Bermeo is a Basque fishing port with a working harbour; Mundaka, one stop earlier, is a small harbour village famous for its left-hand surf wave. Both are walkable and sit on the same E4 line.
Bermeo and Mundaka are two harbour villages on the Urdaibai coast of Bizkaia, in Spain's Basque Country, about 35 to 37 km north-east of Bilbao. Bermeo is a working fishing port, while Mundaka, one stop earlier on the line, is a small village famous for its left-hand river-mouth surf wave. The easiest transport is the Euskotren E4 train from Zazpi Kaleak (Casco Viejo), with two trains an hour on weekdays and a journey of about 1 hour 15 minutes. A fare of about EUR 2 to EUR 4 is typical but should be confirmed before travel. Bizkaibus A3527 from Termibus is the bus alternative, and driving the BI-631 takes about 45 minutes.
In Bermeo, visitors can walk the fishing harbour, the old Puerto Viejo with its colourful boats and the Arranegi quarter, and see the Torre Ercilla, which houses the fishing museum. The Santa Eufemia church and the promenade to the lighthouse offer coastal views. Mundaka is compact, with a church, a small harbour, a promenade above the estuary and viewpoints over the wave. Both towns are walkable on foot, and it takes under an hour to cross between them on the coastal path.
A suggested day begins in Mundaka in the morning, with a stroll through the lanes and along the water, followed by coffee at a harbour bar. Take the train on to Bermeo for lunch, when the fleet's catch appears on menus as grilled fish, bonito and anchovies. The afternoon can be spent in the old harbour and museum before the return train. Those who want to add San Juan de Gaztelugatxe can use the local buses from Bermeo, but a timed ticket may be needed.
May to October is the best window for pleasant weather and open terraces, while September to December brings the strongest surf, which attracts spectators to Mundaka's viewpoints. Arrive by mid-morning to enjoy the harbour before lunch crowds, and keep an eye on the last train times back to Bilbao.
| Distance | About 35 km (Bermeo) to 37 km (Mundaka) from Bilbao |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 15 minutes by train or bus |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Bermeo railway station, 48370 Bermeo, Bizkaia, Spain |
How to get there
- Euskotren E4 train to Mundaka or Bermeo
- Bizkaibus A3527 Bilbao-Mungia-Bermeo
- Car via the BI-631 (about 45 minutes)
Location
Bermeo railway station, 48370 Bermeo, Bizkaia, Spain
43.4210, -2.7233 View on map
Highlights
- Mundaka's harbour and viewpoints over the famous left-hand wave
- Bermeo's working fishing port and Puerto Viejo
- Torre Ercilla fishing museum in Bermeo
- Fresh grilled fish and anchovies at harbour restaurants
- Coastal walk between the two villages
Tips for visiting
- Take the Euskotren E4 from Zazpi Kaleak; Mundaka is the stop before the Bermeo terminus.
- Check the last train back to Bilbao before settling into dinner.
- Visit Mundaka in autumn or winter to watch surfers on big swells.
- Eat lunch in Bermeo for fresh fish landed at the port.
- Fares are estimates; check euskotren.eus before travelling.
When to visit
May to October for terraces and mild weather; September to December for the strongest surf. Mid-morning arrival avoids lunchtime crowds.
Accessibility
Both harbour areas are largely flat and walkable, though some old streets and the coastal path have slopes and cobbles. Trains are the more accessible option than the coastal path.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Bilbao to Mundaka and Bermeo?
Take the Euskotren E4 from Zazpi Kaleak to Mundaka and Bermeo, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Bizkaibus A3527 from Termibus is an alternative.
When is the surf at Mundaka best?
Surf is strongest from September to December, though the village is pleasant to visit from May to October.
Can both towns be seen in one day?
Yes. They are one stop apart on the E4 line, and each can be explored on foot within a couple of hours.