Getxo stands on the north-east coast of Bizkaia, and has ten kilometres of spectacular cliffs and beaches. It is just a few minutes away from the airport, the Bilbao International Exhibition Centre, the Euskalduna Concert and Convention Hall and the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum. The Metro Bilbao underground railway has six stops in Getxo.

 

Visitors to Getxo should not miss the chance to visit the Puente Bizkaia.


The Puente Bizkaia bridge, known popularly as the puente colgante or “hanging bridge”, was a pioneer of this style of construction, and is now the world’s oldest iron-built transporter bridge. It was built to link the Las Arenas district of Getxo with Portugalete on the opposite bank of the river. Its construction dates from the same period as, and indeed is reminiscent of, the Eiffel Tower. The bridge has featured largely in social and cultural events in Bizkaia since its opening in 1893.

 

 
As well as moving pedestrians and vehicles between Las Arenas and Portugalete, it now offers spectacular views from the 160-metre-long pedestrian walkway 50 metres up along its top, which is accessed via glass lifts. Its role as a witness to the history ofthe province over more than a hundred years has led to the bridge becoming known as the “gateway to Bizkaia”. Take a walk through Getxo and admire the beautiful architecture of the fine houses and mansions built by the Basque middle classes of the early 20thcentury in styles which reflect a whole range of European influences. The beauty of these majestic buildings is matched by their spectacular landscaped gardens.

Visitors in search of local traditions are advised to explore the steep, narrow streets lined with fishermen’s cottages of the old port of Algorta. Apart from its importance as a base for fishing vessels, the port was also renowned for its life-saving work and for the excellence of its pilots, who guided vessels in and out of the harbour. Nowadays the area is at its busiest at the weekend, as local people enjoy a drink or sample the magnificent Basque cuisine on offer as bar snacks and in its many restaurants.

 

    

Many fine old mansion houses in Getxo have been converted into charming, small hotels, and the area also has friendly, family-run guest houses. Lovers of good food will find all they could ask for in the area’s restaurants, and shoppers have more than 1500 establishments to choose from.

 

Getxo is also internationally renowned for its links with sport. Leading world sportspersons come to the area for its regular national and international tournaments in tennis, paddle-tennis, horse-riding, golf and sailing. The Copa del Rey (“King’s Cup”) sailing race, now held in Majorca, originated in Getxo, where it was staged for the first time in the presence of King Alfonso XII, and the latest addition of large sailing events to the calendar of Getxo is the start and the finish of the VELUX 5 OCEANS, which will take place in the modern Getxo Marina - El Puerto Deportivo de Getxo.

 

During the period 12th to 22nd October 2006 Getxo Marina will be the host of the skippers and boats participating in the VELUX 5 OCEANS. The Marina will be transformed into a giant Race Village, where visitors will have the possibility to experience on their own body what it is like to sail around the world singlehanded. At the center of the Race Village will be the VELUX Atika, which during the time the skippers are in Getxo will be the Skippers lounge and afterwards during the approximately 7 months the skippers are at sea will host an exhibition about solo sailing.

 

Getxo borders on to the Atlantic Ocean

For more information on Bilbao and Bizkaia please visit:

 

Getxo.net