14 Activities
Road Trip to Basque Country: Discover Guernika and the Port of Lekeitio
Starts from
Bilbao
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
14
Duration
10 hrs 40 min
Length
18 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Bilbao
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
10 hrs 40 min
Length
18 mi
- History and Culture
- Natural Attractions
Aldana Chiodi
Travel Expert
- Discover the history of Guernika in its museums and streets.
- Relax in the port of Lekeitio and enjoy the coastal scenery of the Cantabrian Sea.
- Surprise yourself with the crossing to St. Nicholas Island if the tide is low.
On this day trip from Bilbao, you can learn about the history of the bombing of the city of Guernika-Lumo (Guernica y Luno). You will visit museums, parks and the replica of the famous painting by Pablo Picasso.
Then, drive to the Cantabrian coast to be amazed by the colours of the port town of Lekeitio. If it's summer you can enjoy the beach and if the tide is low you can walk to an island.
Get ready for a long day, in which it will be worthwhile to visit these two interesting places in the Basque Country.
Then, drive to the Cantabrian coast to be amazed by the colours of the port town of Lekeitio. If it's summer you can enjoy the beach and if the tide is low you can walk to an island.
Get ready for a long day, in which it will be worthwhile to visit these two interesting places in the Basque Country.
Categories
- History and Culture
- Natural Attractions
On this day trip from Bilbao, you can learn about the history of the bombing of the city of Guernika-Lumo (Guernica y Luno). You will visit museums, parks and the replica of the famous painting by Pablo Picasso.
Then, drive to the Cantabrian coast to be amazed by the colours of the port town of Lekeitio. If it's summer you can enjoy the beach and if the tide is low you can walk to an island.
Get ready for a long day, in which it will be worthwhile to visit these two interesting places in the Basque Country.
Then, drive to the Cantabrian coast to be amazed by the colours of the port town of Lekeitio. If it's summer you can enjoy the beach and if the tide is low you can walk to an island.
Get ready for a long day, in which it will be worthwhile to visit these two interesting places in the Basque Country.
Aldana Chiodi
Travel Expert
- Discover the history of Guernika in its museums and streets.
- Relax in the port of Lekeitio and enjoy the coastal scenery of the Cantabrian Sea.
- Surprise yourself with the crossing to St. Nicholas Island if the tide is low.
Day Itinerary
14 Activities
Day 1
14 mi4 mi
A City With History and a Charming Town
On this day trip, you will visit Guernika-Lumo, a city that went down in history because of the bombing that destroyed it in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War.
Then, the route continues to Lekeitio, a picturesque coastal city where you can enjoy its port, its landscapes and the historic centre. There are beaches there too, so if you like the sea and sand a lot, and you are travelling in summer, take your beach gear with you.
The trip starts early to make the most of the day on this one-day route from Bilbao. Bring some snacks for the morning.
If you are interested in this history, you can check in advance the guided tours organized by the Peace Museum (see second stop of the itinerary for more information).
The trip starts early to make the most of the day on this one-day route from Bilbao. Bring some snacks for the morning.
If you are interested in this history, you can check in advance the guided tours organized by the Peace Museum (see second stop of the itinerary for more information).
09:0010 min
Car Park
You can leave the car in the free car park and start the itinerary from there. All the recommended points to visit are close to each other. You will see major attractions in Guernica, including Picasso inspired mosaic, Peace museum, traditional Basques meeting point and more.
0.3 mi
10 min
09:3015 min
Reproduction of Guernica by Picasso
If you walk along San Juan Kalea street, you will arrive to the mural with the replica of the famous painting by Pablo Picasso: "Guernica". In this work, Pablo Picasso describes the barbarity and terror of war.
You can pay attention to its details and take the famous photograph.
You can pay attention to its details and take the famous photograph.
0.2 mi
5 min
10:001 hr
Gernika Peace Museum
A few metres from the mural is the Peace Museum, the second stop in the city route. In this museum, you can see a documentary about the bombing of the town of Guernika by the German Condor Legion and the Italian Legionary Air Force on 26 April 1937. You can also see photographs of the aftermath of the bombing and the reconstruction.
The museum asks and invites reflection on what is peace, what legacy or lesson has the bombing of Guernica left us, and what is happening with peace in the world today?
It is recommended to look at the guide options organized by the Peace Museum in advance, to organize the morning in the best way possible.
The museum asks and invites reflection on what is peace, what legacy or lesson has the bombing of Guernica left us, and what is happening with peace in the world today?
It is recommended to look at the guide options organized by the Peace Museum in advance, to organize the morning in the best way possible.
0.2 mi
5 min
11:1545 min
Museum of the Basque Country
Another option to continue learning about the history of the place is to visit the museum Euskal Herria. This museum works in a baroque palace and allows knowing the traditions of the Basque people. You will be able to learn about the music, politics, art, myths and many other topics of the Basque Country.
0.1 mi
5 min
12:3045 min
Gernika Assembly Hall
The Guernika Tree and the Meeting House are two symbols of freedom and citizen participation. Meetings of the representatives of the towns of Biscay were held under this tree. Today it is the seat of the highest institutional body in Bizkaia.
0.2 mi
5 min
13:3030 min
Parque de los Pueblos de Europa
After the museums, you can visit the Park of the peoples of Europe. In this park you can take a leisurely stroll. The park was inaugurated in 1991 and has four areas with differentiated vegetation.
Along the way, you will see some sculptures such as "Gure Aitaren Etxea" by Eduardo Chillida, which represents the house of the Basque people and was made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the bombing of the city.
Nearby is Henry Moore's sculpture called "Large Figure in a Shelter". This sculpture was installed for the 60th anniversary of the bombing.
Along the way, you will see some sculptures such as "Gure Aitaren Etxea" by Eduardo Chillida, which represents the house of the Basque people and was made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the bombing of the city.
Nearby is Henry Moore's sculpture called "Large Figure in a Shelter". This sculpture was installed for the 60th anniversary of the bombing.
0.4 mi
10 min
14:151 hr
Julen Restaurante
After a morning full of history and reflections on peace and war, it is time to relax and have lunch.
You can choose a restaurant with traditional Basque food like Julen Restaurant. There you can order cod, sirloin steak, asparagus, or paella among other dishes.
You can choose a restaurant with traditional Basque food like Julen Restaurant. There you can order cod, sirloin steak, asparagus, or paella among other dishes.
0.5 mi
10 min
15:255 min
Car Park
Pick up your car to continue your journey.
14.1 mi
40 min
16:305 min
Car park
The last stop of the day is to visit the fishing town of Lekeitio. You can leave your car in the caravan park and walk to the old town. In Lekeitio, you're going to walk along the sea, pass through water to an island and have some hearty Spanish food.
0.6 mi
15 min
17:001 hr
Puerto de Lekeitio
Once you park the car, get ready for a walk through the city. The first suggestion is to go to the port of Lekeitio and walk along the coast.
You can see the beaches of Isuntza and Karraspio, as well as the river Lea. If it's summer and you feel like it, you can enjoy some time sitting on the sand or take a dip.
You can see the beaches of Isuntza and Karraspio, as well as the river Lea. If it's summer and you feel like it, you can enjoy some time sitting on the sand or take a dip.
0.1 mi
5 min
18:1530 min
Kukurutxo
During the walk along the harbour you can have a good coffee and a sweet snack. One place for that is Kukurutxo where there are coffees, crepes, ice creams, milkshakes and other options.
0.3 mi
5 min
19:005 min
Basilica of the Assumption of Santa María
On the way to the port, you will see the imposing figure of the Gothic Basilica of the Assumption of Santa Maria built in the 15th century.
It is not possible to visit the interior at this time (it is only open in the morning) but you can always admire it from the outside. You can get a nice postcard view of the building from the promenade.
It is not possible to visit the interior at this time (it is only open in the morning) but you can always admire it from the outside. You can get a nice postcard view of the building from the promenade.
0.6 mi
15 min
19:301 hr
Saint Nicholas Island
Another of Lekeitio's attractions is the island of San Nicolás, which can only be reached (and returned to) at low tide.
If it is at low tide, it is a good idea to cross the concrete path that connects it to Isuntza beach to watch the sunset from there.
On the island are the remains of a 16th century hermitage and the wall of a fortress. There is also a short hike to a viewpoint from where there are beautiful views of Lekeitio. You can buy some fish or tortilla sandwiches at the port and take them to eat there.
You can check the tide table or ask a local person.
If the tide is not low, you can continue your walk along the port or through the old town of Lekeitio. Choose a bar to end the day with a beer and a good pintxo (or a restaurant to have dinner).
On the island are the remains of a 16th century hermitage and the wall of a fortress. There is also a short hike to a viewpoint from where there are beautiful views of Lekeitio. You can buy some fish or tortilla sandwiches at the port and take them to eat there.
You can check the tide table or ask a local person.
If the tide is not low, you can continue your walk along the port or through the old town of Lekeitio. Choose a bar to end the day with a beer and a good pintxo (or a restaurant to have dinner).
0.8 mi
20 min
21:001 hr
Lumentza Taberna
If you decide to go to the old town, on the way to the car park, you can dine in this tavern, where you can eat good quality fresh fish. There, you can order pintxos, zamburiñas, cod omelette, baby squid, octopus and various other dishes with vegetables, meat, and rice.
If this option is closed, or you prefer something cheaper, nearby is Kaixarranka Taberna, where you'll find Spanish food at a good price.
If this option is closed, or you prefer something cheaper, nearby is Kaixarranka Taberna, where you'll find Spanish food at a good price.