Bermeo combines a long fishing history with coastal nature and buildings from different eras. This offers different options for planning your trip: wildlife watching at the cape, routes through coastal and mountain landscapes, or insights into fishing and local history.

Urdaibai, Matxitxako and Wildlife

Bermeo is located in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, which extends across Bermeo and 22 other municipalities. The Cape of Matxitxako is used for observing seabirds and marine mammals; seasonal conditions can vary. The European storm petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) lives on the island of Akatx, also called Aketx. Different connections with nature can be found here: observing several groups of animals at the cape and the habitat of a particular bird species on the island.

Mountain Bike Loops and the GR38

Bermeo has three mountain bike loops with varying levels of difficulty. The routes pass through coastal areas and the Cape of Matxitxako, as well as the more mountainous landscapes of the Sollube Massif. Check the routes and conditions locally before choosing a route. The Wine and Fish Route GR38 offers a different type of route: it runs in seven stages and ends in Bermeo on the Cantabrian Sea. While the mountain bike routes are circular, the GR38 is divided into stages and has Bermeo as its endpoint.

Lighthouses at the Cape

There are two lighthouses at the Cape of Matxitxako. The old lighthouse was inaugurated in 1852 and remained in operation until 1909. From Bermeo, you can reach the lighthouse via the BI 3101. Park near the gas plant; from there, a descending path leads to the lighthouse. The return journey involves a considerably steep climb. Check the route and conditions locally.

Fishing History at the Port and Museum

Portuzarra, Bermeo’s Old Port, is the town’s traditional fishing harbor. The fishermen’s houses retain their medieval layout and structure. The fishing history is therefore reflected not only in the port’s function, but also in the preserved townscape.

The Arrantzaleen Museoa offers a comprehensive look at the lives, work and techniques of fishermen. Guided tours must be arranged in advance; confirm the arrangements before your visit. Visitors to Bermeo can also learn about the world of fishing. This includes how a fish auction works, how nets are sewn, different fishing seasons and a tasting of canned fish. Ask the tourist office about the program. While the museum covers the lives, work and techniques of fishermen in a broader context, the individual activities focus on specific processes and products.

Churches and Monastic History

The lords of Bizkaia swore the Fueros in the Church of Santa Eufemia. The San Francisco Monastery is considered the oldest monastery in Bizkaia and was established on January 30, 1357. The Church of Santa María is one of the most significant examples of neoclassical architecture in Bizkaia. Together, these places reflect different cultural and historical interests: the Fueros, monastic history and neoclassical architecture. The medieval structure of the fishermen’s houses adds another architectural element.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

A boat trip from Bermeo takes one hour; check the schedules before setting out. A free ticket is required to visit Gaztelugatxe during the high season, as well as on weekends, public holidays and long weekends in the shoulder season. Check the current requirements before traveling. The climb to the summit involves 241 steps.

Discover more destinations: Galdakao, Lekeitio, Getxo, Laukiz, Igorre, Otxandio, Basauri, Mendieta.

For the broader travel overview: Bizkaia.