Discover Santurtzi’s maritime heritage and trails

Santurtzi can be explored from several perspectives: maritime culture, art displayed in different locations, and scenic trails. These highlights can help you tailor your stay to your interests. The tourist information office is located in the fishing port and provides information about Santurtzi, Bizkaia and Euskadi. Guided visits are available by appointment. If you plan to use this service, arrange your visit and check the latest opening hours.

Maritime culture and art around town

The open-air sculpture museum comprises fourteen sculptures displayed at various locations in Santurtzi. Their distribution across several sites makes this art attraction different from a visit to a single museum building. If you are interested in local art, it offers another perspective alongside the town’s maritime themes.

The Agurtza museum ship is also dedicated to fishing: it also serves as an interpretation centre for fishing techniques. The focus is on catching albacore tuna and preserving this fish. Regular visits are offered in Basque, Spanish, English and French; adapted visits are available for groups. Confirm availability before your trip if you plan to visit the Agurtza.

The Santurtzi Itsas Museoa focuses on other aspects. It offers theatrical guided tours featuring a traditional fish auction, as well as maritime workshops. The Santurtzi Marinero route leads to the town’s key maritime sights and themes, offering a thematic way to explore beyond individual museum visits. Museum activity schedules may change; check the dates before your trip.

Traditions and local cuisine

Every year on 16 July, fishermen carry the statue of the Virgen del Carmen in a procession commemorating fishermen who have died. If this tradition is relevant to your trip, check the current programme in advance. This lets you include the date in your plans without making your other visits dependent on it.

Santurtzi’s cuisine includes grilled sardines, widely served in the town’s restaurants. They are seasoned only with coarse salt and cooked over moderate heat. Sardines are closely connected with the town’s culture and cuisine, offering a culinary link to its maritime character.

The Palacio Casa Torre is a Baroque building with an exhibition space. If you would like to include the building in your itinerary, check the latest visiting arrangements in advance.

Views and trails

At 451 metres high, Monte Serantes is a natural viewpoint with excellent views over the Abra Bay and the coast. Hiking and cycling routes can be found on Monte Serantes. Check trail conditions before setting out so your plans reflect the current situation.

Another route runs from the statue of the Sardine Sellers to the port of Zierbena and is suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. This route has a named destination; at Monte Serantes, the focus is on the viewpoint and the hiking and cycling routes available there. This distinction can help you decide whether to include a viewpoint or a route with a specific endpoint in your plans. You should also check conditions before setting out on this route.

Planning your journey

The metro journey from Bilbao to Santurtzi takes around 25 minutes on Line 2. This approximate journey time gives you an initial guide for planning your trip. As journey times can change, check the latest timetable before you travel.

For the wider travel overview: Bizkaia.