The best walks and hikes 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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.