Bizkaia: the secret paradise of the Spanish north coast
The Bizkaia region is located in the north of Spain, on the coast of the Cantabrian Sea. It is part of the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country. The region of Bizkaia has a rich historical and cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. The region is home to the world-famous Bilbao, the capital of the region and one of the most important centres of modern art. But there are also many other small towns and villages, each with its own unique atmosphere and charm.
Jun: 21 °C
Recommended accommodations, Bilbao Jun.3.-6,
Recommended accommododations, Jun.7-11
Meals in cheaper restaurant 10 GBP
local beer: 2 GBP, cappuccino: 1,3 GBP
Bermeo: the cradle of fishing and tradition
Bermeo is a small town in the Bizkaia region with a population of around 12,000 inhabitants. Bermeo is the oldest town in the region, dating back to the 11th century, and was an important trading and fishing centre in the Middle Ages. Bermeo still preserves its fishing tradition and is proud to have the largest fishing fleet on the Basque coast. Bermeo is famous not only for its fishing but also for its beautiful old town, full of colourful houses, narrow streets and charming squares. In the old town, it is worth visiting the church of Santa Eufemia, built in the 13th century, which is the most important monument in the town. In the harbour you can discover the colourful fishing boats that deliver fresh fish and seafood daily. The harbour is also home to the fish market, where local fishermen sell their fish and where you can buy the best quality seafood. Next to the harbour is the fishing museum, which presents the fishing history, culture and techniques of the town. Next to the museum is the island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an adventurous cliff with a chapel dating back to the 10th century. The island is connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge with 241 steps leading up to the chapel. The island is a magnificent natural attraction, which was used as a filming location for the series Game of Thrones. The island is well worth a visit and you can climb up to the chapel for a stunning view of the sea and coastline. According to island legend, if you ring the chapel bell three times and make a wish, it will come true.
Bermeo enchants visitors not only with its old town but also with the surrounding countryside. Bermeo is part of the Bizkaiai Biosphere Reserve, a 220,000 hectare area declared a UNESCO protected area. The reserve aims to preserve natural and cultural values and to promote sustainable development. Within the reserve is the Urdaiba Nature Park, a magnificent ecosystem. The flora and fauna in the park is extremely rich and diverse, and is home to over 200 species of birds. The park has a number of hiking and cycling trails that allow visitors to explore the beauty of the park.
Bermeo is famous not only for its fishing and natural beauty, but also for its gastronomy. In the town you will find a variety of restaurants, bars and cafés where you can taste local specialities, the most famous of which is marmitako. Marmitako is a traditional fish soup made with tuna, potatoes, onions, peppers and tomatoes, served with fresh bread. Marmitako is a real orgy of flavour, cooked by fishermen on the boat when they were at sea. In addition to marmitako, other delicacies are also worth trying, such as bacalao al pil-pil, a spicy cod fillet fried in olive oil, garlic and paprika, or txipirones en su tinta, a squid ragù cooked in the squid's own ink.
The region fascinates visitors not only with the town of Bermeo, but also with the surrounding towns and villages. These towns and villages all have a unique character and charm and are well worth a visit. One such town is Mundaka, which is located in the neighbourhood of Bermeo and is a paradise for surfing. The waves are the best here from September to April, when the sea is stormy and the waves are big enough. Mundaka is not only famous for its surfing, but also for its beautiful old town, full of whitewashed houses, flowers and green hills.
Mundaka:
The following cities are also worth visiting in the region:
Elorrio
Ondarroa
Portugalete
Guernica
Lekeitio
Markina-Xemein
Algorta (Getxo)
Bilbao
How to get to Bermeo?
Bilbao is a 2-hour flight from London and a further 1 hour 20 minutes by train from Bilbao to Bermeo.
Bermeo:
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