Bilbao is located on the Atlantic Ocean and has a number of beautiful beaches that are worth exploring. Some are better for walking along the white sand beach while others are better for surfing. Let’s get into the beaches near Bilbao.
The Best Beaches Close To Bilbao
Though technically these beaches aren’t in the center of Bilbao they are located in Greater BIlbao. In many cases they can reached by using the subway system. The best beaches near Bilbao, Spain are as follows.
Playa La Salvaje Beach
La Salve Beach (Playa) is located in Sopela (Sopelana). It is roughly a 20 minute drive from downtown Bilbao. It can also be accessed by getting of the subway at the Larrabasterra Station.
Station of Line 1. From there it is a 20 minute walk.
La Salve Beach is a beautiful beach that is long and has beautiful white sand. It is one of the best surfing spots in Greater Bilbao. If you are interested in taking surfing lessons there are many different surf schools in the area. For more information on surf schools you should read our article about what to do in Sopelana.
The beach is over 800 meters long and 30 meters wide and is a great place to spend a day in the sunshine. It is also one of the most spacious beaches in Greater Bilbao so you are more likely to have more space for yourself.
The water is clean and clear and an enjoyable place to swim and participate in other water related activities.
Behind the beach are cliffs made of flysch. Not sure what flysch is? Read out article on what is flysch.
Playa La Salvaje is also known for paragliding. On the right day you will be able to enjoy the view of paragliders dotting the sky.
Plentzia and Goliz Beaches
The beaches of Plentzia and Gorliz and located ten minutes past Playa La Salvaje Beach in Sopela, if you are coming from downtown Bilbao. They can also be reached by taking Bilbao’s subway Line 1. Get off at the last stop in Plentzia. From there you will experience the lovely Plentzia River Walk to the ocean.
The two beaches are essentially one beach that stretches around the Plentzia Bay. The towns of Plentzia and Gorliz are split by a large white marine biology research building that stands alongside the beach.
When looking for calmer waters and a more relaxed vibe then these beaches are a great choice. The Plentzia bay, along with the breakwaters, protects the beaches from some of the more aggressive waves.
The Plentzia bay is roughly a kilometer and is a popular destination of a sunny day. If you are searching for a hidden gem, this isn’t that. However, it is a one of the best beaches near Bilbao.
The Gorliz Oceanside Promenade backs the beach and is one of the nicest sea walks in all of Biscay. This is a popular walk that is enjoyed by locals and visitors.
If you are feeling adventurous you can also take a hike up to the Gorliz Lighthouse. This lighthouse stands atop the cliffs and has abandoned military tunnels that date back to 1940.
La Arena Beach
La Arena beach is located in Muskiz and is roughly a 15 minute drive from downtown Bilbao. It is not easily accessible by using the subway. It does have a fairly good sized parking lot.
This beach is known as the beach with dark sand. At over 1.5 kilometers long it has plenty of space for everyone. It has mountains on both sides and allows you to feel quite removed from urban life.
The beach is unobstructed by any break waters and it isn’t in a a deep bay so it is a good place to go surfing.
If you want to go for a bit of a hike the Camino de Santiago Norte passes by this beach. From there you can walk along the coast for as far as your heart desires. Interested in more hiking opportunities near Bilbao? Read the article The best hiking near Bilbao.
To get to the beach you must take a long and windy staircase that sharply cuts down the cliffside. From the bottom you can enjoy the beach and take in the flysch that have created these cliffs.
Barrika Beach
Barrika Beach is located between Sopela and Plentzia and is roughly a 25 minute drive from the center of Bilbao. Unfortunately, Barrika Beach is not easily accessible by metro. However, it does have a large parking lot if you’re going to drive there.
The park above the beach is large and has many picnic tables if you want to have lunch there. The views from above the cliffs are spectacular. The Cantabrian Sea is on full display from this location.
The beach doesn’t possess the same white sand and the previously mentioned beaches, however, it is one of the best places to surf in you have a little bit of experience.
Ereaga Beach
Ereaga Beach is located in Getxo which is about a 15 minute drive from Bilbao. It is also easily accessible by taking Metro Line 1 to Neguri Station. From there is roughly a ten minute walk.
Ereaga Beach is close to Bilbao and it is a nice white sand beach. It is not as busy as the beaches in Plentzia and Gorliz but still gets a lot of attention.
Located across the bay from the Bilbao Port it benefits from the port’s breakwaters. This usually leads to calmer water. The downside is that because it is located so close to the port the water at times isn’t as clean as some of the other beaches.
The beach is about 700 meters and is located beside Portu Zaharra. This port is the original Port of Bilbao and has a lot of character. Technically in Algorta, it is worth exploring. If you want to learn more about the Old Port (Portu Zaharra) read The very best things to do in Algorta.
Playa de Muriola
Playa de Muriola is located in Barrika which as mentioned earlier is located between Sopela and Plentzia.
This small beach is located in the Plentzia Bay facing towards Gorliz and Plentzia. The water at this beach is some of the calmest in the area. This beach is not very good for surfing.
This beach is known for being clothing optional. So if you are looking for the best nude beach Bilbao has to offer, then look no further.
Mapped Out – The Best Beaches Near Bilbao
The Best Beaches Near Bilbao: The Verdict
Bilbao has many amazing beaches that you should explore. Which is the best one? That really depends on what you are looking for. If you want the best surfing then head to La Salve Beach, Barrika Beach or La Arena Beach.
Interested in relaxing under the sun without a care in the world? Then La Salve or the beaches in Plentzia and Gorliz might be the best option. If you want to go nude then head to Playa de Muriola.
The beaches near Bilbao are a great escape and are waiting for you.