Portugalete, and a hop across the river

When I walked some of the Norte in May, I met Xabier from Bilbao most days. He was a mine of useful information and I remember his advice about the route out of Bilbao. He suggested walking on the right hand side of the river, through the industrial areas. He added that he was amazed at how pilgrims always seem to go straight to the transporter bridge, rather that walking just a little bit further to the coast.

We didn't take his advice on the route out of Bilbao, but when we arrived in Portugalete, I was curious to know what lay beyond the other side of the bridge. We decided to find out, so we paid the grand sum of 40 cents for a quick ride across the river. Xabier was right - Getxo is a very nice little place. We then returned to Portugalete by boat - just 35 cents a ride!Read more