Urdaibai is the biosphere reserve that surrounds the Gernika estuary all the way to the sea. In a single day you get history, fishing villages and one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Bizkaia. By public transport you have to combine train and bus; by taxi, we link it all together with no waiting.
The order that works best
- Gernika. The Assembly House (Casa de Juntas), where the General Assembly of Bizkaia meets, and the Tree of Gernika. The Peace Museum tells the story of the 1937 bombing. There's a market on Mondays.
- The estuary. We follow the shore down towards the sea, with the marshes on one side. If you like birds, there are viewpoints along the way.
- Mundaka. A fishing village at the mouth of the estuary, famous among surfers for its left-hand wave. The harbour and the church of Santa María, overlooking the sea, are the spot for photos.
- Bermeo. The coast's big fishing port. A stroll around the old harbour and a fish lunch.
From Bermeo, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is just around the corner. If you want to go down, remember that on some days you need to book access.
How much it costs
- 5-hour return trip from Bilbao: €140 per car. Includes a stop in Gernika if you want to see the Tree.
- One way to Mundaka, from central Bilbao: on weekdays.
- One way to Gernika: .
How long it takes
Gernika is about from central Bilbao. From Gernika to Mundaka and Bermeo it's just a few more minutes along the estuary road.
If you love nature
Very close to Gernika is the Forest of Oma, Ibarrola's painted forest. It needs booking and about three hours on foot, so it's best to give it a day of its own or a whole morning.
