The Urdaibai estuary snakes north of Gernika to kiss the sea at Mundaka, covering around 220 sq km of constantly evolving water flows, mud banks, marshes and forests. The impressive Urdaibai Bird Center, close to the village of Gautegiz-Arteaga, will teach you all about the different feathered friends here.
Even when the centre is closed, you can still visit several bird hides, which overlook marshland and a lagoon. There's also a live bird cam on the website.
14.98 MILES
Shimmering titanium Museo Guggenheim Bilbao is one of modern architecture's most iconic buildings. It played a major role in helping to lift Bilbao out of…
15.6 MILES
On the waterfront, this interactive maritime museum brings the watery depths of Bilbao and Basque maritime history to life. Start with a 10-minute video…
15.25 MILES
The Museo de Bellas Artes houses a compelling collection that includes everything from Gothic sculptures to 20th-century pop art. There are three main…
22.99 MILES
Although Getaria is mainly about sun, sand and seafood, don't miss a visit to the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa. Local boy Cristóbal became a giant in the…
9.32 MILES
One of the most photographed features of the Basque coast, 10km to Bermeo's northwest, is the small, rocky isle of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Accessed from…
15.14 MILES
The world's first underwater winery, Crusoe Treasure, ages its vintages 20m below the surface on an artificial reef. Tastings of its whites and reds are…
14.78 MILES
The compact Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s atmospheric old quarter, is full of charming streets, boisterous bars and plenty of quirky and independent shops. At the…
20.16 MILES
Running from Zumaia west to Deba and Mutriku, this narrow coastal strip encompasses meadows, forests, caves and, most importantly, 13km of dramatic cliffs…
0.97 MILES
The artist Agustín Ibarrola has created an unusual work of art by painting striking designs on a swath of trees inside the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. A…
1.02 MILES
The walls of this cave system, 6.5km northeast of Gernika, are decorated with around 50 different Neolithic paintings depicting bison, horses, rhinos and…
2.36 MILES
Every Monday, trade folk from across the region descend on Gernika to sell their wares in a sprawling market. You'll find over 350 stalls of fruits,…
2.45 MILES
Gernika’s seminal experience is a visit to the Peace Museum, where audiovisual displays calmly reveal the horror of war, both in the Basque Country and…
2.49 MILES
If you can't make it to Madrid to see the original, pay a visit to this copy of Picasso's heart-rending response to Franco's murderous bombing raid. The…
2.53 MILES
Housed in the beautiful 18th-century Palacio de Montefuerte, this museum contains a comprehensive overview of Basque history, with old maps, engravings…
7. Parque de los Pueblos de Europa
2.58 MILES
The Parque de los Pueblos de Europa contains a typically curvaceous sculpture by Henry Moore and a monumental work by renowned Basque sculptor Eduardo…
3.9 MILES
Located just across the estuary, the lovely golden sands of Laida Beach make a fine setting for a fun day out. Where the water meets the shore, it's…