Looking for the best ideas for road trips from Bilbao? If you are heading to the capital of the Basque Country by plane or train, this article covers some of the most beautiful getaways to enjoy the north of Spain.
Gernika and the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve are two of the essential destinations when it comes to Basque culture and nature. If you also want your trips to have a little bit of everything (history, culture, nature, beaches, gastronomy), these two spots are ideal.
In just 21 miles of road, taking you less than 40 minutes, you will switch from the the city of Bilbaoto a rural environment with a certain seafaring flair, where time seems to pass much slower, without the hustle and bustle of the big cities and with corners that explain the history of the Basque Country in great detail.
First stop of your road trip from Bilbao
The trip from Bilbao to Gernika won't take long, but it offers so much history that you will recognise it immediately. It is one of the most important places in Basque history, as it was bombed in 1937 during the Civil War and inspired the famous Picasso painting.
Here are all the must-see places on this road trip from Bilbao to Gernika:
- Begin at the Casa de Juntas and the Tree of Gernika, symbols of Basque democracy and self-government. In fact, a stroll around here will help you to understand the Basque institutions and their strong roots.
- Learn more about the bombing and the message of reconciliation that the city has conveyed ever since at the Peace Museum.
- Walk through the central streets, visit the squares, sit in one of its bars, try all the pintxos you can and the traditional talo (corn cakes).
- The Monday market is one of the oldest in the Basque Country, and here you will find local products sold by local farmers and artisans.
Continue on to the Urdaibai Reserve
After Gernika, continue your road trip from Bilbao to Urdaibai, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1984. Just a 10-minute drive will take you to a protected landscape of marshes, beaches and green mountains. It is one of the most beautiful places in northern Spain.
The Urdaibai Bird Center is a must for nature lovers. It is an ornithological observatory where you can watch migratory birds that use this wetland as a resting point.
And from here, you can visit some of the small towns in the reserve, such as Mundaka - known around the world for its famous left wave, one of the best spots for surfing in Europe - or Elantxobe, a village that 'hangs' from the side of a mountain overlooking the Bay of Biscay.
Must-see beaches and landscapes on your route
Your road trip from Bilbao has to include a stop at the beaches of Urdaibai, no matter the time of year. Take note of the best ones to visit:
- Playa de Laida: one of the widest and perfect for walking or water sports, such as kayaking or paddle surfing.
- Playa de Laga: a few minutes away the one above, wilder, surrounded by mountains and perfect for surfers.
By embarking on this road trip, you can head up to the viewpoints and make as many stops as you want. For example, from San Pedro de Atxarre you can see the entire Mundaka estuary and the marshes in all its splendour. You have to take a short walk to get there, but the views are more than worth the effort.
And, of course, in any of the villages in this area, you will find restaurants to enjoy the best seafood, fresh fish and the most original pintxos. You can even enjoy sea views as you eat, if you can find the right restaurant.
Culture and nature in one getaway
A road trip from Bilbao to Gernika and Urdaibai is the perfect combination if you want a trip with a little bit of everything. The best part is that, since it is so close to the capital, you can come and go in one day, although you can always extend your getaway and stay overnight in the town of your choice.
You will return to Bilbao with the feeling of having explored the lesser-known side of the Basque Country, one that is more peaceful and connected to history and nature.
Just rent a car at Bilbao Airport with OK Mobility and start discovering all the charms of northern Spain. Gernika and Urdaibai are essential stops, but the Basque Country is full of charming destiantions.
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