Best Hiking Areas Around Bilbao

Bilbao, Spain’s Basque Country’s largest city, is not just known for the Guggenheim Museum but also for its beautiful natural surroundings. If you’re looking to explore some of the best hiking areas around Bilbao, here are some recommendations:

1. Mount Artxanda (Artxanda Berri)

Located just a few minutes from downtown Bilbao, this is an easy and popular hike for both locals and tourists. The trail offers beautiful panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset. The summit houses a restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Basque cuisine after your hike.

2. Urkiola Natural Park (Parkea Naturalea Urkiola)

Urkiola Natural Park is one of the largest and most beautiful protected areas in the Basque Country. With its lush green landscapes, clear streams, and rugged mountains, it offers numerous hiking trails suitable for all levels. Some popular trails include the trail to the summit of Gorbeia (2,784 m) and the trail to the Santimamiñe cave.

3. Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park (Parkea Naturalea Aizkorri-Aratz)

Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park is another stunning protected area located just an hour from Bilbao. The highlight of the park is Mount Aizkorri, which stands at 1,551 meters and offers a challenging hike with breathtaking views from the summit. Other trails in the park include the trail to the Sanctuary of Arrate and the trail to the Txindoki waterfall.

4. Atxondo-Urkiola Circuit (Zeruko Hiru Atxondo-Urkiola)

This circuit is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes you through beautiful forests, meadows, and along clear streams. The trail starts in the village of Atxondo and passes by the Santimamiñe cave before ending in Urkiola Natural Park. The entire circuit is approximately 15 kilometers long and takes about 6-7 hours to complete.

5. Oiz Mountains (Txikiena, Gorbeia y Urbia)

The Oiz Mountains are a group of three peaks located just a few minutes from the town of Morga. The trails in this area offer stunning views of the Basque countryside and are suitable for all levels. The most popular trail is the one that takes you to the summit of Txikiena (1,327 m), which offers panoramic views of Bilbao and the surrounding mountains.

Whether you’re looking for a quick city hike or a challenging multi-day trek, Bilbao and its surroundings have something for everyone. So pack your hiking boots, grab your map, and get ready to explore the beautiful Basque Country!