The Chartered town of Plentzia was founded by Mr. Lope Díaz de Haro in 1239. This town was once a large fishing and sailing port. Today it has a rural economy, partly directed at Bilbao, and it is also a municipality that is clearly focussed on tourism.

There is a pleasant walk along the path running parallel to the mouth of the Ria at Plentzia, it continues through the small port, along the beach and the cove that is closed off by a small jetty.

Plentzia shares the extensive, shell-shaped bay with the neighbouring town of Gorliz.

The magnificent scenery to be found here, combined with all the cultural and leisure activities available, provide all the elements necessary to make your stay a happy one.

The geographical location of Plentzia means that the neighbouring coastal and inland towns and villages are within easy reach. There are many different types of towns and villages offering places of great tourist interest together with an ample variety of leisure and cultural activities, (Getxo, Sopelana, Gorliz, Arminza...).

However, due to its proximity and easy accessibility, the city of Bilbao has become a reference point. A city with a long history, which is looking to the future with projects such as the Guggenheim museum. A city that gives a warm reception to tourists and visitors where they may enjoy its museums, fairs and congresses, festivals, concerts, fiestas.. as well as the actual charm of the city and its inhabitants.

www.plentzia.net
www.gorliz.net

The Very Loyal and Very Noble Chartered Town of Bilbao was founded on the charter granted by the Lord of Vizcaya Mr Diego Lopez de Haro, in year 1300. The city is constructed on both sides of the Ria, set between two mountain ranges Bilbao, the financial capital of the Basque Country and now included amongst the "World Class" cities, has a concentration of one million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, which is equivalent to almost half the population of the Basque Country.
With regard to the scenery and surroundings, it is worthwhile going from bridge to bridge to view this city of Bilbao, with the Ria for its backbone. Starting from the bridge of San Antón, passing along the Arenal and Deusto bridges, with particular observation of the white arch of the Zubi-Zuri pedestrian bridge designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava, right up to the La Salve bridge.

• Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: Contemporary exhibitions all year, building constructed by Frank O. Gehry.
  www.guggenheim-bilbao.es
• Basque Museum: Basque archaeology, ethnography and history. Temporary exhibitions.
  C. La Cruz, 4 Bilbao
• Museum of the Fine Arts: Temporary and permanent exhibitions of Goya, El Greco, Velázquez and Zurbarán.
  Phone. 944 396 060
  www.museobilbao.com
• Arriaga Theatre: Building constructed in the 19C in honour of Juan de Arriaga, neobaroque style. Plays and classical music concerts all year.
  Phone. 944 163 333
  www.teatroarriaga.com
• Euskalduna Palace: A variety of cultural activities, conferences, congresses.
  Phone. 944 035 000
  www.bizkaia.net/pcongresos
• Fiestas in Bilbao: Third week in August, cultural activities, concerts, street bands.
  www.viapolis.com/bilbao/bilbao
• Bilbao Film Festival: Showing of films by classic authors and novels at the Arriaga Theatre
  www.zinebi.com
• Bilbao Sample Fair: Different types of fairs all year round, Ferroforma, Eurofishing.
  www.feriaint-bilbao.es

The Bridge of Bizkaia, more popularly known as the Hanging Bridge, one of the most well-known symbols of the community, forms the link between Portugalete on the left bank and Las Arenas on the right bank. A hanging platform constructed in 1893 and which transports hundreds of citizens and vehicles from one bank to the other every day.

www.puente-colgante.com

This municipality, located at the mouth of the river Nervión, is made up of five centres: Las Arenas, Romo, Neguri, Algorta and Andra Mari. Algorta is the main district of Guetxo, where you can visit the old port. There are several beaches with beautiful views and walks, this is a coastal area of great scenic beauty.
Getxo also offers the visitor the possibility of shopping in its many different shops, enjoying the various leisure centres and there are fairs and festivals which are held all year round.

www.getxo.net

Sopelana shares the Playa Salvaje beach with the neighbouring municipality of Getxo. This is the largest beach, in terms of size. Arriatera is the following beach eastwards along the coast, one of the most popular in the municipality. At low tide, it joins up with the beach of Atxabiribil or the Peñon (rock), forming a large area of clean sand. This beach, and the beaches of la Salvaje and Atxabiribil have all been awarded the "Blue Flag" by the European Community.

The Butrón Castle, located in the municipality of Gatika, was constructed in the middle of the 14C. It has witnessed the factional fights that forged the history of Bizkaia. After being abandoned for several centuries and left to deteriorate, it was restored in the 19C by the architect Mr. Francisco de Cubas, who gave the castle its present romantic appearance. The lower floor, walls and turrets are all medieval. The Castle was declared a Site of Cultural Interest and opened to the public in 1994, offering a tour of the walls and turrets. The Castle interior is used for social activities.

This locality offers the visitor the possibility of enjoying the view of its original fishing port. A typical fishing port whose peacefulness is enjoyed by the lovers of the different fishing activities.