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  1. Home ·
  2. Walking Holidays ·
  3. Basque Coast to the Bay o...

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.

Panoramic view of the Basque Coast, with rugged forested cliffs, rolling green hills and scattered farmhouses overlooking the Bay of Biscay.

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

Highlights

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.

Walker overlooking Laga Beach and the dramatic Basque coastline on the way to Bilbao

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.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage perched on a rocky islet along the Basque Coast

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.

Basque Coast walking route map from Getxo to Lekeitio including Plentzia, Bakio, Mundaka and Ea coastal path

Choose Your Walk

Our Basque Coast to the Bay of Bilbao Itineraries

Lekeitio to Bilbao

67.6 miles (108.8 km)
  • 7 Nights Moderate, Moderate to Challenging

    SPA-BCB1

    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
Email
walk@celtic-trails.com

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.

Traditional Basque farmhouse with whitewashed walls, stone detailing and flower-filled balconies

Media Gallery

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
Email
walk@celtic-trails.com

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