Bilbao and Castro Urdiales Full-day excursion from Santander

Exploring Bilbao and Castro Urdiales in a Day: A Practical and Authentic Tour Experience

This full-day excursion from Santander offers an engaging way to see two of Spain’s captivating northern cities. With a mix of guided tours, free time, and optional activities like a boat ride, it’s a well-rounded way to soak up the culture, architecture, and landscapes of the Basque Country and Cantabria. The trip’s highlights include historic Bilbao’s charming old town, the breathtaking Guggenheim Museum, and the picturesque seaside town of Castro Urdiales. It’s a whirlwind journey, but one packed with memorable sights and stories.

What I really like about this experience is how it balances guided exploration with personal free time. The 2.5-hour guided walk through Bilbao’s historic center is packed with architectural gems, from the Gothic cathedral of Santiago to the lively Plaza Nueva. The guide’s insights make the city’s lively streets and historic sites come alive, giving you a real sense of place. Plus, the optional boat trip on the Nervión River offers a different perspective of Bilbao’s skyline and riverbanks—perfect if you want a more relaxed way to enjoy the scenery.

However, a consideration is that the day can feel quite full, especially if you aim to do everything—like visiting the Guggenheim or taking the boat ride. These are optional, and tickets for both are extra, so if you’re on a tight schedule or budget, you’ll want to plan accordingly. The tour’s 10-hour duration means you’ll need comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure to keep up with the pace.

This tour provides excellent value for travelers eager to combine cultural insights with scenic beauty in a single day. It’s particularly suited for those who want a guided overview but still enjoy some personal exploration time. Plus, with the tour operating in both Spanish and English, you’re well-supported regardless of your language preference.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Balanced mix of guided and free time allows meaningful exploration without feeling rushed.
• Highlights include Bilbao’s Gothic cathedral, Plaza Nueva, and the Guggenheim exterior—perfect for photo enthusiasts.
• Optional boat trip on Nervión River offers a relaxing way to see Bilbao from a different angle.
• Castro Urdiales boasts a stunning Gothic church and Romanesque ruins, ideal for history lovers and seaside charm.
• The tour’s transportation is by coach or minivan, making long-distance travel comfortable.
• Tour guides from Exploring Cantabria are praised for their insights and friendly attitude.

Entering the Heart of Bilbao’s Old Town

Your day begins with an early departure from Santander, setting out on a roughly 75-minute scenic drive. Once in Bilbao, the guided walk through the historic center is a highlight. I love the way the guide brings the city’s lively streets and historic architecture to life—stopping at landmarks like San Nicolás Church and Plaza Nueva, where the local “bilbainadas” (Bilbao’s beloved customs) are celebrated. Strolling through the Siete Calles—the seven narrow streets that form the city’s core—you’ll feel the pulse of local life.

Walking along the Nervión River, you’ll encounter the Church of San Anton, an emblematic building on Bilbao’s coat of arms, and the bustling Ribera Market, where locals gather to buy fresh produce. The Arriaga Theater and the City Hall add a touch of elegance to your walk, blending history with everyday life. A walk along the riverbank offers a glimpse of Bilbao’s transformation from industrial roots to modern hub.

Crossing the Salve Bridge and Seeing the Guggenheim

One of the tour’s most iconic moments is crossing the Salve Bridge, high above the river with sweeping views of Bilbao’s skyline. From this vantage point, the Guggenheim Museum dominates the scene—a true marvel of modern architecture designed by Frank Gehry. While a full interior visit is optional, simply admiring the exterior and the famous sculptures like Puppy is worth the stop. The exterior’s twisting forms and shiny titanium surface make for fantastic photos, capturing Bilbao’s innovative spirit.

If you choose to go inside, you’ll discover a unique collection of contemporary art—an experience worth the extra cost but not compulsory to enjoy the overall tour. For many, the stunning exterior and the views from the bridge are enough to appreciate Bilbao’s blend of old and new.

Free Time to Explore or Relax

After the guided tour, you’ll have approximately two hours of free time. This is your chance to wander at your own pace—perhaps grab a pintxo (Basque tapas) in one of the lively local bars or browse the shop-lined Siete Calles for souvenirs. The flexibility here is a real plus, giving you space to soak up Bilbao’s vibrant atmosphere.

Journey to Castro Urdiales

From Bilbao, the drive south to Castro Urdiales takes about 30 minutes. This charming coastal town is a stark contrast to Bilbao’s urban energy—more relaxed, with stunning sea views and historic architecture. The 13th-15th-century Gothic Cathedral of Santa María de la Asunción is a showstopper, with its graceful structure on the town’s main square. Nearby, you’ll find the Romanesque Church of San Pedro ruins and the hermitage of Santa Ana, perched on a rock with panoramic vistas.

The Roman Bridge adds a sense of history, and strolling through Castro Urdiales’ narrow streets reveals a town that feels both timeless and lively. The town’s designation as a Cultural Interest site means you’ll find plenty of charming shops, cafes, and spots to relax before heading back.

Final Return and Reflection

The journey back to Santander takes roughly 75 minutes, giving you a moment to unwind and reflect on the day’s highlights. Many travelers appreciate how this tour packs so much into a single day—covering iconic architecture, scenic views, and authentic local culture. The tour ends conveniently back at the meeting point in Santander, making it easy to plan your evening.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This day trip is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of Bilbao’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple visits. It suits those who enjoy a guided experience but also value free time to explore independently. Perfect for first-timers to the Basque Country or Cantabria, it offers a balanced mix of history, art, architecture, and coastal charm.

Those with a moderate level of mobility will find the pace manageable, but comfortable shoes are a must for walking the cobblestone streets. If you’re interested in architecture, art, or simply want to see two beautiful towns in one day, this tour offers appealing value and a memorable experience.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation by coach or minivan is included for the entire day.

How long is the drive between Santander and Bilbao?
It’s approximately 75 minutes each way, so you’ll spend a little over an hour on the road each direction.

Can I visit the Guggenheim Museum inside?
The tour includes exterior viewing and optional interior visits, which require an additional ticket purchased separately.

What’s the free time in Bilbao for?
It’s for exploring on your own—perhaps enjoying a meal, shopping, or simply soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for most travelers.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended since you’ll be walking and exploring for much of the day.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English, ensuring clear explanations for most travelers.

What is the cost of optional activities?
Guggenheim tickets are €18 for adults and €12 for seniors and children; boat ride tickets are €15 for adults and €11 for children.

When should I book?
It’s best to reserve at least 24 hours in advance, and you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour.

To sum it up, this tour offers a practical way to experience the best of Bilbao and Castro Urdiales in a single day. It balances guided insights with free time, providing a rich taste of the region’s architecture, culture, and scenery. Perfect for those who want a well-organized, authentic experience with the flexibility to explore on their own. If you’re after a day of sightseeing that’s both comprehensive and manageable, this trip hits the mark.