The Basque Country

The Basque Country

There are four important fishing villages in the Basque country, which are Bermeo and Lekeitio. These villages connect to the sea and a great sea adventure with maritime culture awaits you there. Thirty kilometers from Bilbao, you will find the village Bermeo, considered the best fishing spot and having one of the most important fishing ports along the Cantabrian. There, you can also visit the museum that displays all the historic fishing items once used, as well as the techniques that the anglers have been using for centuries. When you visit the port, you will find the boat Guria, transformed to an exhibition centre on whale hunting. You should also check out the multicolored funky designed boats.

Eight kilometers from the city centre, you will find the San de Gaztelugatve shrine where you can enjoy the beautiful view from the coastline and watch the sunset. Of course, you cannot leave without dining in one of the local restaurants that offer the best fish cuisine you will ever find! The fish festival takes place during the month of May. During September, different festivities take place to honor the saint patron. You will probably find different parades with a lively audience and of course the best fish.

Thirty-five kilometers from Bermeo, you will find the town of Lekeitio, known for its quiet and peace. The first thing you should visit is the Txatxo port and then head right away to San Juan Talako shrine to watch the most beautiful sunset. Make sure you also go on the cliffs, as the view from there is spectacular and you can see the Cittaslow towns of Spain. The Santa Catalina lighthouse is also an important landmark and is open to tourists all the time. Then you should head over to the historic quarter to visit all the fishing neighborhoods as well as the commercial areas where the locals go out. Other places that you must see are the Basilica Maria, which consists of the largest Gothic pieces in Spain. Of course, you cannot leave without trying the delicious fish cuisine here as well. Lekeitio is famous for its tuna, anchovies and the Atlantic fish mackerel. The best time to visit the city is during the month of September, as this is when the festival of the goose goes on. There you will find all the fish markets displaying their best fish along with different parades and performances.