Portugalete
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Portugalete

Portugalete

Basque estuary town downstream from Bilbao, anchored by the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya transporter bridge.

Portugalete is a small town on the left bank of the Nervión estuary, about 14 kilometres downstream from Bilbao. Its star attraction is the Vizcaya Bridge (Puente Colgante), the world's oldest transporter bridge, built in 1893 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bridge carries a gondola platform across the river to Getxo, suspended from a high iron framework — you can ride the gondola across for a couple of euros, or pay a bit more to walk across the upper walkway for panoramic views of the estuary and the Cantabrian coast.

The old town climbs steeply from the waterfront, with narrow streets, iron balconies, and the medieval Basilica de Santa María. The Nervión Promenade is pleasant for a stroll, and there are several good pintxo bars along the main street. Portugalete is easy to reach on the Bilbao metro (Line 2) and makes a worthwhile half-day trip from the city.

Guide

Getting There

Portugalete is on Bilbao Metro Line 2 (Bilbao–Santurtzi), about 20 minutes from central Bilbao. The Portugalete station is a few minutes' walk from the Vizcaya Bridge. Trains run frequently throughout the day. By car from Bilbao, follow the A-8 motorway west and take the Portugalete exit; parking can be tight on weekends.

Guide

Things to Do

Portugalete rewards a half-day visit. The Vizcaya Bridge is unmissable — ride the gondola across or walk the upper walkway for estuary views. From the bridge, the old town climbs steeply uphill to the Basilica de Santa María, with narrow lanes and pintxo bars along the way. The Nervión Promenade runs along the waterfront below the bridge.