Matxitxako Lighthouse and Lurgorri Loop

Cape Matxitxako is the lighthouse headland on the Bizkaia coast between Bakio and Bermeo, in the Basque Country, Spain, in the municipality of Bermeo. The Lurgorri loop circles the cape and is about 9.6 km according to a Wikiloc listing, while a combined circuit with Gaztelugatxe of about 18 km is on Komoot. Access is by Bizkaibus A3527 from Bilbao to Bermeo, followed by a short taxi ride or walk to the cape; Euskotren E4 also reaches Bermeo. Drivers can park near the cape, and no permit is required for the loop, although Gaztelugatxe itself has a timed ticket system if the longer circuit is chosen. The loop takes about 3 to 4 hours. The terrain is rolling coastal ground with several steep ramps, and the exact elevation gain should be checked on the route chosen, which keeps the loop in the moderate band. Surfaces are grassy and dirt paths, with some stony stretches, and the exposure to wind from the Bay of Biscay is significant because the headland is open with almost no shade. The main landmark is the Matxitxako lighthouse, with views of the Gaztelugatxe coast to the west and the open sea to the north. Natural turn-around points are the lighthouse itself or the cliff viewpoints near it, and a shorter out-and-back is possible for those short on time. Water and shelter are not available along the route, so 1.5 L of water, a windproof jacket and boots are advised. In fog or strong wind the cliff edges require extra care, and walkers should keep to the marked path. The loop can be combined with the Bakio coast path for a full day on the Bizkaia coast. Bermeo, a fishing town, provides food and services at the end of the walk.