Castro Urdiales

Castro Urdiales is a Cantabrian port town about 26 km west of Bilbao, just across the regional border from the Basque Country in northern Spain. The trip is short: an Alsa coach from Bilbao Termibus takes about 25 to 35 minutes, with around five direct departures a day and fares of roughly EUR 2 to EUR 3 on aggregator listings. Check alsa.com for current times. By car on the A-8 the drive takes about 25 minutes, which makes it an easy half-day or full-day outing.

The town's historic core sits around the harbour and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The main landmark is the Gothic church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion, built in stone above the port. Beside it stand the castle-lighthouse, the Faro, and a medieval bridge, which together create a distinctive skyline reflected in the harbour. A seafront promenade runs along the bay, and narrow streets in the old quarter lead to bars and shops. The town has a long fishing and anchovy-canning tradition, and local anchovies and seafood are served in many restaurants.

A suggested day starts with a morning coach, then a walk from the bus station to the harbour, the church and the lighthouse. After exploring the medieval bridge and the old quarter, lunch should be fresh fish or the town's preserved anchovies at a harbour-side restaurant, or rice and seafood dishes in the old town. The afternoon can be spent strolling the seafront, sitting at a terrace or walking the coast, before an evening coach back. Because departures are limited, check the final direct service before settling in.

May to October is the best window for weather and open terraces. July and August bring more visitors, while spring and autumn are quieter. Arrive in the late morning to see the church and the harbour in good light.