The Port of Getxo, Spain
ABOUT
Getxo is a town located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of the Basque Country, in Spain. It is part of Greater Bilbao. Getxo is mostly an affluent residential area, as well as being the third largest municipality of Biscay. Today it also acts as the port at which ships dock to then transport to other areas, including Bilbao.
Population is approximately 78,000
Currency is the Euro.
THINGS TO DO
Located just 20 minutes from Bilbao, Getxo is a highly attractive town for tourists, with its unique beaches and its great heritage in monuments,
Getxo was founded in the 12th century around the Andra Mari church, thus forming the first urban hub, inhabited almost exclusively by farmers, shepherds, millers and fishermen. Its history provides a basis for the city today.
It has many popular attractions, including Vizcaya Bridge, Puerto Viejo, Arrigunaga Beach, making it well worth a visit.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO
Having visited Bilbao recently we thought we would see what the port of Getxo was like. It didn’t disappoint. The town itself was an easy walk from the ship, flat and easy to find – just follow the promenade. There is an interesting wall relief along part of the sea wall which breaks the walk.
We also passed some beautiful mansions or Grand Villas which were built between the late 19th to early 20th Century. They are absolutely stunning but not open to the public as they are still largely privately owned – well worth pausing to having a look.
When we reached the town we headed straight to the famous Vizcaya Bridge, formerly known as the Hanging Bridge. It is a transporter bridge that links the towns of Portugalete and Getxo. Building started in 1891 and was completed in 1893. Designed by Basque architect Alberto de Palacio, it was the first bridge in the world to carry people and traffic on a high suspended gondola. It has now been designated as a World Heritage site.
Fascinating as it is supended over the river and carries both foot and wheeled vehicles to and fro – at a very reasonable cost. You can also go to the top of the bridge and walk across although this costs a little more. Ken is much more interested in these structures than I am, but even I had to be impressed with it.
We didn’t explore into the centre of the town but it certainly looked as if it would be interesting. Our return walk brought us to the marina area where you can pick up boat tours of the harbour area – these area a little more sporadic in the off-peak season but it is something we would do on our next visit. Add to that a little stop at one of the bars in the same area for a coffee and a local beer and it topped off a lovely day. If you have seen Bilbao and want something a little different then this could be for you.
To check out our experiences in Getxo just click the video below – and if you enjoy the content simply ‘Like’ and ‘Subscribe’ to see more (subscription is free).