Puerto Viejo Getxo: Exploring Near Bilbao Cruise Port
- Maria DiCicco
- Apr 8
- 5 min read
For those starting a Northern Spain road trip or for passengers traveling in or out of Bilbao’s Cruise Port, a perfect night before your adventure awaits in the tiny seaside hamlet of Getxo.
The old port (Puerto Viejo) in Getxo is by name called Puerto Viejo Algorta (the old port of Algorta), or in Basque, the Portu Zaharra.
The fascinating little village is a short walk from a perfect stay at the Petit Palace Tamarises hotel, and many quaint tapas bars and restaurants await with seafood galore.
In one night, explore the relaxing stretch of waterfront for a stroll, climb the alleyways meandering through the old fisherman’s village, and take a deep breath before or after your Bilbao cruise or ferry to the UK.
This charming spot is an excellent hidden gem worthy of a one night stay.
Here’s what you need to know.
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The History of Puerto Viejo Getxo
The old fishing village surely holds many stories of men coming and going out to sea, but the one infamous story of this town, and the one I find most interesting, is the story of kalimotxo.
Pronounced ‘kah-lee moe-cho’, this typical Basque drink is one of my favorite refreshing summertime beverages hailing from Spain.
You’ve got the ‘tinto de verano’, which is red wine and Sprite or soda water, and then there’s also a radler style beer drink ‘cerveza con limon’, but nothing compares to the sultry yet flavor packed ‘kalimotxo’, which is red wine and…wait for it…Coca-Cola!
The wine and coke concoction is said to have been created here in Puerto Viejo in Getxo. In short, the story says that during the San Nicolas festival in the old port in the 1970s a group of friends brought 2,000 liters of red wine to the event. Apparently, it was swill. So, they cut it with cola! (Let's be honest, anytime my red wine gets rank at home, I do this too).
But alas, they took the cake for the creation of it, and the kalimotxo was born. The namesake comes from a combination of a group members nicknamed "Kali" (short for "Kalimero") and motxo, which in Basque means ugly. Poor guy. But at least he has a cool origin story to tell for his superhero film.
Aside from kalimotxos, find cute bars and restaurants in white washed buildings. The Puerto Viejo tabernas greet you with patrons spilling out into the street at casual sidewalk tables, and the ocean glistens with dancing reflections of light from the bars.
The favorite pastime here is to simply stroll, drink, and dine - perfect for just one night in Bilbao near the cruise port.
Where to Stay Near Bilbao Cruise Port
About a 10 minute walk along the waterfront from the Old Port of Algorta, rest your head at the Petit Palace Tamarises. Get sandy toes and beachfront vibes, smelling the sea air out your balcony door.
We found the hotel to not only be clean and comfortable, but extremely welcomed after a long travel day. Its location and accommodations were perfect for our family of three!
Be sure to hang around the pedestrian walkway along the beachside for mid-day ice cream cones or at dark for a romantic stroll.
Breakfast was a nice blend of cold cuts, warm Spanish options, and fun touches like granizados (blended fruit drinks), and Tortilla de Patata (a Spanish omelette with potatoes).
Hot note: The Bilbao Cruise Terminal is just 15 minutes walking in the opposite direction.
We were lucky to see a ship in port when we woke up the following morning!
Runner up pick: Hotel Artaza
If you prefer to stay in Puerto Viejo itself, expect a much longer walk to the terminal (or an easy taxi ride).
Cute apartment style options in Puerto Viejo include:
Keep in mind these may be open seasonally.
Although the port town is small, you'll love the vistas over the sea and the adorable relaxed courtyards for a drink.
Where to Eat in Puerto Viejo
In my opinion, other than the views and photo ops, the most important thing to be doing in Puerto Viejo is having a drink or a snack.
For sit down restaurants I recommend Gastrotaberna Aranztale (opens at 8pm) or Karola (opens at 9pm).
Karola has a sort of Greek white and blue vibe going on, with fishing net decor and gorgeous plates of seafood.
Gastrotaberna Aranztale is a sexier option, built from the demand of their super popular tapas bar below, called Aranztale Taberna.
With cute courtyard tables, Aranztale Taberna is a great take in the warmer months. We enjoyed kalimotxo and seafood tapas like delicious cod and garlic, pulpo, and smoked sardines. Mmmm.
Note: if you like sardines or anchovies, be sure to stop in nearby Santoña, where their town is known for them. We toured Conservas Emilia, which offers free tours several times daily.
Meanwhile...
Txomin Taberna is another superb option, great for olive pintxos (‘peen-chose’) and other aceitunas (olives with things on sticks, like anchovies).
You kind of have to choose one or the other, since they split the courtyard area. I'm sure both are great!
Lastly, the casual Itxasbide Taberna sits overlooking the waterfront marina area, having a locals-only vibe.
Many people come here for a grab and go drink, and then fill up the stairwell leading to town or the wall along the pedestrian walkway.
Pro tip: go for sunset, and bring sunglasses - the sun gets spicy!
Be aware of Monday closures, and just walk around to find something open if need be. There’s always someone open!
We enjoyed Salero, which is further down the beach side for our sit down meal. A beautiful waterfront building, the restaurant is split into two: Casa Bassa, a white tablecloth heartier option, and Salero, a more casual place for raciones (smaller portion plates but bigger than tapas).
Kuba is another option for drinks at a beach side "chiringuito" (beach bar), but expect only potato chips here for snacks.
Additional Tip: For a more touristy option on the Bilbao Cruise Terminal dock, check out Parrillas del Mar Jatetxea - a classic seafood joint with white tablecloths and nautical decor.
Getting to Getxo
Getxo is a short 15 minute taxi ride from Bilbao’s airport, or you can access it along Bilbao’s connected network of trains.
The nearest metro train stop to my recommended hotel is: Aiboa
The nearest metro train stop to the Bilbao cruise terminal is: Neguri
The nearest metro train stop to Puerto Viejo is: Algorta station
A taxi will run around 37 euros from the airport to the Petit Palace Tamarises hotel.
Once you are settled in, seek out the ascensores, which are funicular style elevators connecting the beach to the upper levels of Algorta and from the Puerto Viejo parking lot. These can always be a fun little mini adventure, especially with kids.
If you plan to fly in, a flight to Bilbao costs as little as 20 euros on Vueling airlines from the UK, and Bilbao is easily accessible by car or train from Zaragoza and Madrid.
For an even greater adventure, take the ferry! From the UK, embark on overnight ferries to Bilbao from Portsmouth.
If you plan on staying in the Bilbao area, be sure to venture further into Northern Spain's charming seaside villages like Llanes, Cudillero, and San Sebastian or south to Zaragoza. There is so much to explore!
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