and Getxo. The final stage brings ever-changing views across the Bay of Bilbao before finishing in the heart of Bilbao itself.

Our Basque Coast to the Bay of Bilbao Itineraries
Lekeitio to Bilbao
67.6 miles (108.8 km)From £945 Per Person
Key Information
- 7 nights' accommodation and 6 breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Personal transfers where indicated in the itinerary
- Walk Pack including route notes, maps and GPX tracks
- Destination guide
- Local support and telephone assistance
Price Does Not Include
- Breakfast in Bilbao (cafés available nearby)
- Packed lunches
- Evening meals
- Bus tickets after the optional Day 2 walk (approx. €2.50)
- Boat tickets for the optional Day 4 crossing (approx. €3.00, available in June and September)
- Train tickets between Gernika and Mundaka or Bermeo (approx. €1.50)
- Metro or bus tickets on Day 7
- Travel to Lekeitio and 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.
- Telephone
- +44 (0)1291 689 774
Hand-Picked Accommodation
Characterful Coastal Accommodation
Stay in a carefully selected mix of small hotels and guesthouses, chosen for their comfort, welcoming hosts and excellent coastal locations.

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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.
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.
- Telephone
- +44 (0)1291 689 774
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