The Ría (estuary) of Bilbao

Bilbao is a city that wants to grow along its estuary and, further downstream, to embrace the sea. A good example of this aspiration is the transformation that this unique area has undergone in recent years.

Take a boat from the Paseo de Abandoibarra and sail downstream while passing authentic works of architectural art such as the Isozaki towers or the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum to see the estuary at its best; then sail under the bridges along the way: Zubizuri, La Salve, the Pedro Arrupe footbridge, and the Euskalduna bridge. Almost reaching the mouth of the estuary you will see the celebrated Puente Vizcaya, a suspension bridge declared a World Heritage Site and a real symbol of industrial power.

Once there, discover authentic maritime towns close to Bilbao such as Portugalete and Santurtzi. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront and taste some good pintxos and, of course, some of the highly-touted succulent sardines.