Elantxobe’s steep, cobbled streets are attractions in their own right. The harbour lies between cliffs and mountains, sheltered from the force of the Cantabrian Sea. The buildings facing the sea are arranged in terraces; their staggered design makes the town’s connection to the coast visible in its streetscape. For planning excursions, two themes can be considered separately: the harbour and its history, and the route to Cabo de Ogoño.

Routes between the harbour and Ogoño

The PR-BI 165 hiking trail starts in Elantxobe and leads to the viewpoint at Cabo de Ogoño. The BUS05 Elantxobe: Portua route passes over the four breakwaters that make up the harbour. This is a clear distinction when choosing: PR-BI 165 leads to the named viewpoint, while BUS05 follows the harbour breakwaters. You can therefore focus either on the route to the viewpoint or on the harbour route.

The only saltwater swimming pool in Urdaibai is next to the harbour. If you arrive in Elantxobe by bus, you can watch the operation of its famous rotating bus platform. These are some of the distinctive local details around the harbour and arrival point, which you can explore independently of your choice between the two routes.

At Ogoño: Landscape and Nature

The summit of Cabo de Ogoño is called Atxukullu and lies 308 metres above sea level. The summit and the Atalaya on Ogoño are surrounded by holm oaks, strawberry trees and sarsaparilla; higher up, views open out across Urdaibai. The Atalaya served as an observation point for fishermen from Elantxobe: they used it to watch the fishing grounds, the weather and possible pirates.

European storm petrels nest on the cliffs of Ogoño; Ogoño is considered the only place in Europe where this species breeds on the continent. The area’s natural appeal has two distinct aspects: views from higher ground and a special nesting site on the cliffs.

Maritime History in the Townscape

The harbour’s breakwaters were built in 1783 and have been reinforced since then. The parish church of San Nicolás de Bari is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors; the Elantxobe sailors’ brotherhood built it at its own expense. The harbour and church illustrate different aspects of the maritime heritage: the breakwaters’ structural development and the church’s dedication and funding by the sailors’ brotherhood.

Along Calle Mayor, old sandstone walls line the street, with numerous plants growing on them. Elantxobe’s fishermen’s houses are regarded as hallmarks of its maritime tradition and as testimony to the town’s past. An exhibition by the Museo de la Pesca y la Cofradía de Elantxobe was set up in the covered section of the quay, known as the Tinglao.

A Special Date

The Fiestas de la Magdalena 2027 are scheduled for 22 July and are especially important in Elantxobe. If you are planning a trip for the occasion, check the event date again shortly before departure.

Discover more destinations: Portugalete, Durango, Zelaia, Traslaviña, Güeñes, Osma, Ea, Getxo

For the broader travel guide: Bizkaia.