Discover Bilbao from its Estuary

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Bilbao Estuary (La Ría) became a major shipping route. Its banks were lined with shipyards of all sizes, foundries, huge warehouses and a wide range of other industrial facilities, including ore loading bays, mills and several railway lines.

However, at the end of the 20th century, the landscape changed. Today, the waterway at the heart of the city has become a liquid lung, lined with museums, parks, auditoriums and boulevards. All kinds of shows are held on its banks. Even on the water. It is also where the Athletic Club and Acero de Olabeaga, celebrate their sporting victories.

The area has also become an accessible aquatic leisure hotspot.

You can explore Bilbao on a guided tour. On foot. Alternatively, you can take the Bilbao City View tourist bus. However, the estuary offers a different perspective. The urban layout and history appear in a new light. Things are not quite the same.

This unique experience can be enjoyed by boarding any of the boats that take you on a variety of routes, often as far as the Outer Abra, beyond the distinctive Hanging Bridge.

But there’s yet another option. You can go canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding or rowing in the estuary. As well as experiencing the same view as ancient sailors, you can enjoy the exercise and fun of it all.

The boats set off from the Pío Baroja dock, which is located next to the City Hall bridge in Pío Baroja Square.

Canoe and board rentals are available at Ramón de la Sota Quay, close to the Itsasmuseum and the Euskalduna Jauregia.

In Getxo, on the other hand, there is a company that offers water bikes. Those are like paddle-surf boards, powered by pedals.