Bizkaia: Art, Coast and Basque History

Painted figures on radiata pines and animal rock paintings give Bizkaia distinct cultural highlights, alongside birdwatching, coastal activities and a regional cycling network. This raises a practical question when planning your trip: should the focus be on art and history, nature watching, the coast or food and wine routes?

Forest art, a cave and Basque history

The Bosque de Oma in Kortezubi is a work of art by Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola and belongs to the Art and Nature movement. Several groups of geometric motifs and figures are painted on the trunks of radiata pines. The interplay of signs, figures and tree trunks defines the character of this work of art. Visitors can choose between exploring independently and taking a guided tour; advance reservations are required for both options.

The Cueva de Santimamiñe preserves traces of human settlements dating back more than 14,000 years. Nearly fifty rock paintings depict bison, horses, a bear and a deer. Advance reservations are also required to visit the cave. As availability may change, it is best to check before making plans.

The Árbol de Gernika is regarded as a living symbol of Basque history. The Casa de Juntas de Gernika is the seat of Bizkaia’s highest institutional body. It also offers a virtual tour that conveys its beauty and history; check in advance whether the digital offering is available.

The Euskal Herria Museoa is housed in the baroque Palacio de Alegría, built as such in 1733. An exhibition there explains the historical, political and cultural significance of the foral context, as well as the characteristics of the spiritual community that forms Euskal Herria. Bizkaia thus offers different perspectives on history: institutional connections sit alongside cultural interpretations and artistic expression.

At the Museo de la Paz de Gernika, a documentation centre is devoted to the bombing of Gernika. The museum preserves and displays material relating to the history and memory of the bombing of Gernika-Lumo, as well as the Civil War and the postwar period in Euskadi. Its permanent exhibition presents audiovisual testimonies from people who experienced the bombing.

Birdlife, coast and trails

Bizkaia’s landscape includes a maritime coastline and a green inland region, as well as caves, mountains, valleys, farmsteads and Greenways. The Urdaibai Bird Center is dedicated to the scientific study of birds, their migrations and their habitats, and shares knowledge about them. From there, an ornithological trail leads to two birdwatching points operated by the center. Birds in the wetland can be observed from these spots. If you plan to walk the trail, check the current access conditions in advance.

Bizkaia has 150 kilometres of coastline with 28 beaches facing the Cantabrian Sea. Barinatxe Beach in Sopela is known for surfing; paragliding is also possible from the surrounding cliffs. This means two different activities take centre stage on the coast: water sports at the beach and paragliding from the cliffs.

There is also a network for cycling, comprising Bidegorris, Greenways, routes specifically developed for cycling, urban cycle lanes and paths in nature. These options range from cycle lanes in urban areas to trails in nature, so cycling in Bizkaia is catered for by several types of route.

Txakoli and regional experiences

The Ruta del Txakoli Bilbao-Bizkaia comprises ten routes through the landscapes of Bizkaia, with Txakoli at their heart. As routes may change, it is a good idea to check the current route before planning a specific trip. A visit related to the production of cheese or talos is also recommended as another experience.

Discover more destinations

Lejona, Santurtzi, Loiu, Izartza, Arrigorriaga, Gaztelu-Elexabeitia, Elantxobe, Otxandio, Nabarniz, Abadiño, Basauri, Gautegiz Arteaga, Gordejuela, Mimetiz, Zubialde, Galdakao, Sopuerta, Areatza, Bermeo, Amorebieta-Etxano, Plaza, Traslaviña, Urriola, Arantzazu, Ortuella, Mungia, Arrieta, Murueta, Sestao, Zamudio, Garai, Gatika, Altamira-San Kristobal, Alonsotegi, Markina-Xemein, Elexalde, Larrabetzu, Balmaseda, Muxika, Busturi-Axpe, Ermua, Lanestosa, Gernika, Igorre, Güeñes, Erandio, Bakio, Zelaia, Ibarrangelu, Bilbao, Mendieta, Sopelana, Barakaldo, Lezama, Muskiz, Portugalete, Plentzia, Orduña, Mundaka, Morga, Lekeitio, Arakaldo, Etxebarria, Zierbena, Trucios-Turtzioz, Fruiz, Urduliz, Sanfuentes, Osma, Ziortza-Bolibar, Butroi, Ondarroa, Kanpantxu, Elorrio, Mallabia, Valle De Trápaga, Valle De Carranza, Ea, Orozko, Getxo, Laukiz, Derio, Durango

Back to the main travel overview: Basque Country.