Bilbao
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Bilbao
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Bilbao, the capital of the Basque region of NW Spain, is Spain’s fifth largest city, with a population of 360,000 in the municipality and over 950,000 in the greater Bilbao area. Founded in 1300 on the banks of the Nervion river, the settlement became the most important port in northern Spain during the heyday of the Spanish empire from the 15th to the 19th centuries. During the twentieth century, the city witnessed a dramatic influx from poorer regions of Spain to fuel its rapidly growing heavy industries. Today, Bilbao is an important international ferry port and a tourism destination in its own right, with major attractions such as the Casca Viejo (old town) and the world-famous Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art. The city’s excellent transport links (which include an airport and good rail links) and its huge harbour with its three marinas make Bilbao a useful destination for yachts heading down across Biscay from the French coast as well as a handy stopping off point for yachts cruising the north coast of Spain.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 1147 - Approaches to Bilbao
- 1173 - Bilbao
- Imray
- C42 - La Rochelle to Santander
Weather
Give local weather conditions or refer to another page (a region or island group) that covers these conditions.
Sources for Weather forecasts: See Spain.
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Passages
List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Islands
None.
No problems in the approach, but keep a careful watch for ferries entering or leaving from the ferry terminal at Santurtzi. The marinas are nearly four miles from the entrance, Getxo Marina being the first to port, the new and as yet uncompleted Puerto Deportivo di Santurtzi about 500 metres further on to starboard (just past the ferry terminal) and the Marina Club Maritimo del Abra a further mile on to port just as the harbour narrows and becomes the canalised river.
Entrance
Bilbao is a port of entry/exit to Spain.
Submit details about facilities for checking in - location of immigration & customs, etc.
Berthing Options
If intending to berth at Getxo Marina, call on channel 09 or telephone: +34 94 4912367. To contact the marina in advance, you can also e-mail: [email protected]. For the Marina Club Maritimo del Abra, call on channel 09 or telephone: :+ (34) 94 4637600. E-mail. It is unknown at present when the municipal marina of Puerto Deportivo di Santurtzi will be operational (details needed).
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Getxo Marina
Marina Club Maritimo del Abra
Puerto Deportivo de Santurtzi
Anchorages
The best anchorage is at the SE corner of the inner harbour, between the two marinas. Anchor in 3.0 - 4.0 metres. Bottom is sand and mud and reasonable holding. Gusts can be experienced in strong winds, so ensure your anchor is well dug - many yachts have reported dragging here!
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
All mechanical, electrical and electronic repairs can be undertaken in the large boatyard of Getxo Marina. The yard has 3900 square metres of hard standing.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Water, electricity and fuel at both marinas.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The marinas of Getxo and Club Maritimo del Abra are about 10 minutes from the nearest metro station. From there, it is a 15-20 minute journey into the centre of Bilbao. Although there is not a lot of historic value in the centre in architectural terms, the Casca Viejo (old town) is worth strolling through, with its narrow streets and arcaded Plaza Nueva. An absolute must is the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art, whose dramatic titanium-clad curves have made it one of the most photographed buildings in Spain. Also worth a visit is the unusual Puente Colgante, an iron bridge with a moving platform that crosses the River Nervion, which is now an important heritage site.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Numerous supermarkets and other provisions in the suburb of Las Arenas.
Eateries
Wide range of choices around the marinas and in the clubhouse of the Club Maritimo del Abra.
Internet/WiFi
In the marinas.
Laundry
At both marinas.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Several rental outlets in the city.
Garbage Disposal
Bins in the marinas.
Transportation
List transportation (local and/or international.)
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
- Bilbao at the Wikipedia
References & Publications
See Spain.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit. Personal experiences?
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Bilbao and this page's details validated:
- July 2000 --Atheneoflymington
This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
Contributors to this page
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Names: Athene of Lymington |