The best walks and hikes around Bilbao
4.4
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8,616
hikers
231
hikes
Hiking around Bilbao offers access to a diverse landscape of green mountains, dramatic coastlines, and expansive natural parks. The region features a mix of rugged limestone formations, dense forests, and coastal cliffs. This varied terrain provides numerous hiking opportunities, from urban river walks to challenging mountain ascents.
Best hiking trails around Bilbao
- The most popular hiking route is Bilbao City Highlights Trail, a 4.1 miles (6.7 km) trail that takes 1 hour 45 minutes to complete. This easy route offers views of the city and its river.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Ganekogorta from San Justo — circular by Monte Pagasarri, a difficult 12.1 miles (19.5 km) path. This trail involves significant elevation gain, leading to panoramic mountain views.
- Local hikers also love the Gaztelu/Kukurrustu from Basarrate — circular via Malmasin, a 6.9 miles (11.1 km) trail leading through hills and forests, often completed in about 3 hours 24 minutes.
- Hiking around Bilbao is defined by mountainous terrain, coastal routes, and natural parks like Urkiola and Gorbea. The extensive network of trails offers options for various ability levels, from gentle strolls to demanding ascents.
- The routes in Bilbao are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 900 reviews. More than 6000 hikers have used komoot to explore Bilbao's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 24, 2026
4.4
(55)
222
hikers
6.66km
01:45
60m
60m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.7
(25)
121
hikers
19.5km
06:58
990m
990m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.3
(39)
122
hikers
11.1km
03:25
390m
390m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
4.7
(31)
282
hikers
6.37km
01:42
70m
70m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
3.0
(1)
8
hikers
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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Tips from the Community
Very good and well-filled pintxo bars around the square.
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During our visit in October 2026 unfortunately covered due to new plants, otherwise one of the artworks around the museum.
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No visitor to Bilbao can miss this flower dog. It's a lovely walk along the river to the museum, and there it sits enthroned at the entrance. A great sight!
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The Church of San Antón is a Catholic church located in the Old Town neighbourhood of Bilbao, Spain. It is dedicated to Anthony the Great, known as San Antón in Spanish. It is featured, along with the San Antón Bridge, in the city's coat of arms. The estuary of Bilbao flows next to it. The church was built at the end of the 15th century on a plot where there had been a warehouse for three hundred years. It is considered an asset of cultural interest since 17 July 1984, in the category "National Historic-Artistic Monument". In 1774 the construction of the present Belfry Tower was begun by Gabriel de Capelastegui, replacing an earlier structure. The tower has a quadrangular body that rises near the central roof. Above it is the belfry crowned by a dome and a lantern, and with auctions in the weathercock. It has a shining Baroque dieciochesco style, being one of the best examples of the whole Basque Country. The weathercock dates back to 1775, specifically it was made on 7 December 1775 Throughout history this church has suffered damage and was closed twice. The main source of damage was flooding from the Nervión river. The last flood was in 1983 and resulted in furniture, drag doors and railings inside the church being destroyed. The church has also suffered damage through bombing and fire during war, especially during the Carlist war. During this war, the church was forced to close as it was used for military logistics.
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Neoclassical square in the heart of Bilbao's Old Town (Casco Viejo). • The square was laid out in 1821 and completed in 1851. • It is surrounded by arcades and columns, beneath which are numerous pintxos bars and restaurants. • Plaza Nueva is a popular meeting place and considered the heart of the old town. • A flea market takes place in the square on Sundays.
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The summit is 250 meters high and can be reached via a singletrack trail from the forest road. It's best to climb from the Bilbao side and then descend the singletrack towards Basauri. Coming from Basauri, it's not really rideable; pushing would be necessary.
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A roundabout to relax and all around is car traffic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Bilbao?
Bilbao and its surrounding region offer a wide variety of hiking experiences. You can find over 200 hiking routes on komoot, catering to all skill levels from easy strolls to challenging mountain ascents.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails around Bilbao?
The komoot community highly rates the trails around Bilbao, with an average score of 4.4 stars from nearly 1000 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from lush green mountains to dramatic coastlines, and the well-maintained paths that offer stunning views of the city and natural parks.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking near Bilbao?
Hiking near Bilbao offers a diverse range of landscapes. You'll find lush green mountains, such as those in Urkiola and Gorbea Natural Parks, with rugged limestone formations and deep valleys. The region also boasts dramatic coastlines featuring stunning cliffs, beautiful beaches, and estuaries, particularly around areas like Plentzia and Sopelana.
Are there easy hiking options suitable for beginners or casual walkers in Bilbao?
Yes, there are plenty of easy hiking options around Bilbao. For a pleasant urban experience, consider the Bilbao City Highlights Trail, an easy 6.7 km route offering views of the city and its river. Another great option is the Bilbao River Walk: Guggenheim to Old Town, which is also easy and showcases the city's iconic landmarks.
Where can I find more challenging hikes near Bilbao?
For those seeking a challenge, the mountainous terrain around Bilbao offers several demanding routes. A popular difficult trail is Ganekogorta from San Justo — circular by Monte Pagasarri, a 19.5 km path with significant elevation gain leading to panoramic mountain views. Urkiola Natural Park also features more difficult treks, with notable peaks like Anboto (1,331 meters).
Are there any circular hiking routes around Bilbao?
Yes, many trails around Bilbao are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Gaztelu/Kukurrustu from Basarrate — circular via Malmasin is a moderate 11.1 km route through hills and forests. Another option is the Mercator de la Ribera from Bilbao-Abando — circular via Plaza Nueva, an easy city walk.
Are there any hikes that feature waterfalls near Bilbao?
Yes, the region around Bilbao is home to some impressive waterfalls. The Nervion Waterfall Route from Delika is an 8.6 km trail leading to the highest waterfall on the Iberian Peninsula, suitable for families. Additionally, Bolintxubidea offers a hidden waterfall trail near Bilbao, providing a lush, wild forest experience.
What coastal hiking opportunities are there around Bilbao?
The Basque coast near Bilbao offers stunning coastal hikes. Trails around Plentzia reveal a striking collision of sea and mountains. The Bidezabal—Sopelana hike takes you along rugged cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, often starting and ending at beaches. The iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe also features scenic coastal routes.
Are there any historical sites or natural monuments I can visit while hiking?
Absolutely. While hiking around Bilbao, you can discover several interesting landmarks. For instance, you might encounter Butrón Castle, a fairytale-like fortress. The region also features natural monuments like the Ganekogorta Summit, offering expansive views, or the Hirumugarrieta Megalithic Site for a glimpse into ancient history.
Are the hiking trails around Bilbao accessible by public transport?
Many trails around Bilbao are well-connected by public transport. Mount Artxanda, for example, is easily accessible from the city. For trails further afield, local bus services often connect to towns near natural parks like Urkiola and Gorbea, though some trailheads might require a short walk or taxi ride from the nearest stop.
Are there dog-friendly hiking trails in the Bilbao region?
The Bilbao region generally welcomes dogs on trails, especially in natural parks and rural areas. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, particularly in protected areas like Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, and to check specific park regulations beforehand. Always ensure you clean up after your pet.
What is the best time of year for hiking around Bilbao?
The best time for hiking around Bilbao is typically during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with lush greenery in spring and vibrant colors in autumn. Summer can be warm, especially for mountain hikes, while winter can bring cooler temperatures and occasional rain, though coastal walks remain enjoyable.
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