The Deusto Canal Walk

Enjoy the sunset in Bilbao on the Paseo del Canal, the longest riverside walkway in northern Spain. Ideal for walking along the banks of the estuary, it offers views of San Mamés, Olabeaga and Zorrozaurre.

Paseo del Canal is a delightful promenade on the banks of the river in the Deusto neighbourhood, the city’s most recently built district. Just over two kilometres long, it is a pleasure to walk along and stroll from Abandoibarra to Botica Vieja. It is the longest riverside walk in the north of the peninsula.

In a city surrounded by hills like Bilbao, there is a promenade where you can watch the sun set. It starts at the San Mamés stadium, which looks like a huge spaceship on the other side of the estuary, and allows you to see the old port district of Olabeaga first, and then the newly built area of Zorrozaurre Island.

It continues completely flat until the Elorrieta curve, surrounded by gardens, a climbing wall, deckchairs and stands overlooking the water, from which you can see the historic Molinos Vascos building. Beyond that, one can see Erandio, Sestao, Portugalete and Abra river, where the sun will set. There are public toilets and a few drinking fountains, as well as a couple of modern cafés with terraces. It is a relaxing spot.

CONNECTED TO THE CITY CENTRE

The Paseo del Canal begins at Botica Vieja, opposite the Euskalduna Palace, full of trees, gardens and the iconic Edificio del Tigre, which leads to Avenida de las Universidades, one of the best spots for taking pictures of the Guggenheim Museum. Under the romantic trees of Campo de Volantín, this promenade continues, leaving Zubizuri on the right, passing in front of the Town Hall and Oteiza’s sculpture, and entering El Arenal. Beyond the Arriaga Theatre are the Seven Streets, Bilbao La Vieja, Marzana Quay and San Antón Bridge.

From Arriaga to Elorrieta, the walk covers eleven kilometres, making it the longest riverside walk along the entire coastline of the Cantabric Sea. However, to enjoy the sunset, the best section is the Paseo del Canal.