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Basque Coast Day Trip from Bilbao: Gernika, Mundaka and Gaztelugatxe

Small group Northern Spain, Spain8 hoursGuided in English, Spanish

Travel the Basque coast with a guide, from the historic town of Gernika to the surfing village of Mundaka. Finish at the island hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and its famous stairway.

8 hoursExplore at your own pace
Small groupKeeps the experience personal
English, SpanishLive guide or host
CancellationNon-refundable: tickets are issued for your chosen date and time

Highlights

  • Gernika's Assembly House and the Tree of Gernika
  • The fishing and surfing village of Mundaka
  • The stairway to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
  • Coastal scenery of the Urdaibai reserve
  • A guide and transport for the whole day

Full description

This full-day trip from Bilbao heads into Urdaibai, a coastal biosphere reserve of estuaries, fishing towns and cliffs. Your first stop is Gernika, a town at the heart of Basque identity, where your guide explains its ancient assembly tradition and the 1937 bombing that Picasso made famous.

Next comes Mundaka, a small harbour village known for its surf, before the road follows the coast to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Here a stone bridge and a winding stairway of more than two hundred steps lead to a hermitage on a rocky islet. There is time to walk up, ring the bell and take in the sea views before the drive back to Bilbao.

Itinerary

  1. Gernika

    Walk through the town with your guide and visit the area around the Assembly House and the oak tree.

  2. Mundaka

    Stroll the harbour and lanes of this coastal village, with time for a coffee or lunch.

  3. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

    Walk the stairway to the hermitage, or enjoy the views from the lookout point.

  4. Return to Bilbao

    Drive back along the coast to the city centre.

Included

  • Transport from Bilbao in a minivan or coach
  • Live guide
  • Small group

Not included

  • Lunch and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Any optional entries

Meeting point

Central Bilbao; the exact meeting point is sent with your confirmation.The exact spot and your host's details arrive with your confirmation.

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Know before you go

  • The walk to the Gaztelugatxe hermitage is steep, with many steps, and takes about an hour there and back.
  • Access to Gaztelugatxe may need a free reservation in busy months, which we arrange where required.
  • Wear sturdy shoes and bring a rain jacket; the weather on the coast changes quickly.
  • The order of stops may change with traffic and weather.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to climb to the hermitage?

No. You can enjoy the view from the lookout above the islet if you prefer not to do the steps.

Is lunch included?

No, but there is a stop where you can buy lunch, usually in Mundaka or nearby.

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From USD 93 per adult
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