EIDE
MATRÍCULA CFGS EN ALOJAMIENTOS TURÍSTICOS
GRADO EN GESTIÓN DE ALOJAMIENTOS TURÍSTICOS
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Beaches and Surfing
Beaches and Surfing
The coast of the Basque Country is 210 km long and the longest part belongs to Biscay, with 144 km of coast. There are 28 controlled beaches in Biscay with services, plus some other natural beaches. Bilbao and Santurtzi are on the east side of the region, very near the border of Cantabria. This means that beaches in the province of Cantabria are also a very good option and nearer than the beaches on the east coast of Biscay, although some of these eastern beaches are worth a visit because of their natural beauty. The nearest beaches to Santurtzi are Las Arenas and Ereaga (walking distance or by bike). Playa de La Arena, the most westerly beach of Biscay, is also a 20-minute bus ride from Santurce, or 30 minutes from Bilbao by bus. Ereaga, Arrigunaga, Sopelana, Plentzia or Gorliz can all be reached by metro.
How to get there: By bus from Santurtzi (bus line A3321).
How to get there: from Bilbao, by metro to the Las Arenas metro Station. From Santurtzi: we recommend to walk from Santurtzi, cross the river trough the bridge and rent a bike or take the tourist train to Ereaga beach
How to get there: From Bilbao, by metro (Las Arenas station). From Santurtzi, the best way is to walk to the bridge and cross the bridge. The beach is about 5 minutes.
How to get there: From Bilbao, there is a direct bus to Castro. The trip lasts about 30 minutes. From Santurtzi, you have to go by metro to Barakaldo and take a bus from Barakaldo to Castro. Even though Santurtzi is nearer than Bilbao, the trip is a longer, about 50 minutes, but it is worthwhile. The car is a very good option from Santurtzi, as the trip is about 20 minutes
How to get there: by car, highway A-8 to Cantabria from Bilbao or Santurtzi.
How to get there: by car, from Santurzi or from Bilbao.
How to get there: by metro, Larrabasterra station. From Bilbao about 30 minutes. From Santurtzi, about 45 minutes.
Laga beach is part of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, and it is one of the most beautiful beaches of the area. It is a 574-meter long beach,with golden and fine sand. It is very popular for surfing, but sailing is also possible. There is a bar and a restaurant, but it is still quite quiet beach.
A little further than 1 km from Laga lies Laida beach, another astonishing beach of fine and golden sand. In the middle of the beach there is a sand dune, a perfect place to admire the views of the mouth of the river and the Izaro Irle. The beach is in front of the famous wave of Mundaka, which makes this beach one of the Sufers’ favourite.
How to arrive: the best way is to go by car, from Santurtzi or Bilbao. If you do not have a car but you have time enough, you can go to Gernika by train from Bilbao Atxuri and then take thte bus line A3526 Gernika-Ibarrangelu.ç
nearby cities
Nerby cities: San Sebastián, Santander y Vitoria
What to see:
- Santander Historic Quarter: The Plaza Porticada (porticoed square) is one of the liveliest and most symbolic places in the city. The city Hall and the cathedral are also a must-see.
- La Magdalena Peninsula: La Magdalena Peninsula is Santander’s greatest treasure. It’ s the former summer residence of the Kings of Spain and International University today. Outstanding views of the city of Santander can be seen from here. There are 3 caravels donated to Santander by a sailor and an entertaining mini-zoo.
- El Sardinero: El Sardinero is an extraordinary residential area with splendid mansions. The Gran Casino, which evokes the arquitecture of the Belle Époque, is located on the beach front, in the heart of the Sardinero.
- Museums: Santander has a collection of interesting museums to offer visitors such as the Maritime Museum, the Natural History Museumt, the Museum of Fine Arts, as well as the Cantabrian Maritime Museum.
Special Events:
- Ola Baths: Date: Mid July.
- Circuito Montañés Sailing: From April 9th to October 13th.
How to arrive to Santander from Bilbao:
- By Bus: ALSA runs a good service directly from Bilbao to Santander.
- By Car: Take A-8 highway, turn off at the Santander exit, follow the Paseo Marítimo towards the City Centre.
- By Train: The train takes about two hours and the services are infrequent but is quite scenic and well worth doing if you have the time. Check out www.feve.es
What to see:
- The Old Quarters: A visit to the old quarter of Vitoria gives you the opportunity to go back to Medieval times. Its almond-shaped old part dates back to more than 8 centuries ago and was declared a Historical Monument in 1997. It is possible to find countless places of interest such as Plaza de la Virgen Blanca or the cathedral of Santa María. The artisan traders who used to work and live there are remembered in the names of the streets: Pintorería (painter), Herrería (blacksmith), Zapateria (shoemaker)… Also in the old part, we find the Casa del Cordón, the Bendaña palace, the church of San Vicente, Villasuso palace and Los Arquillos viewpoint.
- Dato Street: Dato street is a beautiful pedestrian street located in the city centre. It’s a perfect place to find high quality shops, popular brands as well as local and traditional establishments.
- The Almendra Market: Once a month, the Almendra Market takes place in the Medieval District. And on the last weekend of September, the city centre commemorates its great Medieval Market.
Special Events:
- Jazz Festival: Vitoria is also known for it´s famous jazz festival. It is the only Festival in Spain that takes part in the International Jazz Festival Organization, which brings together the highest quality jazz events in Europe and the USA.
- Virgen Blanca festivities: On August 4th thousands will gather at the plaza de la Virgen Blanca Square in order to enjoy the beginning of the most important festivities of Alava’s capital. The descent of Celedon, a symbol of a countryman from Alava, is an experience that can be missed out. There are several activities from July 26 onwards.
- Kursaal: It’s an amazing Congress Centre by the Spanish architect Rafael Moneo.
- The City Hall: It is the former Grand Casino of San Sebastian and it’s located in the middle of the La Concha Bay area.
- Beaches: La Concha beach is the most visited one. Ondarreta beach is located between Mount Igeldo and Miramar Palace Gardens and it’s a perfect place to play volleyball, beach tennis or football. Zurriola beach lies in the heart of the Gros neighbourhood and it’s the favourite beach among surfers.
- Monte Igueldo: From Mount Igueldo you’ll have an awesome view of La Concha Bay.
- Churches and Museums: There are a lot of churches that will surprise you in your visit to San Sebastián such as Buen Pastor Cathedral, San Vicente church and the impressive Basilica of Santa María which is a 18th century Baroque work that stands in Calle Mayor in the Old Part.
- Peine del Viento Sculpture: The work of sculptor Eduardo Chillida has become the emblem of the city.
- San Sebastian’s Film Festival: Every year in September big stars and directors attend this wonderful film festival which, along with the Cannes Festival and the Venetian Mostra, is one of Europe’s most important film events.
- Semana Grande/Aste Nagusia: It’s held every year at mid-August. An important international fireworks contest takes place too.
- The Tamborrada: It’s a drum festival in Donostia. The activity begins on the evening of January 19th at the Plaza de la Constitution.
- Santo Tomás: The Feast of St. Thomas is celebrated on 21st December around Constitución Square. A great number of stalls offer traditional local products such as txistorra (sausage), cheese, cod…
- Jazz Festival: San Sebastian grooves to the best jazz music during the last tow weeks of July.
La Rioja
La Rioja
Wine culture, medieval villages and the origin of the Spanish language
La Rioja is an autonomous community in the North of Spain, known for its famous Rioja Wine. The region borders with Álava, one of the 3 regions of the Basque Country.
La Rioja Alavesa is located in the Basque Country, in the south of Álava between the Ebro River and the Cantabria Mountains.
Its geographic location and climatology make La Rioja and Rioja Alavesa ideal place for wine cultivation. The wine brand for wines both in Rioja and Rioja Alavesa is Origen Calificada Rioja .
But wine and wineries, some of the designed by famous architects such as such as Frank O. Gehry or Santiago Calatrava, are not the only attractions of this area. Medieval villages, museums and the place where the first words written in Spanish were found and some of the other reasons for visiting La Rioja.
Laguardia
A visit to Laguardia is like stepping back in time. This perfectly preserved medieval village in Spain, retains intact its historic walls from the 13th century and has a delightful network of cobblestoned streets full of “Tabernas”, wine shops, palaces, and cafes.
What to see
- Plaza Mayor Square: The main square of this village has a pretty arcaded Town Hall and a very interesting clock with dancing hands called the “Reloj de Carillon”.
- Panoramic views of the Sierra de Cantabria from “El Collado”
- The church of Santamaria (special tour can be hired in the Tourism Office).
Cellars
- El Fabulista winery: “The Fabulist” winery stands out among the underground cellars. It is situated under the house where the writer Samaniego was born. In your visit you will have the opportunity to taste the wine that is still produced in the traditional way.
- Ysios winery: The spectacular Ysios winery by architect Santiago Calatrava was inaugurated in 2001. The Ysios winery is part of the Domecq group, one of the biggest producers and exporters of wines in Spain.
- Bagpiper’s Day: This festivity, attended by bagpipe players from around the world, is held on May 19th.
- Festivities in honour of San Pedro and San Pedro: Daily routine is left aside in Laguardia from the 23rd to the 29th of June. Bars, cellars, streets, everywhere is crowded with hundreds of visitor.
Labastida
- The Old Quarter: Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the Town Hall, Toloño and Larrazuria Arches, and Calle Mayor (Older street).
- Cellars: If you are looking for an unmatchable experience don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Marqués de Riscal wine cellar. A mix of innovation and tradition, the oldest winery in La Rioja was redesigned by Frank Gehry, the architect of the Guggenheim in Bilbao.
Haro
- The Old Town
- El Torreon Museum
- The Church Square
Wineries and Wine Culture
- The Rioja Wine Interpretation Center, located in the century-old Haro Oenological Station, which since 1892 has been satisfying the region’s viticultural research and training needs, always taking care to ensure the quality of Rioja wine and the opening of new horizons.
- Wineries: Alberto Gutiérrez Andrés Winery, Bilbainas Winery, Berceo Winery, C.V.N.E. Compañia Vinícola del Norte de España Winery, Carlos Serres Winery, César Óscar Muga Foncea Winery, Cooperativa , Virgen de la Vega Winery, Federico Paternina Winery, Florentino de Lecanda Winery, Gómez Cruzado Winery, Ibaiondo Winery, Juan José Peñagaricano Akutain Winery, La Rioja Alta Winery, López de Heredia Winery, Martínez Lacuesta Winery, Muga Winery, Ramón Bilbao Winery, Rioja Santiago Winery, Roda Winery, Viña Olabarri Winery
- St. John, St. Felices and St. Peter Fiestas in June. The most famous attraction of these Fiestas is the Wine Battle (la Batalla del Vino) on June 29th (Saint Peter). This celebration has been classified as a tourist attraction of special interest. It is celebrated on the hilltop of Riscos de Biblio. It is a battle where people dressed in white clothes throw wine one to another. It is advisable to dress in old clothes.
Logroño
Logroño is the capital of La Rioja, a charming region famous for being a stopover on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Perfectly situated between cities like Bilbao Pamplona, San Sebastián, Burgos and Zaragoza, Logroño is well worth a stop on any trip around northern Spain.- Palace of the Chapiteles (the old Town Hall)
- Plaza de Abastos (Food market)
- Laurel Street. Without a doubt, it’s the most popular street in Logroño. There are over 40 bars and restaurants waiting for you with their specialties in this bustling street.
- The Parliament of La Rioja and the Library (the old Mercedario convent).
- Defensive wall and Ravelin, the museum of the city of Logroño.
- Co-cathedral of Santa María de La Redonda.
- Church of Santa María de Palacio
- The Way of St James: this famous tour that passes through La Rioja, is considered as the leading European Cultural Route and a Heritage of Humanity.
- The festival of San Bernabé (the patron saint of the city): It is celebrated on June 11th. A great number of activities take place throughout the week: fairs, circuses, street markets, historical representations of the siege, expositions, street exhibitions of all kinds, fireworks…
- The festival of San Mateo (the grape harvest festival): A week of non- stop festivities: bulls, floats, markets, the international fireworks contest, the traditional hand-ball game championships…Most of all, this festival is a gastronomic delight with rioja wines and regional cuisine.
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
One of the Rioja towns most deeply linked to the Pilgrim’s Route to Santiago de Compostela, is Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Its medieval streets, declared a National Historic Interest Site, store a valuable heritage, particularly its walls, the Cathedral and the old Pilgrims’ Hospital.
Special Events
- The theatrical representation of ” The Miracles of the Saint”: It takes place in August.
- Constitution holiday week: The Medieval Market is held during the week.
San Millán de la Cogolla
Briones
- Marqués de San Nicolás Palace.
- Dinastia Vivanco Museum & Winery: Is an impressive wine museum created by the winemaking family Vivanco.
- Enobus: Every weekend April to October, there is a bus that leaves from Bilbao and visits 2 or 3 towns of La Rioja Alavesa, including wineries. The bus leaves from Plaza Moyua (Bilbao).
- Autobuses La Unión. This company connects Bilbao with Haro, Logroño, Labastida, La Guardia, Santo Domingo de la Calzada and most important places of La Rioja and La Rioja Alavesa.
Gernika, Urdaibai and Busturialdea
Gernika, Urdaibai and Busturialdea
Urdaibai biosphere reserve combined with Basque and Spanish History
The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is the area that covers the estuary of River Oka, to the east of Bilbao. The fauna and flora of the area is very rich and unique, that is the reason why UNESCO awarded the area “Biosphere Reserve” status.
There are interesting towns and spots that are worth a visit, due to their culture and natural beauty: Mundaka, the surfing paradise; internationally famous Gernika; San Juan de Gaztelugatxe; Oma forest and the Santimamiñe caves in Kortezub3; Laga and Laida Beaches; the village of Elantxobe.
Gernika
Gernika is a must-see location because of its history and significance for the Basque people. The visitor should not expect to see a medieval town, as almost all the city was destroyed during the civil war, but he or she will understand a lot of the Basque culture.
All the “Señores”(lords) of the different areas of Biscay and the Lord of Biscay used to meet in Gernika, under the Oak of Gernika, which is a symbol of the Basque Country. The “fueros” (regiLearn Spanish in Spain Gernkikaonal laws”) and other issues were treated here. Right now, the “Lehendakari” (Basque prime minister) swears hisor her post here when he or she is elected.
The “General” and “Bombed Area” guided tours, organized by the Tourism Office are very interesting. The Assembly House & The Tree of Gernika, The Peace Museum and the Basque Country Museum are the most relevant places to visit here.
Buses A3514 and A315 from Bilbao Abando (train station) every 30 minutes. Train leaves from Atxuri train Station or Bolueta train Station (Bolueta is a metro station also).
Learn Spanish Spain Learn Spanish Bilbao San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
One of the most famous views of the Basque Country. It is a small chapel on an islet, connected to the mainland by a narrow path of around 130-140 steps. The view is magical, especially at sunset, with the castle on top of the islet and the waves breaking against the rocks.
Train Feve to Bermeo station and from there, bus 3524 Bermeo-Bakio. Bus stop: Gaztelu-begi.
Mundaka is especially worth visiting for people who love surfing. Its waves are considered among the best in the world. To get to Mundaka, take Bus A315 from Bilbao Abando (train station) every 30 minutes. Train leaves from Atxuri train Station or Bolueta train Station (Bolueta is also a metro station).
Oma Animated Forest and the Santimamiñe Caves are both in Kortezubi. The Oma Forest is a sample of land art by the the Bilbao artist Agustín Ibarrola. Pine trees are painted with colours and the visitor finds their own personalised work, depending on the direction of the walk. In Santimamiñe one can find beautiful caves with paintings from the paleolithic age. They are the oldest prehistoric remains in Biscay, and considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
To arrive at Kortezubi, take Bus 3513 Bilbao – Lekeitio from Bilbao Termibus (Bus Station) every 2 hours.
Torre de Madariaga
It is the Basque Country Biodiversity Centre. This restored tower contains an exhibition that aims to explain the essence and functions of Biodiversity to the visitor. It also offers wonderful views of the estuary and the sea. In addition, there are guided tours around the marsh.
Bus A315 from Bilbao Abando (train station) every 30 minutes. Train leaves from Atxuri train Station or Bolueta train Station (Bolueta is a metro station also). Bus/tran stop: Busturia.
Elantxobe, Ea or Lekeitio are fishing towns and also worth visiting. Bus A3512 from Bilbao Termibus (Bus Station) to Lekeitio leaves every hour. To arrive at Ea or Lekeitio, take Bus A3513.
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The western coast: Covaron and Castro Urdiales
The western coast: Covaron and Castro Urdiales
Impressive coastline, beaches and history
Following the coastline from Santurtzi towards the west, we find a beautiful landscapes full of history. The old docks, used in the 19th and 20th centuries to load the iron from the mines, have now been converted into beautiful promenades and beaches, available to be enjoyed at any time of the year.
5.6 km from Santurtzi, we find the small port of Zierbana, a place to swim in the sea, have a drink or eat some seafood. It is a very popular place for lunch on Sundays.
7 km further we find Playa de la Arena, a popular beach almost 1 km long. Surfing and kite surfing are very popular here.
At the end of the Playa de la Arena,after crossing a bridge to Pobeña and walking a few metres, we find stairs on the right that lead us to the Paseo del Covararon, This elevated seafront promenade used to be a railway. The views of the Cantabrian shore are astonishing and we can find archeological remains of the mining activity there. The first part of the promenade ends in Covaron, and is about 2 km long. The second part consists of 3 km more, to Ontón, a village in Cantabria, the province that borders Biscaya on the west.
Zierbana, Playa de la Arena and Covaron all have bus connections with Santurtzi. Bus A3335 drives to Playa de la Arena, Pobeña and Covaron and Bus A3321 to Playa de la Arena. More information:
Castro Urdiales, only 18 km from Santurtzi, is one of the closest towns in Cantabria, after the border with Biscay. It is a very popular summer retreat among Basque people. Its natural port and nice climate were an attraction for ancient civilisations.
There are, for example, archeological remains from the Roman Empire. There is a picturesque old town, with many bars and restaurants, as well as a fishing port and Marina. But what makes this town perfect for summer is the number of beaches: 6 beaches, 3 of them in the centre of Castro Urdiales.
To get to Castro, there are buses from Bilbao and Castro Urdiales.
Santurtzi
The Greater Bilbao: Santurtzi, Portugalete, Getxo
Fishing port, beautiful walks and world heritage suspension bridge
Bilbao is part of the Greater Bilbao, a conurbanation of 8 municipalities on both sides of the Estuary of river Nervion, of which Bilbao is the Capital city. Even though they are 8 municipalities, the visitor has the feeling that it is the same city, as they are one next to the other in a very small area (14 km from one side to the other).Santurtzi, where EIDE is located, Portugalete and Getxo are the most attractive areas of the Greater Bilbao: Santurtzi and Getxo are at the edge of the estuary and by the sea; Portugalete is the town where the famous transporter bridge is located (the world-heritage “Puente Colgante”).
Santurtzi or Santurce (on the left) used to be a fishing town, and is famous in Spanish speaking countries for the song “Desde Santurce a Bilbao” about a “Sardinera” (a lady selling sardines) that walks to Bilbao everyday by the riverside, selling sardines. Nowadays there are not that many fishermen, but Santurtzi still has the beautiful fishing port. Just by this fishing port, there is a brand new Marina. The most attractive part of Santurce is the walk from the fishing port (on the picture below) to Portugalete, with beautiful views of the sea, the estuary, Getxo and the “Puente Colgante”.
Portugalete’s old town is a medieval town (picture below), where the Basilica of Santamaria can be found. It is warrants a visit, as well as the famous Biscay Hanging Bridge (Puente Colgante, see picture below). The bridge is worth visiting, not only for the construction itself, but also for the views from the top: the most astonishing views in the areas, at 62-metres high (see picture above).
Getxo is a residential area on the other side of the river. The promenade from the Hanging Bridge to the Old Port of Algorta (picture below on the right) is one of the most recommended areas to visit. This promenade passes by the Getxo Marina, the Ereaga Beach and leads to the old port, a perfect place for a wine, a beer or a pintxo. The beach of Arrigunaga (picture below, on the left) is also one of the other attractive spots in Getxo
Bilbao.En
Bilbao
Bilbao: modern architecture and tradition
Bilbao is a cosmopolitan and modern city, which is the result of a transformation that has taken place over the last two decades. The Guggenheim museum, by Frank Ghery, is an important ingredient of this development, but certainly not the only one. Other good examples are the Underground, designed by Norman Foster, or the Zubi Zuri Bridge and the Airport, by Fernando Calatrava.
Learn Spanish Spain Learn Spanish Bilbao at EIDEAlthough these projects have increased the popularity of Bilbao, the heart of the city is still the “Casco Viejo”. This charming old town is a pedestrianised area with a combination of traditional and modern shops, bars and restaurants. Visitors will enjoy Basque gastronomy, considered highly prestigious both nationally and internationally, as well as sampling the city’s fun night life.
Bilbao is not a big city, the best way to get to know it is by walking. We recommend 3 walks:
- From Bilbao Sagrado Corazón to Bilbao Arriaga , through Gran Vía (main street).
- Walking through the streets of “El Casco Viejo” (old town).
- From Arriaga to the Guggenheim Museum.
All 3 can be done in a day, or 2 of them in an afternoon. Other ways of visiting Bilbao are the double decker touristic Bus (Bus Turistikoa) and the Boat (Bilboats). The second options is a nice and relaxing one, but they give no tourist explanation.
What to see
Casco Viejo de Bilbao
Bilbao’s charming old town is a pedestrianised area full of life. There are shops of all kinds, including both well known brands and also original and different shops of all kinds. It is also known as “Las 7 Calles” (7 streets) because of the 7 streets that, since the 15th century, have been part of the Old Town: Somera, Learn Spanish Spain | Casco Viejo Bilbao | EIDEArtecalle, Tendería, Belosticalle, Carnicería Vieja, Barrencalle, Barrencalle Barrena.
The “Casco Viejo” is a perfect area to try Pintxos (Basque Tapas) at lunch time or in the evening, and to soak up the night life atmosphere.
What to see: Plaza Nueva, Santiago Cathedral, Riverside Market, San Anton Bridge and Church, Migue Unamuno’s Birthplace, Basque Museum, Arriaga Theater, Arenal Square Gardens…
Ensanche de Bilbao and Gran Vía
The word in English for “Ensanche” would be “widening”. It refers to the expansion of the old city. This area of Bilbao was built between the 19th and 20th centuries. The “Gran Vía Don Diego López de Haro” (Main street) belongs to this part of Bilbao. Part of this Gran Vía is now a semi-pedestrianised area, only available for buses and taxis. It is a good area for shopping, where famous shops such as Zara, Mango or El Corte Inglés, have settled. A very elegant area, with mythical bars such as the “Iruña”, ideal for a wine and a “pintxo Moruno”. There are also many bars for pintxos on both sides of the Gran Vía.
What to see: Arenal Bridge, Abando Railway Station, Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, Carlton Hotel, Doña Casilda Park…
The Right Side of the Estuary
A beautiful walk with really nice views. It is also the best place to see the Guggenheim Museum building and other new buildings in Bilbao.
What to see: The Arenal Walk, City Hall and City Hall Bridge, The ZubiZuri Bridge (Calatrava), University of Deusto…
Abandoibarra
This area is representative of the new Bilbao. It used to be a very grey and industrial area, with ship-building factories. Now it is one of the most beautiful parts of the city, full of new buildings. The Guggenheim museum was built here, but it was just the first step.
What to see: the Guggenheim Museum, Euskalduna Palace and Bridge, Pedro Arrupe Bridge, Memory Lane, Maritime Museum, Zubiarte Shopping Center…
Around Sagrado Corazón
For football lovers, the San Mamés Football Stadium, Home of the Bilbao Athletic Club, is near Sagrado Corazón Area. There is also a museum there.
Download City Map From Bilbao Turismo
Check Places of interest related to City Map in Bilbao Turismo
The exact year is unknown, but the origin of the city of Bilbao were the settlements on both sides of the river Nervión. They experienced such developement that in year 1300 Don Diego López de Haro V, Lord of Biscay, gave the city the official title of “Villa”. This developement was due to the good location of the city by the Nervion, the ease of navigating the river and the proximity to the sea.
The growth continued throughout the following centuries, both originating from commerce and from the arrival of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. In the 15th and 16th centuries it was the most important city in Biscay.
The oldest part of the city is the “Casco Viejo”. It was originally made up of 4 districts. In the 15th century, 4 new streets were added and since then this area has been known as the “7 calles” (7 streets).
The city kept expanding and the economic growth continued. In the 19th century, the economic developement was at its peak. The explotation of the nearby iron mines began and this allowed the maritime commerce to improve and increased the importance of the port of Bilbao. Important iron and steel factories, as well as ship building factories emerged and Bilbao became very strong financially and economically. This is also when the city expanded the most, with new residencial areas, walkways and promenades.
In the 20th century, Bilbao continued to be the most important city in the Basque Country. The city continued growing during the whole century and it was one of the most important destination for immigrants of other Spanish provinces after the civil war.
But at the end of the 20th century, the iron and steel industry that had become the basis of economic growth fell into a deep crisis. The economy of Bilbao and Greater Bilbao experienced very hard years. The base of the economy had to be reconsidered, and Bilbao and its surroundings experienced a radical change: the city became a city of services and a city for tourism.The economy recovered and the city bloomed, experiencing a physical transformation. The first step for that transformation was the building of the Guggenheim Museum, after which other well known architects have left their footprints on the city: Norman Foster (the underground), Calatrava (Zubizuri), Mariscal (Domine Hotel)…
Accommodation Fees
Accommodation Fees
| Accomodation Type | 1 week to 5 months | + 5 months |
|---|---|---|
| Host family with breakfast | 120€/week | |
| Host family-Breakfast & Lunch / Dinner | 160€/week | |
| Host family-Breakfast & Dinner Monday to Friday-Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at weekends | 175€/week | |
| Host family- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner | 200€/week | |
| Single room at EIDE apartment (small) | 120€* per week | 300€ per month** |
| Single room at EIDE appartment (big) | 120€* per week | 350€ per month** |
| Double room at EIDE appartment (individual use) | 120€* per week | 400€ per month |
| Double room at EIDE appartment (shared) | 120€* per week | 200€ per month** |
| Accommodation Management Fee: 50€ | ||
*20 € extra price per week, November to April. 300 € deposit required for stays longer than a month.
**One-month deposit Required. Expenses (water, electricity, gas..) not included in the price.