Top Bilbao Outdoor Activities

If you only have a day to spend in the Bilbao area, this small-group tour to Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Bermeo fits a lot into a day. Fans of “A Game of Thrones” won’t want to miss the hermitage of Gaztelugatxe. Witness the old fishing traditions at Bermeo, and learn about Basque history at Gernika. Admire Picasso’s painting of the same name. Enjoy plenty of scenic stops along the way.

Make the most of your time in the Basque Country with this fusion of a bike tour and a “pintxos” tour. Riding around on a bike helps you access sights that large sightseeing buses can't reach, and it also covers more ground than a walking tour. Along the way, pass UNESCO World Heritage sites, see Vizcaya Bridge, explore the Santurtzi neighborhood, and enjoy delicious “pintxos” and drink tastings.

Spend a great half day cycling around Bilbao, learning all about the city's highlights from your guide. Either join a small group, or take this tour privately. You'll stop at several places today, including architectural sites, the Guggenheim, parks, government buildings, the Maritime Museum, City Hall, La Ribera Market, and then finish up where you started.

We will explore little crowded places, discovering different points of view from the water, while we sail with our kayaks along the beautiful beach of Trengandín, one of the best beaches of the Cantabrian, while we dive doing snorkeling through its shallow waters and crystal clear waters. We will be in direct contact with nature enjoying the landscape offered by each place, its flora and fauna.

The ultimate gastronomy experience, this bespoke tasting and sightseeing tour takes you into some of Rioja’s finest food and drink establishments. Enjoy first-rate wine samples in two local wine bars, plus a visit to a traditional winery where winemaking traditions date back five generations. Full-day tour also include a picnic lunch overlooking the Rioja vineyards and a walk through the walled medieval city of Laguardia.

Learn all about traditional pintxos (the Basque version of Spanish tapas) on a guided walking tour of Bilbao's bars. At each stop, sample one or two of these delightful little bar snacks accompanied with a glass of wine, beer, or hard cider. Get an insider's perspective of the ancient part of the city that dates back to 1300. Consider booking this tour at the beginning of your Bilbao vacation so you can return to your favorite hotspots for more pintxo sampling.

Marvel at the scenic splendor of San Sebastian on a delightful day trip from Bilbao. Wander the winding streets of the city’s Old Quarter to see antique architecture and sink your toes into the silken sands of Biarritz, a sandy stretch declared the ‘Beach of Kings’ due to regular visits by European royalty. Convenient round-trip transportation from your hotel is included in this tour.   

See many of the most charming areas of the Basque Coast with this day tour. You’ll start with chic Biarritz, once a summer getaway for European royals, followed by a stop at Saint Jean de Luz, where you can try out local treats. Then it’s San Sebastian, where you’ll have free time to explore or grab lunch into the famous old town, before embarking on a walking tour followed by a visit to Mount Igueldo.

Discover the charm of Bilbao’s Old Quarter on an enriching morning or afternoon walking-tour of the city’s medieval enclave. With an expert guide, travel back in time to the 6th century and visit ancient landmarks like the Cathedral of Santiago and Plaza Nueva. Admire the sacred beauty of the Church of St Anton; wander the site of the Mercado de la Ribera; and enjoy picturesque views of the port, the origin of the industrial Spanish city. Gain valuable insight into the rich history of the city and see cultural traditions first hand as you explore.

Explore the spectacular and sacred sites of the Basque country on an enriching full-day excursion from Bilbao. Visit grand ecclesiastical structures like the Sanctuary of Loyola to attend an enlightening prayer ceremony; discover the quaint fishing villages that pepper the coastline to see why Bilbao residents favor them for their summer sojourns; and tour the stunning sights of the city of San Sebastian with an accomplished guide. Convenient round-trip transportation from your Bilbao hotel is included in this tour.       

Visitors to Basque Country can easily miss the charming capital city of Vitoria, opting to tour the smaller villages and wine regions. On this full-day tour across Basque Country, travelers don't need to choose—you'll visit both the city and countryside. Start your day walking through Vitoria's historic quarter, and then head to La Rioja for an afternoon in the vineyards and villages. Wrap up your day at a traditional winery for a wine tasting, included at no extra charge.

Learn more about Spanish wine on this fun small-group day tour of two wineries near Bilbao. Get the chance to sample the Rioja wine that comes from this northern Spanish region. Walk through the vineyards and learn how wine is made. A fun way to indulge in a glass or three without worrying about driving back to your hotel after.

Immerse yourself in the artistic wonder of Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum with a private guide on this cultural tour. Accompanied by your accomplished guide, explore the enthralling exhibitions of the museum in order to discover contemporary and modern art masterpieces; see timeless masterworks like Joseph Beuy’s ‘Lightning with Stag in its Glare’ and gaze at Jeff Koons’ colossal sculpture ‘Puppy’. Gain fascinating insight into different art movements and hear tales of the intriguing lives of some of the artists during this culturally enriching exploration.

Discover the history of Bilbao on this guided walking tour. Learn about the city’s gastronomy, culture, architecture, and traditions while you explore the streets and feel like a local. Tour highlights include the Plaza Nueva in Casco Viejo, La Ribera market, Catedral de Santiago, Bidebarrieta (the central library), and more.

Get to know Bilbao through the eyes of a local on a custom tour that's tailored to your unique interests. Before your tour begins, you'll chat with your Bilbao local guide (Lokafyer) and work out an itinerary that suits your passions and their perspective. By the end of the tour, you'll feel confident navigating the city and have a full suite of recommendations for the rest of your trip.

Learn to surf in Somo, Spain, with an instructor who will help you every step of the way. You'll be given a wetsuit and a surfboard, and all the instruction you need. This school has been teaching since 1991, so they are professionals. These Cantabrian surfers love what they do, and are excited to share this with you and help you learn to surf.

Cruise the curvaceous coastline of Bilbao in a luxurious minivan on a guided tour of the city and its sights. See the intriguing industrial areas that propelled Bilbao into prosperity and visit significant landmarks like the Transporter Bridge of Bizkaia and the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage. Visit the quaint coastal villages that pepper the Basque Coast and absorb the tranquil ambiance of picturesque marinas on this enriching excursion.

Bilbao is a city in the midst of hills so you will have the possibility to enjoy it from different high point, like Begoña and Artxanda where you can have a full panoramic view of 360º of all Bilbao city.Because we have a friendly way to show you around, join us for a maximum fun, knowledge and adventure to feel like a local after your tour.

Learn all about the Picos de Europa National Park with this guided tour of the area from Bilbao, and make sure to come hungry. Your guide will be a foodie, and they will share the culture of this area with you partly through food. You’ll be tasting tapas, alcoholic beverages, and a full meal along the way. Your guide will take photos of you in the natural beauty, and tell you stories about the history, too.

Learn to surf, or brush up on your skills with this two day surf course in Samo, Cantabria. Each day you'll have two hours of instruction, both on the sand, and in the water, from your instructors. You’ll be with a small group- max 15- so you can make some new surfer buddies along the journey. Note that boards, wetsuits, and insurance are included.

Explore the seaside of Bilbao while riding a 19’ hybrid 21 gear bike. Pick up your bike at Getxo, have a safety briefing, and ask for suggestions on the best routes. Then go off on your own to explore at your own pace. Stop for food, drinks, and plenty of photos. You can rent the bikes for up to four hours, and then return them to the spot in Getxo where you began.

Add some ocean fun to your stay in Cantabria on this small-group paddleboarding experience. Learn from an instructor and enjoy exploring a new skill while surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Noja’s coasts and cliffs. A number of start times are available to suit your vacation schedule. 

Explore the valleys, medieval towns, and gorgeous nature of Biscay on this private tour, where you can wander at your own pace, knowing the logistics are being taken care of by your guide and driver. You’ll stop in several places today, which you can decide on with your private guide. No need to stay within a fixed itinerary or deal with groups- this tour is just for you and your party.

Sr. Buelga is a knowledgeable guide with a bachelor in geology and lots of experience touring Spain. Included in the price are: quality meals/drinks (lunch in one of the best restaurants of the area, snacks and if desired dinner), tickets to the amazing Fuente De cable car and a professionally made photographic report of your tour. Let's design a customized tour from Santander to the Picos de Europa and back to the city stopping in selected places and villages throughout the journey. This is a private tour with a maximum of four people, it can be completely customized to the likes of the customer. Vehicle: 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser. I am focused in tourism & geology but some people consider I am a true foodie so I always point to my customers to the type of food that they like. The Picos de Europa National Park offers some of Europe's most spectacular mountain scenery. This is only a one day tour but it is just enough for an unforgettable visit to the Picos de Europa and Cantabria.