Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka & Gernika: Small Group Day Trip

Summary

Basque coast legends, seaside villages and history in one day

You’ll walk legendary steps at Gaztelugatxe with sea winds on your face, watch surfers ride Mundaka’s famous wave, and stand beneath Gernika’s historic tree after lunch. With a local guide sharing stories and hotel pickup included, this day trip from Bilbao feels both personal and rooted in Basque tradition.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost missed the first stop because I was fussing with my rain jacket in the van. Our guide, Ane, just laughed and said the Cantabrian weather likes to keep you guessing. By the time we reached San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the clouds had already started to shift. The climb up those 241 steps isn’t a joke (my legs still remember), but something about the sea air — salty and sharp — kept me moving. Ane told us about old sailors leaving offerings at the hermitage for safe passage. I tried to imagine them in storms out there while catching my breath halfway up. The wind was loud enough that you had to lean into it to hear each other.

Mundaka was next and honestly, I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. It’s tiny but alive — fishermen mending nets by the water, kids chasing each other near the harbor wall, and that famous left-hand wave rolling in slow and steady. We walked along the pier with Ane pointing out how surfers come from all over just for that wave (I wouldn’t last two seconds). There was this smell of grilled fish coming from somewhere… made me wish we’d stopped for pintxos right then.

Gernika felt heavier somehow — maybe it’s all those stories hanging in the air. Lunch was simple but good (I never say no to fresh bread), and then we wandered past Picasso’s mural and under old trees where people still gather for town meetings. Ane showed us where air-raid shelters are hidden beneath quiet streets; I caught myself thinking how different life must have been here not so long ago. The drive back was quiet except for someone snoring softly behind me — I guess that’s how you know it was a full day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and Gernika tour

• Visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe viewpoint
• Climb 241 steps at Gaztelugatxe
• Arrive in Mundaka and walk pier
• Explore estuary of Urdaibai river
• Arrive in Gernika and have lunch
• Walk Assembly Hall, market, air shelters

Top questions

How many steps are there at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe?

There are 241 steps leading up to the hermitage at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

Is hotel pickup included in this Gaztelugatxe tour?

Yes, hotel or apartment pickup is included if you select that option when booking.

Does this day trip from Bilbao include Mundaka?

Yes, you’ll visit Mundaka and walk along its pier and estuary during the tour.

What should I wear for climbing Gaztelugatxe?

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for steep hikes; bring layers for changing weather.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

The itinerary includes lunch in Gernika before visiting historical sites there.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to steep climbs.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with optional hotel pickup in Bilbao, entry access to Gaztelugatxe, a guided walk through Mundaka’s harbor streets and estuary, lunch in Gernika with time to explore its assembly hall and air-raid shelters before heading back relaxed in your small group or private vehicle.