Bilbao travel guide - where to stay, what to do, and where to eat pintxos in Bilbao, Biscay, Basque Country, Spain.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Bilbao.
-
- relaxed, local and estuary-calm, with an old fishing-town backdrop
- Lifeguard in the summer season
- Promenade along the estuary
- Cafes and bars in Plentzia old town
- Showers and toilets in season
- Paddle-board and kayak activity nearby
Playa de Plentzia
A town beach on the Plentzia estuary at the end of Metro Line 1, easy to reach without a car and backed by a walkable old town.
Editor’s tip. Check the tide table before going; high tide leaves little sand.
-
- open, family-oriented bay with a village seafront
- Lifeguard in the summer season
- Barbecue area
- Seafront promenade
- Showers and toilets in season
- Water sports in the bay
Playa de Gorliz
A broad, family-friendly bay beach of about 840 m beside the village of Gorliz, a short walk or bus ride beyond Plentzia.
Editor’s tip. Walk the seafront from Plentzia station to see both beaches in one trip.
-
- windy, sporty surf beach
- Lifeguard in the summer season
- Surf school activity in season
- Car park near the beach
- Seasonal beach bars
Playa de Atxabiribil
A wide, windy surf beach in Sopela, popular with surfers and next to Arrietara.
Editor’s tip. Swim only at lifeguarded sections and follow the flags.
-
- wild, breezy and surf-focused
- Lifeguard in the summer season
- Surf conditions for various levels
- Car parking nearby
- Seasonal beach bars
Playa de Arrietara
Surf beach in Sopela next to Atxabiribil, with a wide sandy shore and Atlantic waves.
Editor’s tip. Check tide and wave forecasts before going.
-
- wild, bohemian and cliff-enclosed
- Cliff-top parking
- Lifeguard in the summer season
- No beach bars on the sand; bring supplies
Playa de Barinatxe (La Salvaje)
A cliff-backed Atlantic beach near Sopela, known as La Salvaje, popular with surfers and with naturists.
Editor’s tip. Check the tide table; high tide can leave little sand.
-
- open, windswept and Atlantic
- Parking near the beach
- Lifeguard in the summer season
- Surf school activity in season
- Coastal path to Punta Galea
Playa de Azkorri (Gorrondatxe)
A long, open Atlantic beach on Getxo's north coast, known as Gorrondatxe-Azkorri, with cliffs and strong surf.
Editor’s tip. Check the wave forecast; heavy swell makes swimming unsafe.
-
- coastal and local, with a fishing-quarter feel
- Lifeguard in the summer season
- Showers in season
- Seafront promenade and cafes
- Cliff path along Punta Galea
Playa de Arrigunaga
One of Getxo's main beaches, with a long sandy shore and cliff-top paths, close to the Algorta old port.
Editor’s tip. Combine with a pintxo lunch in the Puerto Viejo of Algorta.
-
- lively urban beach with a promenade
- Fine sand
- Volleyball and beach football areas
- Showers and toilets
- Lifeguard in the summer season
- Seafront promenade with restaurants
Playa de Ereaga
The most urban of Getxo's beaches, about 800 m of fine sand with full services and sports facilities.
Editor’s tip. Go on a weekday in July or August to avoid the crowds.
-
- scenic, wide and protected
- Parking in season
- Lifeguard in the summer season
- Beach bars in season
- Views over the Oka estuary and the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
Playa de Laida
A broad, tide-shaped beach at the mouth of the Oka estuary in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
Editor’s tip. Check tide tables before swimming; currents are strongest near the estuary mouth.
-
- lively, surf-oriented coastal village beach
- Lifeguard in the summer season
- Seafront promenade
- Surf school activity in season
- Restaurants and bars in the village
- Showers in season
Playa de Bakio
One of Biscay's longest beaches, with a promenade, a surf scene and cliffs toward San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
Editor’s tip. Check the return bus time before leaving the village.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Bilbao memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Bilbao’s coast.
How do I get to Plentzia from Bilbao?
Take Metro Line 1 toward Plentzia and ride to the last stop, about 40 minutes from the centre. The beach is a short walk from the station.
From the Playa de Plentzia editorial.
Is Plentzia beach suitable for children?
Yes. It is relatively calm and close to services, but tides change the beach size, so supervise children near the estuary channel.
From the Playa de Plentzia editorial.
How long is Gorliz beach?
Local guides give about 842 m.
From the Playa de Gorliz editorial.
Can I reach Gorliz without a car?
Yes. Ride Metro Line 1 to Plentzia, then walk or take a local bus to Gorliz.
From the Playa de Gorliz editorial.
Is Atxabiribil good for swimming?
Only in calm conditions and at lifeguarded sections. It is mainly a surf beach with waves and currents.
From the Playa de Atxabiribil editorial.
How far is it from the Metro?
About a 20-minute walk from Larrabasterra station.
From the Playa de Atxabiribil editorial.
Is Arrietara the same as Arriatera?
Yes, both spellings are used for the same beach in Sopela.
From the Playa de Arrietara editorial.
Is there a Metro near Arrietara?
Larrabasterra station on Line 1 is about a 20-minute walk away.
From the Playa de Arrietara editorial.