Beneath the dunes at Playa de La Arena lie the foundations of a former aerial cableway for iron ore. Together with the harbor and the trail to Punta Lucero, the beach reveals different sides of Zierbena: coastal landscapes, maritime culture and history. When looking for a holiday rental, consider which of these aspects you would like to shape your stay.
Playa de La Arena: Coast and Industrial History
Playa de La Arena stretches along the coast of Zierbena and the neighboring municipality of Muskiz, and is almost a kilometer long. Beneath the dunes lie the foundations of a cableway that is no longer in operation and once transported iron ore from La Arboleda to the washing plants at Campomar. The beach therefore spans two municipalities; the former transport link ran from La Arboleda to the plants at Campomar. Those interested in coastal landscapes and industrial history will find two distinct perspectives here: the length of the beach and the cableway’s former purpose.
Punta Lucero: Trails and Military History
The signposted trail to Punta Lucero starts in the district of La Cuesta. Green arrows mounted at ground level mark its route. The summit of Punta Lucero offers views of Playa de La Arena. The trail also reveals Zierbena’s military architectural and landscape heritage; the area is considered a strategic point on the Basque coast. The coastal battery at Punta Lucero was built in the early 1940s and decommissioned in the late 1970s. The history of Punta Lucero thus follows a clear sequence: the battery was built, then decommissioned decades later. The landscape and military history offer two distinct perspectives on the area.
Bidegorris to Santurtzi and Portugalete
Two bidegorris connect Zierbena with Santurtzi and Portugalete and can be used on foot or by bicycle. One of the routes coincides with the Camino del Norte to Santiago de Compostela and ends opposite Playa de La Arena. This distinction is useful when choosing between the routes: both can be used on foot or by bike, but only one also follows the Camino del Norte. If you would like to include this connection, you can distinguish that route from the other bidegorri.
Harbor and Kantauri Fest
With its fishing boats and leisure craft, the harbor retains a traditional maritime character. During Kantauri Fest, the program showcases traditional boats and invites visitors to take part in related activities; stand-up paddleboarding is also available in the harbor. The festival opens with the crews’ descent from the hermitage of Nuestra Señora Virgen del Puerto. Basque dances, bagpipers and live music accompany this event. The festival program thus brings together two different aspects: boats and activities in the harbor, and an opening at the hermitage accompanied by dance and music. Along with the fishing boats and leisure craft, the maritime theme shapes how visitors experience Zierbena.
Discover more destinations: Nabarniz, Areatza, Igorre, Arrieta, Elantxobe, Laukiz, Izartza, Butroi
For the main travel overview: Bizkaia.
