Bilbao is at the centre of it all: in just over an hour you can reach the coast, the mountains, vineyards and two other capitals. These are the day trips we're asked for most, with the taxi price and journey time from central Bilbao.
1. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
The hermitage on its islet, with its stone steps. On some days you need to book access, which is free. Trip with waiting time: €120. It's all explained in Gaztelugatxe by taxi.
2. San Sebastián (Donostia)
La Concha, the Old Town and pintxos. About each way. Full day: €290. More in Bilbao to San Sebastián by taxi.
3. Urdaibai: Gernika, Mundaka and Bermeo
History, an estuary and fishing villages in a single day. 5-hour trip: €140. The order we recommend is in Urdaibai by taxi.
4. The Forest of Oma
Ibarrola's painted forest, with booking required and about a 50-minute walk from Santimamiñe. One way: . We explain how to fit the times together in the Forest of Oma from Bilbao.
5. Vitoria-Gasteiz
The Basque capital, with its Medieval Quarter and its ring of parks. 6-hour trip: €210. Prices and a plan in Bilbao to Vitoria by taxi.
6. Rioja Alavesa
Laguardia, vineyards and wineries, with nobody having to drive. Full day: €260. More in Rioja Alavesa by taxi.
7. Getxo and the Bizkaia Bridge
The world's oldest transporter bridge, opened in 1893 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can cross in the gondola or walk across the top. Next to it are the promenade of grand Neguri mansions and Algorta's Old Port. Getxo is from central Bilbao.
8. Castro Urdiales
Just over the border in Cantabria, about away: the church of Santa María, the castle above the harbour, and great fish. One way: . If you want to go further, Santander is a good hour away.
Trip with waiting time, or two separate journeys
On fixed-price day trips, we wait for as long as the plan lasts and come back together. If you're spending many hours in one place, like the Forest of Oma or a day at the beach, it usually works out better to book the outbound and return journeys separately.
