From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika Day Trip
About This Experience
A nine-hour walking-led day through the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, and the highest-rated of the larger group tours here at 4.8 from 824 guests. Necessary tickets and entry fees are included, so the Gaztelugatxe access slot is covered.
The Gaztelugatxe block runs about two hours and is framed as a hike rather than a photo stop: down to the causeway, across the bridge and up the 241 steps, with the guide talking through the site's history on the way. Sturdy shoes and a bottle of water genuinely help here.
Bermeo gets the longest allocation of any tour on this site — a 30-minute guided introduction followed by 105 minutes free. That is deliberate: Bermeo is one of the oldest fishing ports on the Biscay coast, and the free block exists so you can eat there. The guide hands out specific recommendations for seafood and pintxos before letting you loose.
Gernika closes the day with a 2¼-hour visit taking in the Casa de Juntas, the seat of Bizkaian political life, and the Tree of Gernika. Read the operator's caveat: entry to the Casa de Juntas is not guaranteed, because capacity limits and official events can close it, in which case you see the oak from outside.
Highlights
- Necessary tickets and entry fees included, Gaztelugatxe access among them
- Two central Bilbao meeting points, at 09:20 and 09:30
- The longest stop in Bermeo of any tour here — 105 minutes free for lunch after the guided walk
- Over two hours in Gernika, including the Casa de Juntas and the Tree of Gernika
- Bilingual English and Spanish guiding throughout
What's Included
- ✓ Bilingual guide
- ✓ Transportation (minivan or bus depending on the size of the group)
- ✓ Necessary tickets and entry fees
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
What to Bring
- Sturdy walking or hiking shoes
- Weather-appropriate outer layer
- A reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and sunglasses in summer
- Passport or ID
Good to Know & Caveats
- Nine hours in total, and the figure includes all road time
- Entry to the Casa de Juntas in Gernika is not guaranteed — capacity limits and public events can close it, and you then see the oak from outside
- Seats in the van or bus are not assigned
- The order of stops can change on some dates for operational reasons
- The tour runs rain or shine, and no hotel pickup is offered — you must reach one of the two meeting points on time or it counts as a no-show
- Child rate applies only when sharing with one paying adult, maximum two children per adult
Not Suitable For
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
- Visually impaired people
- Hearing-impaired people
Meeting Point
Two options, both on the street outside the hotel — never inside it: Meliá Bilbao at 09:20, or Sercotel Coliseo, Urkixo Zumarkalea 13, at 09:30. Pick whichever suits you; you do not need to tell the operator which one.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 824 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Nice hike. The first part is tiring, but it's worth it.
— Francesca, Septemb
I booked this excursion to visit Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, and Gernika, and I was completely satisfied. The itinerary is wonderful and the organization is impeccable from start to finish. The real highlight of the tour, however, was Borja: an exceptional guide who was extremely helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. He engaged us with fascinating stories, historical curiosities, and constant attention to the whole group, always making us feel at ease. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to discover these wonders with the added bonus of a super competent professional. Thank you very much, Borja!
— Beatrice, Septemb
This trip allowed us to see all of Gastelugatxe, Bremeo and Guernica. We had a superb tour with a guide Borja and We have to say that he was probably the best guide we ever had. Borja had so many interesting remarks to say both about the tour and also about everything Basque Country. What made this trip so great was also the fact that Borja was super authentic and genuinely cared for us to have the best trip possible. This trip was genuinely great!
— Jakub, Septemb
Frequently Asked Questions
Which meeting point should I choose?
Either. The bus stops outside Meliá Bilbao at 09:20 and outside the Sercotel Coliseo on Urkixo Zumarkalea at 09:30, and you do not need to tell the operator which you will use — just be on the street outside, not in the lobby, and be there early. Miss it and it counts as a no-show.
Are the Gaztelugatxe tickets included?
Yes. The inclusions cover the necessary tickets and entry fees, which is what gets your group through the timed access control at the islet without a separate booking.
How hard is the walk at Gaztelugatxe?
It is a genuine hike rather than a stroll: down to sea level, across the stone causeway and up 241 uneven steps, with about two hours allowed. The operator lists the tour as not accessible for guests with mobility problems or slow walking.
Will we get into the Casa de Juntas in Gernika?
Usually, but it is not guaranteed. Capacity limits and political or public events can close the building, and in that case the group sees the Tree of Gernika from outside instead. The operator states this up front rather than in the small print.
Is lunch included?
No, but the schedule is built around it. After the guided introduction to Bermeo you get 105 minutes free, and the guide recommends specific local spots for seafood and pintxos before the group splits up.
Is there hotel pickup?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are explicitly excluded — you make your own way to one of the two central meeting points, both of which are a short walk or metro ride from most Bilbao accommodation.
What vehicle does it use?
A minivan or a bus, depending on how many people are booked on your date. Seats are not assigned in either case, so board early if you want a particular spot.
What should I wear?
Comfortable sportswear and proper walking shoes. The coast is exposed and the tour runs rain or shine, so bring a waterproof layer between autumn and spring and sun protection in summer.
Other Gaztelugatxe Departures
The Basque Coast Tour & San Juan Gaztelugatxe (Dragonstone)
Bilbao: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Walk along Basque Coast
From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe with Access, Bermeo and Gernika
Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour
From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka, and Guernica Tour
