This coastal town in northern Spain has grand 19th-century mansions along its promenade, sandy beaches, and a working fishing port near the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
Getxo, a coastal town in Spain’s Basque Country, stretches along the Ría de Bilbao estuary. You’ll see 19th-century mansions in Neguri, wander through Algorta’s Old Port with its narrow lanes, or cross the iron Vizcaya Bridge suspended over the Nervión River. Six metro stops link the town to Bilbao, and its beaches—Ereaga, Arrigunaga, and Gorrondatxe—combine easy access with rocky cliffs and sand. Annual highlights include GetxoPhoto, where photographs fill public spaces, and the International Paella Competition in July. Paths near La Galea Lighthouse let you look out over the Bay of Biscay.
The Vizcaya Bridge: Iron Landmark Over the Nervión River
Completed in 1893, the Vizcaya Bridge links Getxo to Portugalete across the Nervión River. Engineer Alberto Palacio created this iron structure as the world’s first transporter bridge, using a gondola to move people and cars between banks. A walkway 50 meters above the water gives clear views of the river’s mouth and nearby docks. UNESCO recognized the bridge as a World Heritage Site in 2006, and it still operates daily—each crossing takes less than two minutes. Head to Plaza del Puente to study its steel beams or ride the elevator to the upper platform for closer inspection.
Algorta’s Old Port: Whitewashed Streets and Seafood
Algorta’s Old Port, near the Algorta metro station, keeps its fishing-village roots with cobblestone alleys and white-painted houses. The Erriberamune viewpoint, once used by fishermen to watch for storms, now looks over the harbor and Bilbao’s bay. Try local bars serving chilled txakoli wine with small plates like grilled octopus or cod in garlic sauce. A free elevator connects the port to Ereaga Beach, where you’ll find golden sand framed by cliffs. During summer, balconies overflow with red geraniums, and festivals fill the streets with music like trikitixa (Basque accordion) and aurresku dances.
Mansions and Walking Routes Along the Coast
Stroll Getxo’s coastal paths to see grand homes from the 19th century, including Santa Clara de Aizgoyen Palace with its neoclassical columns and Lezama-Leguizamón House’s English-style gardens. Signs along the way explain architectural details, from curved Art Nouveau windows to stonework inspired by Basque traditions. Near Ereaga Beach, the Galerías Punta Begoña—a concrete arcade built for wealthy families—now displays art and history exhibits. Further east, the Aixerrota Windmill stands on a cliff; its restaurant serves lunch, and trails lead to La Galea Lighthouse’s weathered stone walls.
Beaches: Surf, Sand, and Coastal Trails
Ereaga Beach has gentle waves and a paved walkway with cafes serving churros and coffee. Arrigunaga, below La Galea’s cliffs, draws surfers with its steady breaks, while Gorrondatxe’s undeveloped dunes appeal to hikers. Rent a bicycle to follow the 10-kilometer path from Getxo to Sopela, passing rocky outcrops and tide pools. Boat tours from El Abra-Getxo Marina let you view Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum from the water. In winter, experienced surfers tackle large swells near the Old Port, and diving schools rent gear for exploring underwater reefs.
Festivals: Photography, Music, and Paella
Each September, GetxoPhoto exhibits oversized photographs in parks, plazas, and even on building facades. Summer brings GetxoJazz and Getxo Folk, with free concerts in squares like Telletxe Park. On July 25, chefs compete at the Aixerrota International Paella Competition, serving versions with squid, clams, or chorizo—often paired with kalimotxo (red wine and cola). Neighborhood fiestas, like Las Arenas’ San Ignacio in July, include wood-chopping contests, stalls selling handmade pottery, and pelota matches at fronton courts.
Getting Around: Metro, Bridges, and Buses
Take Bilbao’s Line 1 metro to reach Getxo in 30 minutes from the city center; stations like Areeta or Algorta place you near beaches and shops. Cross the Nervión River via the Vizcaya Bridge’s gondola (1.5 minutes) or take a ferry for views of industrial docks. Buses connect Getxo’s districts every 15–20 minutes, and Bilbao Airport is a short drive away. For a coastal drive, follow the BI-637 road by car, stopping at viewpoints like Punta Galea to watch cargo ships enter the estuary.
