Top Bilbao Day Trips

If you only have a day to spend in the Bilbao area, this small-group tour to Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Bermeo fits a lot into a day. Fans of “A Game of Thrones” won’t want to miss the hermitage of Gaztelugatxe. Witness the old fishing traditions at Bermeo, and learn about Basque history at Gernika. Admire Picasso’s painting of the same name. Hotel pickup adds convenience to your scenic day.

Soak up spectacular coastal views while discovering the rich history and culture of Spain's Basque coast. Highlights include a walking tour of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, visiting the charming fishing villages of Bermeo and Mundaka, and an insight into the cultural legacy of Gernika-Lumo. Round off the day at Berroja Auzoa winery to taste the region’s signature txakoli varieties.

See several of the most charming areas of the Basque Coast with this day tour from Bilbao. You’ll start with chic Biarritz, once a summer getaway for European royals, followed by a stop at Saint Jean de Luz, a charming coastal town. Then it’s San Sebastian, where you’ll have free time to explore or grab lunch (own expense) in the famous old town, before a walking tour and visit to Mount Igueldo.

Departing from Bilbao or San Sebastián : live an unforgettable day through three of the most iconic destinations in the French Basque Country: Biarritz, Bayonne and San Juan de Luz. A complete excursion combining history, coastal elegance, traditional architecture and local cuisine. We start in Biarritz, a city of aristocratic air and spectacular views of the Atlantic. We will visit places like the Grande Plage, the Casino, the Hotel du Palais and the church of Sainte Eugénie, with free time afterwards to enjoy the surroundings. We will continue to Bayonne, where we will take a guided tour of its historic center, including the City Hall, the church of San Andrés and the Gothic cathedral. Then you will have time to have lunch and explore at your own pace. We close the day in San Juan de Luz, a charming fishing village where we combine a short guided tour with free time to stroll, shop or relax. A complete experience with guidance, transportation and the perfect balance between culture and leisure.

Visit iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, aka the castle rock, during this full-day tour that includes stops in Bermeo and Gernika. Climb the narrow, winding steps connecting this castle built high on a rocky island to the mainland and overlook the sea and stunning landscape. Featured on the HBO show “Game of Thrones”, this tour lets you visit “Dragonstone” in real life.

Experience the seafaring charm and coastal beauty of the Basque Country on a full-day tour from Bilbao. Option 1 •Begin with hotel pick-up in the morning and travel to Hondarribia, a picturesque town with a walled medieval center, colorful fishermen’s houses, and historic squares. •Next, visit Pasaia, exploring the historic port districts of San Pedro and San Juan. •At midday, arrive in San Sebastian for a pintxos tasting in the Old Town, sampling the flavors that make the city famous. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of San Sebastian’s highlights. Option 2 • Walking tour in Hondarribia, a coastal colorful town • Guided visit in San Sebastian, discover its landmarks and Belle Époque architecture. • Free time in San Sebastian for lunch (lunch is not included in this tour option) • Finish the day with a one hour visit in Zarautz

Discover the charm of the French Basque Country on an excursion from Bilbao and San Sebastian. You will cross to France to visit Sare, one of the most beautiful villages, with free time to tour its historic center and church. Continue to Ainhoa, famous for its main street of white houses and traditional atmosphere. The route ends in Espelette, known for its red pepper, where you can have lunch, walk and enjoy its gastronomy. A complete experience between landscapes, culture and traditions, ideal to know some of the most authentic corners of the region in one day.

Discover many of Bilbao’s top landmarks, all in a single excursion—and learn about the different eras of the city’s development—on this small-group walking tour. Pick between morning or afternoon start times, and meet your guide in its scenic Old Town. You’ll see highlights like the Ribera Market, Plaza Nueva, Santiago Cathedral, and more, before discovering modern-day favorites like the Guggenheim and Zubizuri Bridge.

Learn more about Spanish wine on this fun small-group day tour of two wineries near Bilbao. Sample three Rioja wines and enjoy a light pintxos lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options in Laguardia. Walk through the vineyards and learn how wine is made. A fun way to indulge in a glass or three without worrying about driving back to your hotel after.

Explore the Basque Country without having to get bogged down by transportation planning on a full-day excursion from Bilbao. With your guide leading the way so you don't have to navigate, visit grand ecclesiastical structures like the Sanctuary of Loyola; discover the fishing villages that pepper the coastline; and tour San Sebastian, renowned for its gastronomic scene.

Discover the beauty of Cantabria on this enriching day trip from Bilbao. The journey includes a guided visit to Comillas, and a guided tour in the Capricho de Gaudí, showcasing unique architectural brilliance. Enjoy a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Cantabrian Sea and then stroll through the medieval streets of Santillana del Mar, renowned for its well-preserved medieval charm. The tour concludes with a guided exploration of the vibrant city center of Santander, blending history and modernity seamlessly. With a local expert guide and private transport, this day trip promises a comprehensive experience of art, culture, and local gastronomy. - 9-hour guided tour including Comillas, Santillana del Mar, and Santander - Visit the architectural gem, Capricho de Gaudí, with included tickets - Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in Santillana del Mar - Small group tours available, offering a bilingual experience (English + Spanish).

Learn all about traditional pintxos (the Basque version of Spanish tapas) on a guided walking tour of Bilbao's bars. At each stop, sample one or two of these delightful little bar snacks accompanied with a glass of wine, beer, or hard cider. Get an insider's perspective of the ancient part of the city that dates back to 1300. Consider booking this tour at the beginning of your Bilbao vacation so you can return to your favorite hotspots for more pintxo sampling.

See and do a lot in one day on this guided tour of San Sebastian and the Gipuzkoa Coast from Bilbao. Whether you’re on a quick shore excursion or are staying longer in the Bilbao area, this is a handy way of experiencing the highlights. Eat and drink your way around food-favorite San Sebastian, tour Basque fishing villages, and admire the beautiful coastline.

Marvel at the scenic splendor of the Basque Country on a day trip from Bilbao that covers the highlights and helps you cross the border over to France with ease. Wander the winding streets of the city’s Old Quarter to see antique architecture and sink your toes into the silken sands of Biarritz, a sandy stretch declared the ‘Beach of Kings’ due to regular visits by European royalty. Convenient round-trip transportation from your hotel is included on this tour.

This full-day small-group tour from Bilbao runs in English and includes transport throughout Rioja. Visit Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries, known for their wines and architecture, with complete guided tastings. If Ysios is closed, you’ll still visit for photos and enjoy an equivalent tasting at another winery. The tour also includes a stop in the medieval village of Laguardia for a tapas lunch.

Enjoy a dinner to remember—and discover the highlights of Bilbao’s vibrant food scene—during this small-group food tour. Meet your guide in central Bilbao, and be sure to come hungry: you’ll taste the best of the city’s many pintxos (tapas) bars. Try a number of local bites, learn all about what sets the Basque Country’s culinary offerings apart, enjoy drinks with your nibbles, and follow your guide to locals-frequented favorites.

This alternative tour has been created for the people who would like to experience both parts of Bilbao, the Old Medieval Casco Viejo and the New City. In the tour, we will talk about history and architecture, but mainly we will visit a lot of very old shops and restaurants, most of them not touristic at all, the places where the local people prefer for their everyday needs. Within some five hours , or a little bit more, depending on the breaks, we'll follow the local people in their everyday life in Bilbao. We'll visit some of the most iconic and beautiful local places in the Ensanche (Modern Part) of Bilbao and we'll finish our tour outside the Guggenheim Museum.

This day tour allows you to enjoy a unique experience to discover La Rioja and its wineries and taste high quality wines. Departure directly to Haro, capital of Rioja Wine. There, we will visit CVNE, a centenary winery. We will take a guided tour of its essential spaces, including the barrel room designed by the legendary architect Gustave Eiffel and the underground cellars including tasting. We will then go on a guided walking tour of the historic centre of Haro. We will continue to Laguardia, where will start a walk through through its picturesque narrow streets and then take guided tour of a small traditional winery. After the visit, free time for lunch (not included). Before returning to Bilbao, we will pass through Elciego to discover the Marqués de Riscal building, an outstanding example of modern architecture.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is one of Spain’s crown jewels of art and architecture. Zip past the line and see the highlights of this iconic building and its collection of modern and contemporary art in just hours with this guided tour. Learn about why Bilbao was chosen as the location for this important museum and interesting facts about its construction, plus admire works by some of the world’s top artists.

Book this tour for a dose of nature followed by a regional gastronomic treat. You’ll have both a hike in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a chance to do some exploring of fishing villages and the local area, and then sit down, or stand up, while enjoying a delicious pintxos lunch with drinks.

The day starts at Gaztelugatxe, where visitors can enjoy a stunning walk to the hermitage located on an islet, accessible via a bridge and a steep staircase of 231 steps. The views of the Bay of Biscay and the Basque coastline are spectacular, and the area is famous for its appearance in the "Game of Thrones" series. Next, the excursion continues to Bermeo, a charming coastal town known for its fishing port, old town, and excellent seafood cuisine. It's an ideal place to stroll and discover the region’s maritime traditions. There we will have free time for lunch. Finally, the visit takes you to Gernika, a town rich in history, famous for being the place where the laws of Bizkaia were signed. At the Casa de Juntas, visitors can learn about the Basque Country's historic rights, and the Tree of Gernika serves as a symbol of freedom and unity for the Basques. This excursion offers the perfect blend of natural landscapes, history, and Basque culture.

Book this private, guided tour of the Bilbao coast to explore San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika-Lumo, and much more. Your guide will tell you stories of the history and people of this region that you couldnt’ get from a guidebook. This tour is private, so that means no sharing with others or sticking to a fixed group itinerary.

The ultimate gastronomy experience, this small-group tasting and sightseeing tour takes you to some of Rioja’s finest food and drink establishments. Visit a traditional winery to learn about the region's classic styles, and tour a second winery to experience Rioja's more modern winemaking. This full-day tour also include a picnic lunch and a walk through the medieval fortified city of Laguardia.