Leioa can be explored from several angles: the history of Txakoli, historic buildings and landscapes at the mouth of the Nervión. The town is also close to Bilbao and the sea. To plan your trip, it helps to decide on your main focus first: would you rather explore culture and architectural history, discover green spaces, or combine both?

Culture, architectural history and Txakoli

The Basque Museum of the History of Medicine and Science preserves and displays more than 6,000 medical and scientific objects from the 19th and 20th centuries. Its subject matter therefore extends beyond a single specialist field, encompassing both the history of medicine and the history of science.

Mendibile Txokoa is an interpretation centre dedicated to Txakoli. Its five exhibition areas cover the history and development of the wine, viticulture and production, as well as aromas, tasting and the designation of origin. This puts both the work involved in growing the grapes and the classification of the product in focus. Mendibile Jauregia organises tastings and other events to promote Txakoli. As event programmes can change, check the dates in advance.

Architectural history also spans different periods. Artatza Jauregia Palace was built in 1914 by architect Manuel María Smith in the English Queen Anne style. The Ondiz Tower dates back to the early 16th century, when it was built as a modest palace tower. During its restoration from 2010 to 2013, the original structure was preserved, while a space for sociocultural activities was created. Elexalde Mill dates from the 18th century and was in operation until 1969. It is within walking distance of Kultur Leioa.

Parks and wetland

Several green spaces, each described in a different way, offer views of the landscape. The Arboretum is a 19-hectare protected botanical park that includes the Lertutza reservoir. Pinosolo is a 7-hectare reserve with native and exotic plant species, providing a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Artatza Park, meanwhile, is a 15-hectare natural landscape in the heart of Leioa. The areas and their main features differ: a botanical park with a reservoir, a reserve with diverse plant life, and a natural landscape.

The Lamiako floodplain is listed in the Basque Country’s Wetland Inventory and provides a habitat for wading and migratory birds. Part of it has been redeveloped as a recreational area around a recovering ecosystem. An easy route runs through the lower part of Leioa, partly along the estuary shore and around the Lamiako floodplain. Together, these offer two perspectives on the landscape: the importance of the wetland as a habitat and its role as a recreational area.

Getting around and staying

Leioa has two metro stations. The metro journey from Bilbao takes 16 minutes; check the timetable for your travel date. This connection is a useful point of reference if you’d like to include Leioa in a trip to Bilbao.

Arriena Park brings together several different facilities: it has recreational areas and children’s playgrounds, a picnic area, a dog agility course, a space for festive and cultural events, and several walking paths. This distinguishes its described facilities from the botanical and natural features of the other green spaces.

The Txakoli attractions and historic buildings form a cultural focus, while the Arboretum, parks and wetland offer a landscape focus.

Discover more destinations: Lezama, Sopuerta, Igorre, Muskiz, Alonsotegi, Güeñes, Kanpantxu, Arakaldo.

For the main travel overview: Bizkaia.