Things To Do
in Erandio
Erandio is a compact Basque municipality just northeast of Bilbao, blending traditional charm with easy access to a dynamic city scene. It sits along the Nervión river basin and offers green spaces, local cafés, and a strong Basque identity. The town serves as a convenient base for exploring Bilbao’s museums, architecture, and culinary delights while maintaining a quieter, residential rhythm.
Visitors will find friendly locals, solid transport links, and opportunities to sample pintxos close to nature and city life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Erandio and check into your charming hotel, where the rustic charm of the Basque Country welcomes you. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional pastries and coffee. Take a stroll around the quaint streets to soak in the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
Explore the nearby town of Getxo, just a short train ride away, known for its stunning coastal views. Visit the iconic Puente Colgante bridge and take a walk along the promenade, savoring the fresh sea breeze. Have lunch at a seaside restaurant, trying out pintxos, the local tapas-style dishes.
Return to Erandio and take some time to unwind at a local bar. Engage with friendly locals over a glass of txakoli, the regional white wine, while enjoying the lively atmosphere. Dine at a traditional Basque restaurant, where you can indulge in hearty dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Begin your day with a visit to the Erandio Cultural Centre, where you can learn about the history and traditions of this vibrant region. Enjoy a guided tour that includes fascinating exhibitions and local art. Afterwards, take a leisurely walk through the nearby parks to enjoy nature and art installations.
Visit the town's local markets and browse through fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and unique souvenirs. Stop for lunch at a nearby eatery, sampling authentic Basque cuisine such as bacalao a la vizcaína. Spend your afternoon visiting the historic San Miguel Church, a stunning structure reflecting the architectural styles of the area.
Engage in the local nightlife by visiting one of the many lively bars in Erandio, where you can enjoy live music or a casual social scene. Share some more exquisite pintxos with locals and fellow travelers, soaking up the ambiance. As the night draws on, relax with a nightcap while enjoying the comforting sights and sounds of this enchanting town.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🚆Public transit ticket (one-way) | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $100-160 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🍷Three-course meal for two | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Bilbao’s culture and cuisine while staying in a quieter town
- Rich Basque heritage and easy access to coast and hills
- Limited nightlife within Erandio itself; more options in nearby Bilbao
- Smaller scale of services compared to a major city center
- "Kaixo" - Hello
- "Mesedez" - Please
- "Eskerrik asko" - Thank you
- "Zer moduz zaude?" - How are you?
- "Nola deitzen zara?" - What is your name?
Places to Visit in Erandio
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide river panoramas with the Bilbao skyline on clear days, ideal for sunrise or golden hour photography.
A vantage point offering sweeping views of the city and surrounding hills, accessible by a short hike or bus/funicular combo from Bilbao.
Cobbled lanes, colorful facades, and lively storefronts provide opportunities for street photography and candid portraits.
Sea cliffs, boats, and waterfront architecture along the Biscay coast near Getxo, good for sunset shots.
Food in Erandio
Erandio Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A variety of small, skewered bites served on bread, perfect for a tasting crawl in bars across Erandio and Bilbao.
Must-Try!
A silky cod dish from the Basque coast, traditionally prepared with olive oil, garlic, and chili to emulsify into a rich sauce.
A hearty tuna and potato stew from coastal Basque cooking, great for cooler days.
Squid cooked in its own ink, a dark, flavorful plate commonly found in coastal Basque eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small weekly market offering fresh produce, local cheeses, and ready-to-eat bites from nearby stalls.
Vibrant clusters of pintxo bars where you can sample a wide range of small, shareable bites in a lively Atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A courteous handshake is common; indoors, Basque and Spanish greetings are respectful. Use formal address (usted) with strangers or elders unless invited to be informal.
Castellano (Spanish) is widely spoken; Basque (Euskara) is common in cultural contexts and some local signage, so a few Basque phrases are appreciated.
Meals are social; expect longer lunches and late dinners. Keep voices moderate in public spaces and wait your turn in bars and markets.
Safety
Tipping in Erandio
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. If service charge is not included, a small 5-10% tip in restaurants is common for good service; rounding up taxi fares is appreciated.
Cash (EUR) is accepted, but cards are widely used—contactless payments are ubiquitous in shops, cafes, and restaurants. ATMs are common in urban areas, and many places accept mobile payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with occasional showers; flowers in bloom across parks. Great for outdoor walking and city photography without crowds.
Warm, temperate days with higher humidity and frequent sunny spells; beach and waterfront scenes are popular, but expect more visitors in Bilbao's cultural sites.
Comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage; ideal for scenic trails around hills and along the river as daylight shortens.
Cool to mild with more frequent rain; indoors-rich culture, museums, and cozy pintxo bars are perfect for evenings.
Erandio at Night
Hiking in Erandio
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hike up to Artxanda with commanding views of Bilbao and the Nervión valley.
Rugged coastal-mountain terrain near Santurtzi offering rewarding sea views and green landscapes.
Coastal hike with sea views, cliffs, and quaint seaside villages along the Biscay coastline.
Airports
How to reach Erandio by plane.
Main international and domestic gateway near Erandio, with fast connections to Bilbao city center and the Basque Country.
Smaller regional airport offering limited European routes; useful for certain itineraries and connecting to other Basque towns.
Coastal airport with occasional international flights; farther from Erandio but serves as an alternative gateway.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous residents with a distinct language (Euskara) and cultural traditions; many take pride in regional cuisine and festivals.
A diverse, nationwide community contributing to local culture and services.
Expats and workers from across Europe and beyond who contribute to a cosmopolitan atmosphere inBilbao’s greater area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region loves football; local clubs and strong matchday culture are evident in nearby Bilbao.
Traditional Basque sport widely played in local facilities and sometimes demonstrated at events.
Road cycling is popular, with scenic routes through the Basque Country and nearby coastline.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Erandio.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for pintxos with vegetables or cheeses, request eggless options, and ask for vegetable-based dishes or salads; many restaurants can adapt traditional dishes by omitting meat or fish.