The 451-metre-high Monte Serantes gives Santurtzi a distinct connection to its landscape: its natural viewpoint offers views across Abra Bay and the coast. The town is also shaped by its fishing history, maritime museums and special insights into life at sea. This lets you plan your trip around both culture and landscape, rather than focusing on just one theme.
Maritime culture and fishing history
Santurtzi’s tourist information office is located in the fishing harbour. There you can get information about Santurtzi, Bizkaia and Euskadi; guided tours are available by appointment. If you plan to take a tour, confirm the current arrangements in advance.
The open-air sculpture museum features fourteen sculptures displayed at various locations around the town. The works therefore form not one exhibition destination, but an art offering spread throughout Santurtzi. Also closely connected with maritime life is the procession in honour of the Virgen del Carmen: on 16 July, fishermen carry her statue through the town and remember the fishermen who have died. Check the current programme before your trip.
The Agurtza is a museum ship and interpretation centre dedicated to fishing techniques. It explains how albacore tuna is caught and preserved. The ship offers regular tours in Euskera, Spanish, English and French, as well as adapted tours for groups. As availability may change, it is advisable to confirm before your trip.
At the Santurtzi Itsas Museoa, the programme includes theatrical guided tours featuring a traditional fish auction and maritime workshops. Check current dates and reservation options in advance, as times may change. The Santurtzi Marinero route leads to the town’s key maritime sights and themes, offering a distinct way to explore Santurtzi’s maritime heritage.
The Palacio Casa Torre adds to this focus with a Baroque building that has an exhibition space. If you plan to visit, check in advance what visiting options are currently available.
Views, routes and local cuisine
Monte Serantes combines scenic viewpoints with opportunities to get active: it has hiking and cycling routes. The views across Abra Bay and the coast are a different attraction from the mountain routes. If you plan to hike or cycle, check conditions before setting out.
Another option for walkers and cyclists is the route from the sardine seller statue to the port of Zierbena. It has a clearly defined start and end point. As route conditions may change, it is a good idea to check them before setting off. This connection can be considered as a route in its own right, separate from the paths on Monte Serantes.
The local cuisine also reflects Santurtzi’s fishing heritage. Grilled sardines are closely associated with the city’s culture and gastronomy and are widely served in its restaurants. They are prepared with coarse salt over moderate heat. This is a specific culinary complement to the museums and themes related to fishing and fish processing.
Plan your arrival and accommodation search
The metro ride from Bilbao to Santurtzi on Line 2 takes about 25 minutes. This approximate journey time can help you plan your arrival; check the current timetable for your travel date. When looking for a hotel in Santurtzi, you can also consider whether maritime visits and fishing history or the routes on Monte Serantes will be the focus of your stay. This helps you plan around the activities you actually intend to do.
Discover more destinations
Ibarrangelu, Morga, Izartza, Güeñes, Gaztelu-Elexabeitia, Mallabia, Markina-Xemein, Traslaviña
For the broader travel overview: Bizkaia.
