Wondering what are the very best things to do in Bakio? This beautiful oceanside town on the coast of Biscay has plenty to offer. Known for its surfing and extensive beach. It is a perfect place to go on a sunny day or to spend a weekend.
Bakio is not accessible by metro, it can be reached by Bizkaibus or car. The trip from Bilbao to Bakio is roughly 35-45 minutes and well worth it.
Visiting Bilbao? You might be interested in our Ultimate Travel Guide To Bilbao.
What To Do In Bakio
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Okay, so San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is not in the city center. However, you’d be crazy to go to Bakio and not take the five minute drive to see this epic location! It is definitely one of the most eye popping attractions in Basque Country.
This island plays home to a lone church. Connected to the mainland by a stone bridge before you climb the 241 steps that guide you to the church. The bridge and path to the summit church are spectacular.
When you’re at the church, place your foot over the footprint of John the Baptist and ring the church bell three times for good luck. The current church is not the original. Unfortunately, the original church was destroyed.
Game of Thrones fans will recognize San Juan de Gaztelugatxe as the Dragonstone Island from season 7. Since its airing on one of the most popular shows of all time, this spot has become an incredibly sought after tourist attraction. For this reason you do need a ticket to visit. Thankfully, tickets are free. The ticket requirement is to limit the flow of traffic though this protected area. Reserve your free ticket here.
Want a more tailored experience? You can reserve your own guided tour of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the Urdaibai bio-reserve, and much much more. Including, hotel pick-up and drop off. Book your guide here.
Beach It
The biggest attraction in Bakio is the beach, and for good reason. This beach is over a Kilometer long and well maintained. The white sand beach comes with infinite views and is a perfect place to lay down a towel and sunbathe. The beach can get quite busy in peak season but that is pretty normal for all the main beaches of Basque Country.
Outdoor showers, a common feature at beaches, provide an easy way for people to rinse off saltwater after taking a dip in the ocean.
During peak season, lifeguards are on duty to monitor swimming safety. Informing beach goers of the conditions, a flag system is used. Red flags indicate that swimming is not permitted, and caution is advised for those with yellow flags. On the other hand, green flags signify that it is safe for swimming.
The south side of the beach has a playground built on the sand, next to the Estepona River.
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Travelling with your pet? It is worth noting that the beach does not allow dogs during peak season, which runs May 1 – September 30.
Surf
Bakio is widely known for its surfing opportunities, with three distinct spots providing varying experiences for surfers. The northern break, Pena Rojas, is considered the most challenging and offers the largest waves.
In contrast, the central break, El Callejon, is the most popular spot for surfing, offering a more moderate experience.
The southern break, while less reliable and only present on certain days, is still an option for surfers seeking a different experience.
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There are at least three surfing schools located within one block of the promenade. Here is a link to “Bakio Surf ” options and the business’ reviews on Trip Advisor.
Walk The Promenade
The promenade is a nice place to take a stroll in the morning while it is still in the shade. For those who like to bask under the hot sun, an afternoon or evening stroll would be ideal.
The promenade takes roughly 25 minutes to walk each way. It stretches across the beachfront, continues along the Estepona River and up to a breakwater where you can look back at the beach, and city behind.
There are several restaurants along the promenade to stop in and grab a pintxo and a vino blanco (white wine). Which brings us to our next topic.
Patio Hopping
There are a variety of patio options along the Bakio promenade. If you make an evening of it, you can experience them all.
La Bakiense
Starting on the North end, there are two options. Firstly, you will find is La Bakiense Restaurant. They have a lovely patio that is right next to the beach. It is one of the largest patios you’ll come across in Bakio. It has good views of the beach and of the ocean side bluffs to the north. If you’re budget conscious, it isn’t the cheapest of the options.
Arimune
The Arimune Restaurant is by far the most high end option along the promenade. Specializing in traditional Basque gastronomy Arimune is worth a indulging at.
The patio is more private than the others around. It has several trees growing throughout that provide some welcome shade. The restaurant is also attached to a hotel of the same name. If you decide to spend the night you might want to leave this location till last and enjoy a night cap here.
Shouth End Corner
The rest of the patios are at the south end of the promenade and across the street from the river. There are at least five restaurants and bars side by side. Facing the beach, these restaurants are, for the most part, less expensive than the previously mentioned restaurants. You could easily spend a couple hours here if you have a drink at all of them.
Itxas Ondo Tavern
Further up the street, heading towards the left side of the breakwater, is the Itxas Ondo Tavern. Enjoyably, there is usually a wide selection of beers and pintxos that are reasonably priced. Streetside patios offer some of the unique views of Bakio.
It is the only patio that allows you to look lengthwise at the beach and back at the city. There are views down the coastline where you can see one of Biscay’s crown jewels, San Juan de Gasztelugatxe.
Bakio is a wonderful and somewhat hidden city that is worth exploring. This Basque oceanside town is a great place to surf, swim, and sunbathe. Spend some time enjoying the views, savouring the food and exploring San Juan de Gaztelugatze. It’s one of those things you’ll always remember.