Bilbao Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

1. 1

   Pagasarri from Bilbao (Zabalburu route)

   Roughly 5 to 6 km each way from Zabalburu; a shorter route starts at the Pagasarri car park near the summit (confirm on a map app before setting out)About 90 minutes up from Zabalburu; 2.5 to 3.5 hours returnmoderateSummit 673 m; about 650 m of ascent from the city

   Bilbao's best-known city mountain, 673 m high, with wide views over the city and the Nervion valley from the summit. Locals climb it directly from the city year-round.

2. 2

   Gorbeia Summit from Pagomakurre

   12.2 km round trip (Senditur); other trackers record about 12.5 km3 hours 15 minutes (Senditur) to about 5 hours 40 minutes including breaks (Visorando)moderateAbout 730 m of ascent to the 1,481 m summit cross

   The classic Bizkaia-side ascent of Gorbeia, the highest summit of the park at 1,481 m, ending at the large summit cross. Weather changes quickly on the summit ridge.

3. 3

   Anboto from the Urkiola Pass

   About 3 km one way on GR-282; a 10.2 km loop is also described by Senditur3 to 4 hours return; about 3 hours 45 minutes for the full loophardAbout 550 m of climb from the 780 m pass to the 1,331 m summit

   The limestone peak of Anboto, 1,331 m, is the highest mountain in Urkiola Natural Park and is reached from the sanctuary at the pass by the signposted GR-282. The upper section is a steep rocky scramble.

4. 4

   Bakio to Gaztelugatxe Coastal Path

   About 2 km from the Bakio viewpoint to the Urizarreta entrance; hermitage at about 3.9 km (Wikiloc listing)About 2 to 3 hours return including the climb to the chapeleasyThe Urizarreta approach is steep (about 1,200 m at a 35% gradient on the official page); the chapel is reached by 241 steps

   A coastal footpath from Bakio along the cliff top to the island hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, joined to the mainland by a stone bridge and 241 steps.

5. 5

   Matxitxako Lighthouse and Lurgorri Loop

   About 9.6 km for the full Lurgorri loop (Wikiloc listing); a combined Gaztelugatxe circuit of about 18 km is on KomootAbout 3 to 4 hours for the loopmoderateRolling coastal terrain with several steep ramps; check the exact figure on the route chosen

   A loop around the lighthouse headland of Cape Matxitxako with views of the Gaztelugatxe coast and the open Bay of Biscay. The route can be combined with the Bakio coast path.

6. 6

   Artxanda Ridge Walk

   Short ridge walk along signposted paths; length depends on the route chosen1 to 2 hours including the funicular rideeasyThe funicular climbs the hill in a few minutes

   The hill top of Artxanda gives the classic panorama of Bilbao, the Nervion and the Guggenheim, with parks and paths reachable by the century-old funicular.

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in Bilbao.

Items

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.