Bilbao Getaway Itinerary
The Bilbao Getaway is a one-day road trip that starts and ends in the beautiful city of Bilbao, Spain. Along the way, you will pass through Sopelana, Bermeo, and Mungia, covering a distance of approximately 96 km. The best time of the year to drive this route is during the spring and summer months, when the landscapes and beaches are at their best. The roads are generally in good condition, however, some sections may be curvy or narrow.
This road trip is suitable for all drivers, and is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Basque Country with a moderate budget. You are sure to make many memories and take away a high level of experience.
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number of days
96 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Bilbao
Distance 96 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: slow
22.0 kWh
Airports
BIO
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VIT
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Bilbao is a beautiful coastal city in the Basque Country region of northern Spain. It is the perfect starting point for the Bilbao Getaway road trip. Home to the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao offers many interesting and unique sights to explore. The city is filled with art galleries, museums, and stunning architecture. The city is also known for its excellent cuisine, so it is a great place to start the road trip.
The closest international airport to Bilbao is Bilbao Airport (BIO). From here, travellers can rent a car to start their Bilbao Getaway. The airport offers a variety of car rental services, making it easy to get on the road quickly and safely. From the airport, the city centre is just a short drive away.
Once in the city, there is plenty to see and do. The Guggenheim Museum is one of the main attractions in Bilbao, and it is well worth a visit. There are also a number of other museums and galleries to explore, such as the Museo de Bellas Artes and the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo. Other popular attractions include the Bilbao Cathedral, the Old Town, and the Santiago Cathedral.
Bilbao is the perfect starting point for the Bilbao Getaway. With its excellent airport and car rental services, it is easy to get on the road quickly. Once in the city, there is plenty to explore, from the Guggenheim Museum to the many other galleries and museums. With its beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and fascinating attractions, Bilbao is a great place to start a road trip.
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Bilbao
- Sopelana
Distance 17 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: modest
4.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip adventure? Get ready to explore the stunning and beautiful cities of Bilbao and Sopelana, located only 17 km apart and with a driving time of less than an hour.
On your way from Bilbao to Sopelana, you will be able to enjoy the stunning views of the Basque Country and its beautiful landscapes. Don't forget to pay attention to the scenic road that will take you to your destination.
Once you arrive in Bilbao, you will be able to explore its rich history and culture. Visit the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, which is home to some of the most iconic works of art. You can also explore the city's old town and its many churches, squares and traditional Basque buildings.
In Sopelana, you can visit the beautiful beaches and enjoy some of the best surf spots in the Basque Country. You can also take a stroll down the promenade and admire the stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to embark on this amazing road trip adventure!
Sopelana - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Sopelana
- Bermeo
Distance 44 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: slow
10.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Sopelana to Bermeo? This 44 km journey will take you less than two hours, and you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Basque Country. During this trip, you will pass through some winding roads, as well as some narrow sections, so pay attention while driving. Along the way, you will find some interesting places to visit, such as Sopelana Beach, which is a great spot for swimming, surfing and sunbathing. In Bermeo, you can explore the Old Town and admire the traditional Basque architecture. Make sure to also visit the Bermeo Harbour, where you can take in the stunning views of the sea. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Bermeo - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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3
Bermeo
- Mungia
Distance 19 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
4.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Bermeo to Mungia along the scenic Basque coast! This 19 km journey takes less than an hour to complete, and is one of the stages of a larger tour. Along the way, you can visit the lovely fishing town of Bermeo, with its picturesque harbour and historic church, as well as the Urdaibai Bird Centre, a paradise for bird-watchers. Then, you can drive to the medieval town of Mungia, with its well-preserved old town and spectacular views of the Urdaibai estuary. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the local market to get a taste of the local culture and cuisine. For a unique experience, take a boat tour around the estuary and admire its stunning scenery. To find out more about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Mungia - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Biquipedia - Wikipedia
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Mungia
- Bilbao
Distance 16 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: fast
4.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Mungia-Bilbao stage of your road trip! This 16 km stretch is packed with interesting places to explore and will take you less than an hour to drive.
Begin in Mungia, a charming town with a historic center and numerous churches. Don’t miss the Church of San Juan Bautista, a Gothic-style building with a beautiful bell tower. Then, take a stroll through the town’s cobblestone streets and admire the traditional Basque buildings.
Continue on to Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country. Here, you’ll find the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a stunning building designed by Frank Gehry. Admire its titanium curves, and then explore the incredible collection of modern and contemporary art. Other must-see attractions in Bilbao include the Fine Arts Museum, the Cathedral of Santiago, and the Casco Viejo, the city’s old quarter.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Bilbao - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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Bilbao
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Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, is a great destination for a road trip. The city has a unique charm and an interesting history, making it an ideal place to explore. The city is home to some of the world’s most renowned art museums and galleries, including the Guggenheim Museum, as well as beautiful parks and gardens.
During your Bilbao Getaway, you can explore the city’s old town, which is full of narrow streets and colorful buildings. As you wander around, you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants serving traditional Basque cuisine. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore the city’s nightlife, from bars and clubs to live music venues.
If you’re looking for outdoor activities, you can take a stroll along the banks of the Nervion River or explore the trails of the nearby Urkiola Natural Park. You can also take a boat tour of the estuary and visit some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, such as the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and the Palacio de Cristal.
If you’re planning a road trip to Bilbao, the closest international airport is Bilbao Airport (BIO). From here, you can easily reach the city center by car. With its vibrant atmosphere, stunning architecture and unique culture, Bilbao is the perfect destination for an unforgettable road trip.
Bilbao Getaway at a glance
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Start:
Bilbao
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End:
Bilbao
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Distance:
96 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Bilbao Airport (BIO),
Vitoria/Foronda Airport (VIT)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the enchanting Bilbao Getaway, a captivating one-day excursion that spans roughly 96 km (60 miles), initiating and concluding in the vibrant city of Bilbao, Spain. This Road Trip invites travelers to explore the alluring landscapes and quaint towns nestled within the Basque Country, including the coastal beauty of Sopelana, the fishing heritage of Bermeo, and the rural allure of Mungia.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Bilbao: Discover the iconic Guggenheim Museum, renowned for its groundbreaking architecture by Frank Gehry and impressive modern art collections. Stroll through the charming streets of Casco Viejo (Old Town), where the majestic Santiago Cathedral stands as a testament to the city's rich history.
- Sopelana: Unwind on the stunning beaches, which are not only a sanctuary for sun-seekers but also a magnet for surfers due to the excellent wave conditions.
- Bermeo: Dive into the nautical soul of this coastal town, where the Ercilla Tower (Fisherman's Museum) narrates the seafaring tales of yore, and the bustling port offers a glimpse into Bermeo's enduring maritime traditions.
- Mungia: Immerse yourself in the serene countryside and delve into historical treasures that punctuate this rural landscape.
Best Time to Go:
To fully bask in the verdant vistas and engage with the coastal charm, the best time to undertake this journey is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is pleasant and the natural beauty of the region is at its peak.
Potential Risks:
Voyagers should be prepared to maneuver through winding and sometimes narrow Roads that meander through the Basque Country's terrain, demanding attentive driving and navigation skills.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Bilbao is not only a cultural epicenter but also a showcase of urban transformation, with its post-industrial revival epitomized by the Guggenheim Museum.
- The Basque Country's distinct identity is enriched by its unique language, Euskara, one of the oldest languages in Europe, and its world-renowned culinary scene, which includes pintxos and Michelin-starred gastronomy.
- Travelers on this route can indulge in a cost-effective journey that offers a genuine immersion into Basque culture, landscape, and lifestyle.
A good choice for:
The Bilbao Getaway Road Trip is a journey that promises an enriching exploration through the vibrant heart of Basque Country, with a balanced blend of coastal vistas, cultural experiences, and historical intrigue. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or a history buff, this Road Trip offers a slice of Basque life that caters to varied interests.