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Bermeo

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Bermeo

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

A reservation is required to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Book your free ticket online well in advance, especially in high season.
The walk down to and up from Gaztelugatxe is strenuous. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Bermeo is an active fishing port. An early morning walk to see the boats unloading their catch is an authentic experience.
The Fisherman's Museum (Museo del Pescador) in the Ercilla Tower provides a fascinating insight into the town's maritime history.
Parking in the old port area is nearly impossible. Park further up in the town or near the train station and walk down.

🍽 Food

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Grilled Fish

Try the catch of the day, often sea bream ('Besugo') or hake ('Merluza'), grilled over charcoal in a restaurant in the old port (Portu Zaharra).

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Pintxos in the Old Port

The bars in the old port are famous for their seafood pintxos. Do a bar-crawl and sample different specialities.

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Bonito Tuna

In late summer, look for dishes made with fresh Bonito tuna. Bermeo is famous for its tuna fleet.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Conservas de Bermeo

Bermeo is the centre of the Cantabrian tuna industry. Buy tins of Bonito del Norte or Ventresca (tuna belly) directly from factory shops.

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Municipal Market

Visit the covered market hall (Mercado Municipal) for a lively atmosphere, local produce, and fresh fish stalls.

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Breakwater walk

The long breakwater protecting the port is a great place for a walk, with views of the sea on one side and the town on the other.

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Aritzatxu Beach

A small, sheltered cove just west of the port. It's less crowded than larger beaches and is a local favourite.

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Tala Viewpoint

Find the 'La Tala' viewpoint, the former whale-watchers' post, for a peaceful view over Bermeo's rooftops and the sea.

Bermeo, located in the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, is one of the most important fishing towns on the Basque coast. Founded in 1236, the town has a long maritime history, kept alive in the Fishing Museum located in Ercilla Tower, a medieval defensive tower in the center. The port (Portu Zaharra) is the town's lively heart, lined with colorful houses clinging to the hillside and countless taverns serving the region's best pintxos. The town is the first-rate base for visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the spectacular chapel on a rock in the sea, reachable only via a steep staircase. The uninhabited island of Izaro is also part of the municipality and is the scene of a curious dispute with the neighboring town of Mundaka, celebrated every year on Madalen Day. Bermeo has preserved a proud, distinct identity; Basque (Euskera) is still widely spoken here, and the traditions of the 'Arrantzales' (fishermen) are omnipresent. Culinary life revolves around tuna and anchovies, which are processed here to the highest quality. A visit to the fish market or one of the canning factories features insight into the town's lifeline. The surrounding area invites boat trips along the cliffs or hiking in the Urdaibai Reserve. Despite its industrial importance as a fishing port, Bermeo has maintained a rugged but authentic charm that captivates visitors.

Location: Spain
Top sights: Nestor Basterretxea · Olatua · Iturribiak
Nearby: Ea (12 km)
Population: ~16.937

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	10	10	11	13	15	18	20	21	20	17	13	11
Rain mm	131	101	94	83	72	61	40	42	59	96	155	123

Geography

Population

16,937

Coordinates

43.42088, -2.72152

Facts

Historical Ercilla Tower
Fishing Museum
Gateway to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
Izaro Island in the Bay of Biscay
Founded in 1236
Colorful houses by the old port
Center of the canning industry

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mundaka3 km · SEExplore →

Gaztelugatxe6 km · NWExplore →

Ea12 km · EExplore →

Gernika-Lumo12 km · SExplore →

Mungia13 km · SWExplore →

Lemoiz15 km · WExplore →

Ispaster-Elexalde16 km · SEExplore →

Butron Castle16 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Bermeo (19)

Nestor Basterretxea 🏛 museum

Museum for Basque sculptor Nestor Basterretxea in a restored 18th-century building.

Olatua 📍 landmark

Wave-shaped steel sculpture on the seafront promenade.

Iturribiak 📍 landmark

Public fountain with three spouts in the old town square.

Sagrado corazón de Jesús 🏺 historical

Large stone Sacred Heart statue on a hillside overlooking the city.

Aita guria baleontzia 📍 landmark

Aita guria baleontzia is a unique local attraction showcasing maritime heritage in Bermeo.

Ermita del Crucifijo 🏺 historical

17th-century hermitage with a wooden crucifix inside.

Santa Kruz 🏺 historical

Medieval hermitage dedicated to the Holy Cross on a cliff.

Aritzatxu hondartza 🎡 recreation

Aritzatxu hondartza is a welcoming beach area providing coastal relaxation in Bermeo.

Laida 🌿 nature

A beautiful natural beach in Spain, offering a relaxing environment on the coast of Bermeo.

Laidatxu 🌿 nature

A scenic coastal beach in Spain, known for its pleasant atmosphere near Bermeo.

Toñako hondartza 🌿 nature

A tranquil natural beach in Spain, providing beautiful views and a peaceful coastal escape.

Tùmulo de Katillotxu I y V

An ancient archaeological site near Bermeo featuring fascinating historical burial mounds.

🌐 euskonews.com

Doniene atea

A historic monumental gate serving as an important architectural landmark in Bermeo.

Kasinoa

A popular local attraction and historic casino building situated in the heart of Bermeo.

vista panorámica puerto viejo

A spectacular viewpoint offering sweeping panoramic views over the old port of Bermeo.

Batzokiko Kultura Aretoa

A spirited cultural gallery in Bermeo, showcasing diverse local art and varied exhibitions.

Txatxarramendiko Itsaskitegia

A historic monument related to the maritime heritage and coastal life around Bermeo.

San Andrés ⛪ religious

A notable and peaceful religious site dedicated to Saint Andrew, located in the Bermeo region.

Santa Maria eliza ⛪ religious

A beautiful historic church building located in nearby Mundaka, Spain, close to Bermeo.

Frequently asked questions

What is a must-visit in Bermeo?

The old port (Portu Zaharra) and the Fishermen's Museum in the Ercilla Tower.

Is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe near Bermeo?

Yes, it's just a short car or bus ride away. Reservation for access is often required.

What is a typical souvenir from Bermeo?

High-quality canned fish, especially white tuna (Bonito del Norte) and anchovies.

Are there boat trips from Bermeo?

Yes, there are boat tours along the coast to Gaztelugatxe or Cape Matxitxako.

How child-friendly is Bermeo?

The port area is great for walking, and there are playgrounds near the parks.

Bermeo: where is it located?

Bermeo is located in Spain.

Bermeo: what is there to see?

Highlights include Nestor Basterretxea, Olatua, Iturribiak.

Bermeo: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Bermeo: why is it worth visiting?

Bermeo, located in the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, is one of the most important fishing towns on the Basque coast.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →

Bermeo