Txakoli of Bizkaia Routes

The Txakoli Routes are designed under the concept of regenerative tourism, a concept that seeks to leave the places visited in better condition than they were found.

This involves minimising environmental impact, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and encouraging respectful and enriching interaction between visitors and local communities.

These are ten theme-based itineraries that explore the most emblematic places in Bizkaia, offering a wine tourism experience that includes visits to wineries, tastings and tours around vineyards.

These itineraries not only stand out for the quality of the txakoli, but also for the rich gastronomic and cultural offer that goes with them.

1. BILBAO AND THE GOLDEN AGE OF TXAKOLI

This seven-stage itinerary starts at the Mercado de la Ribera, a vibrant space full of fresh, local goods, and travels through emblematic places such as the Bilbao Estuary, the waterborne soul of the city that has witnessed its transformation; the Zubizuri Bridge, a modern architectural work that stands in stark contrast to Bilbao’s history; the funicular to Mount Artxanda, which offers unrivalled panoramic views; and the Casco Viejo, whose streets are full of history and life, ending at the Nossi-Bé ice-cream parlour, famous for its homemade ice cream, and the Sorginzulo bar, known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent pintxos (tapas).

2. FROM PORT TO PORT THROUGH GREATER BILBAO

With six stages, this route starts in the marina of Getxo —a perfect place to enjoy the sea breeze and the view of the yachts—, it goes on along Ereaga Beach —a popular destination for relaxation and surfing—, the Puerto Viejo —a picturesque corner with traditional houses—, the Paseo de las Grandes Villas —which showcases the stately architecture of the area—, the Bizkaia Suspension Bridge —a World Heritage Site, which connects the two banks of the estuaryand ends in Santurtzi —a municipality known for its seafaring tradition and excellent gastronomy.

3. WINE, NATURE AND LANDSCAPES

This five-stage itinerary includes the impressive Salto del Nervión —the highest waterfall on the Iberian Peninsula—, the Txakoli Maisu Winery —where you can learn about the Txakoli production process—, the historic town of Orduña
—with its medieval charm—, Orozko —a beautiful example of Basque rural life—, and a typical meal in the Territory, offering a perfect blend of nature and wine tourism.

4. TXAKOLI AND RURAL LIFE IN THE MOUNTAINS

Along five stages, visitors can explore Areatza —a picturesque village in the heart of the Gorbeia Natural Park—, the Parketxe de Areatza —the park’s interpretation centre—, the Garena restaurant —famous for its traditional Basque cuisine—, Antzasti Euskaldunon Etxea —an ethnographic museum showing rural Basque life—, and the Larreder Route —which offers breathtaking trails and mountain scenery.

5. NATURE, MYTHOLOGY AND TXAKOLI

This seven-stage route takes visitors from the Urkiola Sanctuary —a place of pilgrimage and legends—, through the Urkiola Natural Park —with its impressive biodiversity—, several Txakoli wineries —offering tastings in a natural setting—, Durango —a town with a rich cultural heritage—, Elorrio —known for its palaces and stately homes—, to the necropolis of Argiñeta —a funerary complex of great historical value, combining natural and mythological elements.

6. FROM THE SEA TO THE LEA-ARTIBAI VINEYARDS

In seven stages, this route includes Lekeitio —with its charming old town and fishing port—, the Santa Catalina lighthouse —which offers spectacular views of the coastline—, the old town —full of history and culture—, wineries such as Txakoli Axpe in Markina-Xemein —where you can taste Txakoli in its place of origin—, the San Miguel de Arretxinaga hermitage —famous for its three giant rocks inside— and the Zenarruza Monastery —a place of peace and spirituality.

7. WINE AND CULTURAL TRADITION

Six stages that start at Torre Loizaga —a castle that houses an impressive collection of antique cars— continue through wineries in Balmaseda —offering a unique oenological experience—, the historic quarter of Balmaseda —with its medieval bridge and stone houses—, La Encartada Fabrika Museoa —a museum that shows the history of the textile industry in
the Territory— and the Casa de Indianos in Güeñes —a mansion that reflects the architecture of the Basque emigrants who made their fortune in America.

8. CLIFFS, VINEYARDS AND SURFING BEACHES

This seven-stage route takes visitors from Sopelana known for its surfing beaches—, Barrika —with its impressive cliffs and rock formations—, Armintza —a charming little fishing port—, to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe —a pilgrimage site famous for its hermitage on an island—, Bakio —a coastal town with Txakoli wineries— and the beach, combining coastal scenery with wine tourism.

9. BETWEEN WHALINGHARBOURS, VINEYARDS AND NATURE RESERVES

In seven stages, this route includes Bermeo —a whaling port with a rich seafaring history—, Mundaka —famous for its left wave and surfing atmosphere—, the Txatxarramendi Island Viewpoint —with spectacular views of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve—, Ekoetxea Urdaibai in Busturia —an environment interpretation centre—, wineries in Muxika — where you can taste Txakoli surrounded by nature— and Gernika —with its emblematic tree and peace museum—, combining maritime history and nature.

10. VINEYARDS, TOWERS AND CASTLES

This seven-stage tour includes Butrón Castle —a fairytale fortress— a panoramic tour of the valleys of Uribe —with its natural beauty—, Mungia —a charming town—, wineries in Lezama —where you can learn about the Txakoli production process— and a visit to Athletic Bilbao’s training facilities, offering a mix of history, sport and wine tourism.

For further information about the Txakoli Routes and how to plan with the mapping tool, visit: