7 nights
68 mls (km)
Northern Spain
Moderate to Challenging
Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct
£920

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 exhilirating finale at the Bay of Bilbao
  • Vibrant Bilbao - a treasure of the Basque Country

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.

Our Basque Coast to Bay of Bilbao Itineraries

  • Lekeitio to Bilbao
    Distance: 68 miles (109km)
    SPA-BCB1
    7 Nights, 6 Days
    from £920 pp
    Lekeitio to Bilbao
        7 nights, 6 days
    Ref: SPA-BCB1
    Grade: Classic

    or ask us a question
    What's Included:
    6 walking days
    7 nights
    6 breakfasts
    Prices
    Two sharing ppSolo walkerSingle person (in a group)
    01/04/2025 - 31/05/2025£920£1,325£1,180
    01/06/2025 - 30/06/2025£1,295£1,295£1,235
    01/09/2025 - 30/09/2025£1,295£1,295£1,235
    01/10/2025 - 31/10/2025£920£1,325£1,180

    Extras
    • 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

    You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.

    Our Basque Coast to Bay of Bilbao holidays are available to walk April to June, September to October.

    Airports:

    Bilbao 
    From Bilbao Airport (BIO) https://www.aena.es/en/bilbao.html  (also called Loiu) to Bilbao Bus Station (also called Termibus): Take line bus A3247 from the airport to the last stop (Termibus) - departures every 15 minutes (journey time 25-30 minutes). Ticket prices 3€ payable in cash or credit card to driver.

    Rail:
    https://www.renfe.com/es/en

    Bus:
    From Bilbao (Termibus) to Lekeitio - Take bus A3512 to Lekeitio, operated by Bizkaibus. There are several buses to Lekeitio but this is the fastest one (journey time 1 hour and 15 minutes). The A3512 bus departs at :45 every hour from 06:45 to 20:45 (last departure). No bus available at 14:45h, this one runs at 15:00, and then again at 15:45, 16:45, etc.

    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. Call one of our helpful team on +44 (0)1291 689774 or e-mail us here.