We're finishing up our RS Basque tour in Bilbao and decided to stay an extra night before flying home. I would love suggestions on what we can do this extra day. The tour starts in Bayonne with stops in Pamplona, Guernica and San Sebastian. We're going to the Guggenheim and then will have a walking tour of Bilbao as part of the tour. I would love to explore close by towns or drive along the coast. We would be willing to rent a car for this day. I have other guidebooks to look at but sure would love some tips from my fellow travelers! Thanks so much.
Posted by
Washington DC
28082 posts
The trio of Zumaia/Getaria/Zarautz can be visited by a combination of train and bus. Bermeo can be reached by bus or train. Lekeitio is often recommended, but I haven't been there.
Not on the coast is the attractive inland capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz with a large, hilltop medieval district. It's reachable by bus. As of 2016 the Bilbao transit system's stored-value cards also worked in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
I liked Bilvwo a lot and would be happy to spend an extra day there. The historic district (Casco Viejo) is sizable and sees few foreign tourists.
Posted by
Bilbao
743 posts
As a Bilbao local, you may not need a car for that day if you take our excellent mass transit system. I recommend the metro to get to Areeta to enjoy the unique Puente Bizkaia, a UNESCO World Heritage Monument, and the old fishing port of Algorta, at the end of a beautiful promenade by the espectacular 19h century mansions by the beach, in Getxo. Also, you may want to continue towards Plentzia, practically untouched by foreign tourism. In case you have a car, you may want to visit the castle of Butron, a hidden gem, and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, on your way to Mundaka and Bermeo. Public transport is also widely available on this area (train or bus).
Posted by
OP
Huntington Beach CA
1162 posts
Thank you, both!, Wish you were available for a tour that day, Mikel!