Portugalete Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Portugalete
Portugalete is a pretty fishing village on the shores of the Bilbao estuary that still conserves its fascinating medieval charm.

Like many of the places near Bilbao, Portugalete owes much of its current look to the industrialisation that took place in the 19th century, which, with the arrival of the train and its hanging bridge, boosted the local economy and renovated the town, giving an elegant, stately charm to many of its streets and squares.

During your holidays to Portugalete, you won’t want to miss the monument that truly transformed the town’s development. The iron Hanging Bridge of Biscay, by architect Alberto de Palacio, was built towards the end of the 19th century to join Getxo and Portugalete, located on either side of the River Nervión It is remarkable not only due to its practical role as the first transport bridge that allowed more than one ship to pass through the estuary at the same time, but also for its aesthetical appeal.

If you plan your trip carefully, it won’t be hard to find cheap trips to Portugalete to enjoy its medieval old quarter, with monuments such as the Basilica of Santa María, a Gothic-Renaissance style church, or the Torre Salazar tower, which dates back to the 15th century. You’ll definitely want to take a stroll along the promenade, which is made up of three distinct areas: the iron docks, the new Churruca docks and the old docks, where you’ll find the old train station, a 19th-century building that is now home to the Tourist Office.

After a long day’s walk, you’ll want to try some of the local food. You’ll be glad to know that Portugalete is famous for its love of wine: locals are known as jarrilleros, which refers to the glasses (jarras) of txakoli, a local fresh white wine that you’ll find in any bar in the town.

What other reasons could you need to book your package deal to Portugalete and enjoy a wonderful stay on the coast of Biscay?

Hotel Gran Bilbao
Hotel Gran Bilbao
4 out of 5
Indalecio Prieto Hiribidea, 1, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹7,424 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
₹7,424
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (995 reviews)
Great stay!
"We had an excellent stay at HGB.The staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. The breakfast buffet was excellent and definitely worth the price. The room was very clean and comfortable. The location is not ideal, but not bad, either, and for the price it's worth walking a bit more to get to to ..."

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

Hotel Gran Bilbao
Puente Colgante Boutique Hotel
Puente Colgante Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
Maria Diaz de Haro Kalea, 2, Portugalete, Vizcaya
The price is ₹9,981 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
₹9,981
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge).
8.6/10 Excellent! (417 reviews)
Brilliant service
"Bilbo’s celebrated football championship and, despite the busy days, staff made us feel special, welcome and well cared for."

Reviewed on 16 Apr 2024

Puente Colgante Boutique Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Bilbao, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Bilbao, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
Zarandoa Kalea, 5, Derio, Vizcaya
The price is ₹8,092 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
₹8,092
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Derio. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Everything worked, lunch was excellent as was the free breakfast. Definitely recommend."

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

Holiday Inn Express Bilbao, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
B48 Abando
B48 Abando
4 out of 5
Buenos Aires Kalea 15, Bilbao
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, cable TV channels and air conditioning.
9/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
"This was a terrific find! Very comfortable, in the heart of everything, and good communication. Electronic checkin worked fine and the only time we needed something it was promptly and efficiently attended to."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

B48 Abando
Bilbao City Center by abba Suites
Bilbao City Center by abba Suites
3.5 out of 5
Calle Huertas de la Villa 15, Bilbao, Bilbao
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and premium TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (177 reviews)
Great location
"Great location between the old town and guggenheim. Plenty of bars and restaurants around. Easy walking."

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

Bilbao City Center by abba Suites
Apartamentos Líbere Bilbao Museo
Apartamentos Líbere Bilbao Museo
3.5 out of 5
Alameda Rekalde 1, Bilbao, Bizkaia
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an airport shuttle (surcharge) and dry cleaning or laundry services.
8.8/10 Excellent! (30 reviews)
"Getting into building compicated"

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Apartamentos Líbere Bilbao Museo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Portugalete

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 66.66666666666667%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 33.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0%

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