Santurtzi: Discover It This Summer
Santurtzi is a destination that combines sea and mountains, gastronomy and culture, offering an unforgettable experience.
Just 20 minutes by train or metro from Bilbao, it is the perfect place to enjoy a day with friends or family.
Delight in Santurtzi’s Famous Grilled Sardines
The fishing port of Santurtzi is a must-visit for lovers of good food, the aromas of the sea, and pintxos made with fresh, seasonal products. Sardines, a blue fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, are beneficial for the heart, helping to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.
This delicious fish is primarily consumed from June to November, with the Carmen festivals (from July 12 to 21, 2024) being the peak of its consumption. During this period, the rising water temperature and abundance of plankton cause the sardines to accumulate more fat, enhancing their flavor.
Grilled sardines, prepared over coals with coarse salt, are a fundamental part of the culture and gastronomy of Santurtzi, and can be found in local restaurants.
Must-See Visits: Itsas Museoa and Agurtza Boat
In the heart of the fishing port, within the fishermen’s guild, is the Itsas Museoa (Santurtzi Sea Museum), offering an original and adapted view of the town’s history.
Just a 5-minute walk away is the Agurtza boat, one of the last wooden vessels converted into a museum ship. Guided tours allow visitors to discover the interior of an authentic tuna fishing boat and the tough life on board.
As a museum ship, the guided tours reveal the technique of northern bonito fishing and the way of life of the arrantzales (fishermen), not forgetting the important work of the women.
A Journey Through History
Near the port, the center of Santurtzi is an open book of history and architecture, featuring the Church of San Jorge, the town hall, the Casa Torre Palace, and the music kiosk, adorned with images of the sardineras, women who sold fish in wicker baskets.
The bronze monument in honor of the Sardinera, just a 15-minute walk from Casa Torre Palace, commemorates the tireless efforts of these women to bring fresh fish to Bilbao and towns like Balmaseda, the first town in Bizkaia.
Sailing on the River
Can you imagine sailing along the Bilbao River at your own pace? After exploring Santurtzi, a perfect farewell is to embark on El Bote Tours, navigating through the Bay of Abra and the Nervión-Ibaizabal river, while reminiscing about the joy of the town and its visitors.
Whale Watching
Feeling the breath of a whale just a few meters away is one of the most moving experiences you can enjoy in Santurtzi.
During the outings, you can enjoy sailing alongside dolphins less than a meter away, share space with a family of long-finned pilot whales, or have the opportunity to stop next to a large whale and hear its breathing.
From July to October, you can enjoy these full-day outings and have an exciting experience with the help of an expert on board a boat. More info
Monte Serantes
If you love adventure, put on your boots and conquer the fortifications of Monte Serantes. At 451 meters high, this mountain offers an excellent view of the Bay of Abra and the coast. Just 20 minutes from Bilbao, Serantes is easily accessible and offers hiking and biking routes, guided tours, and workshops to learn about the biodiversity and fortifications.
In addition to the spectacular views, Serantes offers hiking and biking routes, guided tours, and workshops to learn about the biodiversity or visit the fortifications, which have been declared a Cultural Heritage Site in the category of monumental ensemble.
More Information
The Santurtzi Tourist Office offers these and other plans.
You can request more information on their website or by calling 94 483 94 94.
