Category Archives: Beach, mountain and nature

Visiting the best beaches of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands)

February 24, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Canary Islands / Islas Canarias, Tours and GuidesJorge

In this article we are going to talk about the best beaches to go in Gran Canaria, the third biggest island of the Canary Islands with 1500 square kilometers (the biggest one is Tenerife with 2000 square kilometers and then Fuerteventura with 1600km^2).

The Canary Islands: A Tropical Paradise

The Canary Islands (Islas Canarias) are a group of Spanish islands located in the west coast of Africa, at the south of the Iberian Peninsula. They are composed by these seven islands: Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Lanzarote, El Hierro and La Gomera.

The tropical weather of the Canary Islands, its beaches and nature make them a holiday paradise where tourists from all over the world (but mainly from Europe) go there to rest in all seasons of the year.

Gran Canaria island

Gran Canaria is not a conventional island: Its geography and its proximity to Africa creates a strange climate where, while in the north of the island (where is located Las Palmas city) the climate varies between 30 ºC in summer and 15 ºC in winter, in the south (where is located Maspalomas, Puerto Rico and Mogán) the climate is always warm, which means that visitors can sunbathe or go swimming during the four seasons of the year.

Maspalomas zone

At the the south of Gran Canaria is located Maspalomas town, the most touristic zone of the island. It is completely focused on the visitors, with a lot of hotels, apartments, restaurants and amenities.

Among the activities that you can do there, there are the following: sunbathe, swimming, surfing, rent a boat or canoe… Other activities that you can do in the island is to go underwater on submarine, to dive, to visit the attraction parks or to visit the mountains in the central part of the island.

Playa del Inglés (The English’ beach)

In Maspalomas, you have to visit Playa del Inglés: This beach is the biggest beach of the island and has a perfect climate (between 20 and 30ºC) all the year. This beach is located at the south of the island and has a huge extension of sand which is always full of people.

Also the beach has a nudist area and a gay zone, but it’s only in a small part of the beach.

Other beaches in the south-east of the island are the next ones: San Agustín Beach, Pozo Izquierdo beach, Arinaga beach (at Vecindario town) and Vargas beach (at Ingenio town).

Las Dunas de Maspalomas (The dunes)

Between El Inglés beach and the lighthouse of Maspalomas, you will see this wide zone of dunes. By climbing them, you will be able to see all the coast of Playa del Inglés.

On the other side of the dunes, there are placed Maspalomas beach and Meloneras beach.

Puerto Rico (the Spanish seaside village)

Puerto Rico town (don’t mistake with the south American Puerto Rico country) is another touristic zone in the south of Gran Canaria in where you can enjoy its beach and its landscape.

It is located not far away from Maspalomas, in a sheer zone which has forced its citizens to build their houses in the mountain slopes, creating an impressive perspective.

Puerto de Mogán (Mogan Port)

Mogan is another town in the south of the island. In its port you will see the Seaport and more beaches as Mogán, Taurito and Veneguera. Besides, in Puerto de Mogán there is a restaurant zone is its promenade, ideal if you want to eat something while seeing the sea.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (The capital city of the islands)

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital city of the Canary Islands. With almost 400,000 inhabitants this is the biggest city of the islands.

As Las Palmas is in the north of the island, the climate is colder in winter, however this city has a lot of activity, especially for young people who will find a lot of discotheques, Erasmus people and many more.

The main beach of the city is called Playa de las Canteras (The quarry beach)

The Port of Agaete

Finally, Agaete is a seaside village located in the north-west of the island, famous for having a rock formation called El dedo de Dios (El Roque Partido). In Agaete you will find the beach Playa de las Nieves.

More places to visit in the island

There are many more towns in the north and in the center of Gran Canaria (Arucas, Firgas, Moya, Galdar, Punta de Sardina, Teror, Valleseco…), but they are less touristic than the south ones. Also, in the centre of the island there are some interesting areas to do excursions through it mountains, as the famous Roque Nublo or some towns as Santa Lucía, Tejeda or San Baetolomé de Tinaja.

– Nature and inland towns to visit in Gran Canaria: Check here more touristic places to visit in Gran Canaria!

– Gastronomy and typical food: Our post with the typical food of the Canary Islands.

A Coruña: What to visit in La Coruña city (Galicia)

February 9, 2014A coruña, Beach, mountain and nature, Tours and GuidesManu

Situated on the north-west coast of Spain (Galicia) between the sheltered inlet of the Cantabrian Sea (Ría da Coruña, Rías Altas ) and the Atlantic Ocean, its history goes back to the prehistoric Celtic times (Celtas), A Coruña (La Coruña) city covers the Coruña Peninsula and its isthmus. Moreover, the city has also been expanded and widened toward the mainland for years. In fact, with a population of about 250,000 it is one of the largest and most important cities in Galicia region.

A Coruña is not only popular with the tourists because its lighthouse, its new Outer Port (Puerto Exterior), its Inner Port (Puerto Interior), its tasty seafood, its great beaches but also its architecture, its museums, its parks, and above all, its promenade (Paseo Marítimo) which is 10 km. in length. Evidently, A Coruña has a lot of to offer visitors in the way of entertainment.

What to visit in A Coruña

Taking a walk along the promenade (Paseo Maritimo) from east to north, on the right, people can see several cruise ships, many boats on the historic Inner Port of A Coruña on the Cantabrian Sea Ría da Coruña) and Sant Antón castle dates from 17th century to east of the isthmus. This important port welcomes tourists who arrive in A Coruña by sea. On the left some interesting buildings, parks and the renowned solana ( galleries or balconies of the buildings are closed with glasses or their facades cover in glasses ) from 19th century. In this area, the tourists can enjoy the old city strolling through its streets, they will find the landmark María Pita square, where is the City Hall a beautiful building from 18th century, in this area are some of the main restaurants and bares of the city; Saint George (San Jorge) church nearby; the San Agustin market; Romanesque Santa María del Campo church about 14th century; Santiago church the oldest Romanesque bulding in A Coruña dates from 12th century. Following the walk visitors will come across some interesting buildings and several of the most lively and traditional places to have a drink and tapas.

Crossing the isthmus people will arrive at the west of A Coruña peninsula where are the sandy beaches of Riazor and Orzan which are washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Being a popular tourist destination, A Coruña has a wide range of sport activities from diving, surf, sailing, windsurf, fishing to multiple activities for all the family. The large and clean beaches and seafood are the main attraction for tourists in A Coruña. By the way, it is said that in A Coruña often rains, However the rain does not last long. It is only a shower

Going on holiday to A Coruña is a unique experience of enjoying its fresh seafood and the famous tapas. Do not miss out tasting its traditional seafood. However, people should not leave A Coruña without spending some hours wandering about its city center, meeting people, having a drink, at the cafés or pubs, the city really comes alive during the night.

Tower of Hércules

The lighthouse called the Tower of Hércules, which was built in the 2nd century when Trajan was Roman Emperor (53-117) and restored and covered in Neoclassical style in the 18th century, is the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world that is still working. Being the most remarkable building of A Coruña, the Hércules Tower is sited on a hill to 57 meters over sea level and about 49 meters in height, in a strategic point to the north of the A Coruña Peninsula by Artabro Gulf. Therefore, this lighthouse was declared a World Heritage site on the 27th June 2009 by UNESCO.

Nowadays, the Roman remains of the tower can be seen inside the lighthouse which were not covered during its restoration. Besides, if visitors have plenty of time, they will enjoy climbing the 232 steps to get the overlook from where they can see a breathtaking view of the city and surroundings. Before leaving this area visitors should take a look around, the Sculpture Park, an open air museum at the Tower of Hércules, the Wind Rose and the Aquarium Finisterrae are nearby.

The ticket to visit the Tower costs between 1,50 and 3 euros although on Mondays are free.

Outer Port

Today, its new Outer Port (Puerto Exterior) of A Coruña, which is a way of opportunities for the future of A Coruña, is being constructed on a strategic location in Punta Langosteira, Atlantic Ocean. It will give A Coruña opportunities for business and industrial investment. It is to 10 km. away from Coruña City to the west of A Coruña..

More places to visit near A Coruña (Galicia)

– Santiago de Compostela: Read here our favorite places to visit in Santiago de Compostela.

– Asturias and The Basque Country: Two of the greenest regions of the country. Besides, in there you will find some of the best gastronomy of the Iberian Peninsula.

– The best cities to visit in Spain: Looking for traveling to another city? Check here the most visited destinations of Spain.

La Pineda: A seaside town in Catalonia with beaches, sun and lots of fun (Gold Coast)

February 7, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, TarragonaJorge

With only 3,000 inhabitants, La Pineda (Vila-Seca) is a small town located in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula, at Tarragona Province (Catalonia). However, it has to offer some peculiarities which become La Pineda a great place to go on holidays: Its wide beaches, its attractions parks and its night life will amuse all people, from families, young people, older people and everyone else.

Also, La Pineda is only 1km away from Salou, which means that people can go from La Pineda to Salou by foot in only 30minutes aprox. (or you also can go by public bus 🙂 ).

The Gold Coast

La Pineda is located in the Gold Coast (Costa Dorada). This coast is famous for its beaches and its golden and soft sand, its warm average temperature both in summer and in winter, and its clear sea-water.

The promenade of La Pineda measures more than 2 kilometres in length (one of the longest of Catalonia), so there is enough space to rest in the beach, take sunbathes and swim without crowds.

What to do La Pineda: Attractions parks, Water Parks, Golf Courses and more

La Pineda VilaSeca has some great installations in its surroundings to practice any king of activities: water-parks, attractions, golf courses…

Here are some of them:

– Aquopolis (Water Park): Located in the center of the town, by visiting Aquopolis you will enjoy a huge variety of water attractions and swimming pools. Aquopolis is the perfect place to stay in a hot summer day enjoying their aquatic attractions and their giant swimming pools.

– Port Aventura (Attractions Park): The older and most famous amusement park in Spain. In there you will enjoy many impressive attractions as Dragon Khan roller coaster and a lot of live spectacles. It also has an independent water park. You can go to Port Aventura by car or by bus from La Pineda and from Salou.

– Golf Courses: If you enjoy practicing golf, you can find some Golf Courses near La Pineda, as Lumine Golf.

Nightlife in La Pineda

Pacha La Pineda is the main discotheque of the zone. It was founded in 1985 and nowadays is considered as an icon in the Golden Coast. During all the summer lots of people come there every night to Pacha to enjoy its thematic parties and DJ’s.

Besides, La Pineda has many more places to visit during the night, as the terraces or pubs located in the town. Also, if you want more fun you can take a bus to Salou, which is always overcrowded of young people.

More places to visit on holidays

– Salou: Salou is a reference for the holydays of Spring and Summer in Spain. Furthermore, the profile of the people who visit the town is highly various: Since families with children, couples, and young people.

– Barcelona: Read here the best places to visit in the main city of Catalonia.

– Castelldefels: Castelldefels is located on the Mediterranean Sea coast of Catalonia, just to 18 km away from Barcelona city.

– Sitges: Sitges is also known for its Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, the Barcelona-Sitges Vintage Car Rallys and its Carnival Celebration.

– Top destinations in Spain: Check here the most touristic cities of Spain, as Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Valencia or Bilbao.

Gijón: What to visit in Gijón city (Asturias)

January 27, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Gastronomy, Gijón, Tours and Guidesbestplaces

Gijón (or Xixón) is the biggest city of Asturias region, and the most touristic one. With near 300,000 inhabitants, Gijón is a nice seaside city which invites all its visitors to enjoy its beaches, its gastronomy and its way of life.

In this article we are going to talk about the best places to see when visiting Gijón: beaches, monuments, restaurants and many more. For doing that, we will suggest three routes through the city, with the main sites and the recommendations of their citizens (thanks Tania!)

Route one: San Lorenzo beach (Playa de San Lorenzo), Cimadevilla and West Beach (Playa de Poniente)

San Lorenzo beach is probably the most famous beach of Gijón. It is located from Isabel la Católica Park, through Ezcudia Avenue to San Pedro Church.

In this area, close to San Pedro Church, you will also find the ruins of the Roman Baths (Termas romana de Campo Baldés) and the Jovellanos museum (Casa natal de Jovellanos). In the Roman Baths museum are exposed the ruins of this public baths: The first ruins were discovered in 1903 but they haven’t been fully explored and the museum wasn’t inaugurated until the end on the 20th century. On the other hand, in Jovellanos museum you will visit the 15th century birthplace of Jovellanos family (a famous Spanish writer and politician).

Once passed San Pedro Church beach, you can walk uphill to Cimadevilla neighborhood, where it’s placed Santa Catalina Park (Parque del cerro de Santa Catalina) and one of the icons of the city: the “Elogio del horizonte” monument. This construction was designed by sculptor Eduardo Chillida and built in 1990. Near this zone you also can visit Plaza Mayor of Gijón.

From this point of Santa Catalina Park, you will be able to see on the horizon the Cantabran and Gijón coasts (on one side San Lorenzo beach and on the other one The Port and El Musel).

For finishing the route, you can walk downhill to the other side of the city, where it’s placed the Port of Gijón, the famous red structure with the name of the city (Las Letronas), Revillagigedo Palace (Palacio de Revillagigedo) and the West Beach (Playa de Poniente).

Route two: Visiting the City centre

For visiting the centre of Gijón, a good start point is Begoña Street (Paseo Begoña) and Covadonga Street, in where you will find Jovellanos Theather and San Lorenzo Parish.

Another popular site is Jovellanos Square (Plaza del Instituto Jovellanos), popularly known as Plaza del Parchís. This is one of the meeting points of the city. Also, in this square is located the Municipal Library.

Route three: The view point of La Providencia

If you have enough time, you can go to La Providencia by foot. The walk from Gijón city to La Providencia could last around one hour from San Lorenzo beach (stair 17). During this walk, at first you will reach the “Juana la Lloca” monument, In memory of the fishers who were disappeared in the sea. Then, once passed the beach, there is placed La Providencia, a boat-shaped view point from where you will be able to enjoy one of the best view of Gijón.

Gastronomy: Eating in Gijón

Asturias is famous for its nature and for its gastronomy. For discovering Asturias nature you can look for routes in its villages and mountains. For tasting the Asturian food you can eat at some of the traditional restaurants of Gijón as the following ones.

Two examples of traditional restaurants of Gijón:

– El Otro Mayu (Sanz Crespo Street, number 15): An ideal option to taste the traditional food of Asturias.
– El Trasgu Farton (Luanco Street, number 16): Another option, in where you will be able to eat for a cheap price (around 10 euros per person).

More places to visit in Asturias

– Oviedo: With 225,000 inhabitants, Oviedo is the capital city of Asturias. If you want to visit it, Gijón is only 28 km away of Oviedo.

– Cudillero, Lastres and Llanes: These three seaside towns are highly popular among the tourists. If you have enough time, don’t miss them!

– Covadonga: In the Covadonga Sanctuary it’s placed the famous cave with Don Pelayo tomb and the statue of Lady of Covadonga. Close to the cave, there is located San Pedro Monastery and the Basilica of Santa María la Real of Covadonga.

– Routes in the nature: For discovering the “green Asturias” a recommended option is to plan a route on foot through the nature. For doing that you can start by trying this two routes: Ruta de las Xanas and Ruta del Cares.

Tarifa: What to see in the most southerly town of Europe (Andalusia)

January 21, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Cádiz, Tours and GuidesJorge

Tarifa is the most southerly town of Spain (without counting Ceuta, Melilla nor Canary Islands) and Continental Europe. It is located in Cadiz Province, Andalusia region. Tarifa is 100km away from Cadiz city, 200km away from Seville and 160 km away from Malaga.

With around 20,000 inhabitants, currently Tarifa is a touristic small city, famous for its beaches, its castle, but above all because of the coast of the city from where you can reach the Strait of Gibraltar and see Africa, or cross it by boat.

What to visit in Tarifa (Andalusia)

Among the tourists, in summer Tarifa is well known for its beaches, in where you can practice aquatic sports as surf. However, if you are visiting Tarifa, don’t miss seeing these popular places about what we will talk now:

– Baelo Claudia Roman city.
– Guzman el Bueno’s Castle (Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno).
– Pigeons’ Island (Isla de las Palomas).
– The Strait of Gibraltar (Estrecho de Gibraltar).
– The Port of Tarifa.
– And of course the beaches, the sea and the Andalusian Gastronomy.

Other important sites are Puerta de Jerez (Jerez Gate), Sancho IV Monument and San Mateo Church.

Baelo Claudia: The ruins of a Roman city

The history of Tarifa began a lot of time ago, in the prehistory. From these times still remain some places, as the Albarbes necropolis or The Moorish Cave (La Cueva del Moro). However, the most important rests are in “Baelo Claudia”, a roman city which were founded in the third century B.C. and developed the next centuries, and whose ruins can been visited nowadays.

Guzman el Bueno’s Castle (Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno)

This castle is located in the south of the city, in the top of a hill, bordering the sea. It is said that it was built in the 10th century by Abderramán III. Some years later, in 1292, Tarifa was conquered by the Christians, commanded by Sancho IV.

Because of its strategic location, the castle was military point for many centuries. During this time it was improved and reconstructed many times.

Nowadays the castle is open to visitors. To visit the whole complex can last about 40 minutes. We recommend to visit it, and don’t miss your photos camera: From the towers of the castle you will see an amazing view of the Port , the sea and the Strait of Gibraltar.

Pigeons’ Island (Isla de las Palomas) and The Strait of Gibraltar (Estrecho de Gibraltar)

The Strait of Gibraltar is the piece of sea which separates Spain (Europe) and Morocco (Africa). It also separates the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. In its narrower point the strait measures 14 km, and it is one of the most transited sites of the world.

Pigeons’ Island (La Isla de las Palomas) is a small island located inside the Strait. Nowadays you can arrive at the island by foot following a path from the city. In the island you will find a 12th century fortress, which at first was a small military base, but which have been extended since then until the 20th century covered most of the island.

You can visit Pigeons’ Island for free. It is the officially the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula and of the continent of Europe. Also, from there you can see in the clear days the north of Africa.

The Port of Tarifa

The Port of Tarifa is the closest port near Europe and Africa. It can be seen from Guzman el Bueno’s Castle and also from Pigeons’ Island.

From this small port you can cross the The Strait of Gibraltar by boat and arrive in Tangier (Morocco).

Other places to visit in Andalusia and Spain

– Andalusia: Check here all our articles about this wonderful region of Spain.

Popular cities in Andalusia: Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada.

– The best places to visit in Spain: Read our post with the most popular places to visit.

Ainsa: A millenary town in the center of the Pyrenees

January 3, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Huesca, The Pyrenees, Tours and GuidesJorge

Ainsa (or L’Aínsa) is an historic town located in the Aragonese Pyrenees (Huesca province). It is placed in the Sobrarbe district, at the joining of the Cinca and Ara rivers, and near to The Ordesa and Monte Perdido Natural Park.

With almost 2300 inhabitants, nowadays Ainsa is a touristic village in where many people who enjoy being in nature can visit its old centre and its castle, try the gastronomy of the Pyrenees towns and observe its astonishing landscape. Also, it’s very common to travel to The Pyrenees (Los Pirineos) to make excursions in Summer, play sports, climb mountains, camp or to ski in Winter.

The old town of Ainsa

The old town of Ainsa is located uptown the village.

It is all stone made, with a lot of narrow streets and slopes. In this zone you will find the historic monuments of Ainsa (the church, the castle, the main square, many traditional houses…), some view points, restaurants and touristic shops with traditional food and gifts of Sobrarbe.

The view points

Ainsa surely has some of the most impressive balconies of the Pyrenees. From them can be seen Cinca River and Ara River, which joins just near the village.

Also can be seen the mountains and hills that surround the town, as the famous Peña Montañesa.

Santa Maria Church and the Main Square

St. Mary Church (Iglesia de Santa Maria) is a Roman church built between the 11th and 12th centuries. From its tower, the people who ascend it can discover a view of the whole village.

Beside the church is located the Main Square, where is the city hall, and from where can be seen the castle.

Ainsa’s castle

Located in the historic centre of Ainsa, this castle is dated from the eleventh century.

Nowadays from its ruins (the entrance is for free), at the top of Ainsa, you can see the whole area: The town, the Cinca and Ara rivers and the astonishing mountains that surround Ainsa. It also has an eco-museum (Eco Museo).

Ordesa and Monte Perdido Natural Park (Valle de Ordesa)

This natural park is one of the preferred natural parks chosen by the Spaniards to make excursions and enjoy the nature. Its routes through the mountains offers a wide variety of experiences for all ages. Its highest mountain is Monte Perdido (3,350 metres).

In summer, many people camp in the Pyrenees for discovering its mountains, rivers and lakes, and for practicing sports in this environment.

Skiing in the Pyrenees

In winter, the Pyrenees ski stations are some of the most frequented places of Spain to ski (with Sierra Nevada at the south of the county). The Pyrenees can be separated in five zones depending on what region are located: Aragon, Catalonia, Navarra, France and Andorra.

The main sky stations of the Aragonese Pyrenees are these ones: Panticosa, Formigal, Candanchú, Cerler, Astún, Javalambre and Valderinares.

More Places to visit near Ainsa

– Boltaña: This town is placed only 6 km away from Ainsa. It is also an ancient village with a traditional Old Town and a castle in the top of a hill from where can be seen a very beautiful landscape.

– Jaca: This is the biggest city in the Aragonese Pyrenees. In Summer is always plenty of activity and people who want to camp, make excursions on the area or simply rest. In winter, Jaca is one of the capital cities of the ski sport.

– Aragon Region: Check here all our post about what to visit in Aragon.

Sierra Nevada: Skiing and hiking near Granada

December 24, 2013Beach, mountain and nature, GranadaJorge

Sierra Nevada is a mountain massif located in the south of Spain, more specifically in Andalusia, between Almeria and Granada.

In there, there is located The National Park of Sierra Nevada and the Sierra Nevada Ski station. These two places offer a lot of activities for the people who visit it, from skiing and snowboarding in winter, to hiking, to make excursions, cycling or para-gliding the whole year.

The National Park of Sierra Nevada

Inside the mountain massif it’s placed the National Park of Sierra Nevada (Parque nacional de Sierra Nevada). Declared a national park in year 1999, it covers an area bigger than 85000 hectares.

The park has more than twenty peaks over 3000 meters high. From all of them, Mulhacen is the highest peak, with 3480 meters high.

The Ski Station

The Ski Station of Sierra Nevada (Sierra Nevada, Estación de Esquí y Montaña de Andalucía) is the highest ski station of Spain and one of the biggest ones (only comparable with The Pyrenees, in Catalonia, Aragon and Navarra). Besides, its location in the south of the country, near the sea, creates a softer weather and its height propitiates to have high quality snow.

Every winter thousands of people from the south and the center of Spain, and also from outside, go skiing and snowboarding. One day skiing can cost from 40 to 65€ per person (depending if you have your own equipment, if you park the car in a parking or if you want to eat in its restaurants).

To arrive at the Sierra Nevada ski station, you can go by bus or by car from Granada city. The station is 31 away of the city. Another option is to take a bus (called Bus Blanco) from Madrid.

Map: Sierra Nevada Ski tracks

Here you have a map of the Ski Station:

The main entrance is at Pradollano (2100 meters), then a chairlift will you take you to Borreguiles. The highest ski tracks of the station are placed at Veleta peak (3400 meters).

More places to visit near Sierra Nevada

– La Alhambra (Granada): It is said that “There is nothing sadder in the world than being blind in Granada,” because one blind cannot see the wonderful sunset staring at the Alhambra from the Albaicín, and enjoy its extraordinary architecture, therefore, a must for tourists who visit Spain is to spend several days in Granada and visit The Alhambra which is one of the most visited monuments in Spain.

– Andalusia: Check here all our articles about this wonderful region of Spain.

Getxo: Sea and beach near Bilbao

December 18, 2013Beach, mountain and nature, BilbaoJorge

Getxo (or Guecho) is a town of 80.000 inhabitants located 30 minutes away from Bilbao city. The location of the town in the Nervion river mouth, its beaches, its maritime port and its landscape, have turned Getxo in one of the most tourist places of the region in the last century.

To arrive at Getxo from Bilbao, get on the metro Line 1 to Neguri, Aiboa, Algorta or Bidezabal metro stations. The trip from the centre of Bilbao city to Getxo will take almost 30 minutes.

The beaches and the sea in Getxo

The sea and the beaches are the tourist main attraction of Getxo. Its beaches (Las Arenas, Ereaga, Arrigunaga, Azkorri-Gorrondatxe and Barinatxe) can be classified in two groups: The ones which are closest to the open sea –with rougher sea- and the beaches protected by the port, -with calmer sea-.

To arrive at the beaches, get off at Bidezabal metro station or at Algorta.

The maritime port

The maritime port of Getxo has areas for any kind of boats, also cruisers.

Besides, there is a maritime club where people can sail, go canoing, etc..

Commercial zones and gastronomy

The commercial zones of Getxo are in Algorta neighborhood and the surroundings of the maritime port.

As we have told in other posts, remember that the Basque Country is one of the regions of Spain with best culinary culture. There are many bars and restaurants everywhere with a lot of variety food, above all “tapas” and fish.

Portugalete, Santurtzi and the estuary of the Nervion River

At the other bank of the estuary of the Nervion River, there are placed the towns Portugalete and Santurtzi. These towns are less tourist than Getxo, with more industrial areas. Anyway, both of them have also their attraction for people who want to discover new places.

There is only one way to cross the estuary from Getxo-Leioa to Portugalete-Santurtzi: the Vizcaya Bridge (Puente colgante de Vizcaya), which was declared World Heritage in 2006 by UNESCO. This suspension bridge was constructed between 1887 and 1893 and was the first of its class in the world.

Metro Map of Bilbao and Getxo

Below you have a metro and train map of Bilbao, Getxo (Guecho), Leioa (Lejona), Portugalete, Santurtzi (Santurce) and its surroundings:

More places to visit near Getxo

– The Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao): Museo Guggenheim is a contemporary art center placed in Bilbao, in the Basque Country. The museum was inaugurated in 1997 and since then, it has become one of the most popular museums of Spain and Europe because its original and transgressive design.

– The Old Town of Bilbao: This is a zone of ancient buildings, narrow streets and squares in the centre of Bilbao. This zone is popular among citizens and tourists because its gastronomy, atmosphere and for its churches and traditional buildings.