First time in Gorliz | What to see and do in Biscay
Plans for your first visit to Gorliz
Visiting Gorliz (Biscay) for the first time? Discover beaches, lighthouse walks and Basque coastal charm.
First time in Gorliz? You’ll be amazed by its quiet beaches, green hills and sea views. Start your day at the beach, walk up to the lighthouse and enjoy the sunset from the cliffs. The town offers cozy bars, pintxos and restaurants with terraces. Gorliz is a perfect base to explore the Biscay coast.
Is set in a marvellous natural enclave surrounded by incredible nature. Its location will let you explore different places in the Basque Country and then return to rest and enjoy the beach, gastronomy and culture after a long day of tourism.
Don’t forget to visit the Tourist Office to enjoy all the possibilities Gorliz and the entire territory offer.
Beach
AN INCREDIBLE BAY
The beach is protected by the bay in the shape of a sea shell, and is one of the safest and most spectacular on the Basque coastline.
A place to relax and practise all kinds of water sports, not to mention there’s a pinewoods surrounding it, making it ideal for relaxing in the shade.
ACCESS TO THE LIGHTHOUSE FROM GORLIZ IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED
LIGHTHOUSE
Gorliz’s lighthouse is the town’s flagship. It was built on the cliffs, at 165 metres above sea level, in 1990. This 21 metre tower finished with a glass lantern is the tallest lighthouse in the Cantabrian region.
A path leads you to the lighthouse from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the sea.
ACCESS FROM GORLIZ IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED
BUNKERS
Going down by the path next to the lighthouse you will notice the entire slope is perforated by 3 old coastal bunkers connected to each other and installed during the 1940s, but which were never used.
From the last platform you can see the remains of a heavy cannon. It’s worth having a wander round and taking some photos.
Heritage
ASKORRIAGA FORT
Popularly known as ‘The Little Broken Castle’, this fort was erected in the 18th century chiefly to prevent a possible attack from the English ships in the Gulf of Bizkaia. Today, only the ruins are left which can be seen on the route to the lighthouse.
Heritage
PETRIFIED DUNES
In Astondo you can contemplate a phenomenon with high geological value, i.e. the petrified dunes, which are a large group of wind-blown sands dating back 6,000 years and are unique on the Basque Coast.
Heritage
ST MARY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH
The church of the Immaculate Conception is in the Elexalde area. Although it was built between the 10th and beginnings of the 11th century, it was rebuilt in the 18th century according to the direction of the architect Martín de Uribeondo. An interpretation panel can be found next to the church.
Heritage
MARINE SANATORIUM
Gorliz`s hospital is located next to the beach. Originally, this was the Marine Sanatorium, which was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century. It was the first building entirely constructed with reinforced concrete in the country. In Astondo, looking at the bay of Gorliz and at the hospital, ypu can find the statue of Dr. Areilza, the promoter of the Sanatorium.
Festivities
FESTIVITIES
The entire town, summer dwellers and visitors dive head first into the celebrations which include: gastronomic competitions, traditional dances, and concerts to live the festivities 24 hours a day.
The festivities are an excellent opportunity to learn about Basque culture and traditions. No doubt you will find out what a ‘Gau Pasa’ is. And then, why not learn to dance a Jota?
Additional information
Routes
NORDIC WALKING
Walk with a gentle effective gait using two special sticks and enjoy a pleasant exercise.
Nordic Walking involves moving your legs and upper body in a gentle movement to improve muscle strength, cardiovascular system, co-ordination and mobility.
Pick up your free sticks at the Gorliz Tourist Office and enjoy 5 routes in the area.
Nordic walking routes
Download our brochures
Routes
ROUTES ON FOOT OR BY BIKE
These low-difficulty routes cover the most representative areas of Gorliz.
The Provincial Council of BIzkaia has defined them as “Cholesterol Routes” and they are designed to be done both on foot and by bike.
Routes of choresterol
Activities
RENTAL OF EQUIPMENT
Gorliz has active tourism companies where you can rent surf equipment. You can access different services to enjoy the sea safely. Available equipment includes surfboards, Paddle surf and wetsuits.
Aloka Surf & SUP
Be surfer
Uribe Kosta Surf Eskola
Peña Txuri Surf Eskola
Activities
CANOEING / KAYAK
Learn to paddle in a canoe or kayak and practice at the spectacular Gorliz Beach or River Butrón. You will paddle through amazing enclaves where you you will get the chance to see different landscapes from a privileged view.
Be surfer
Uribe Kosta Surf Eskola
Kirik
Surroundings
GAZTELUGATXE
Discover the stunning location where Game of Thrones was filmed! You have to climb 241 steps to reach the 10th century chapel set atop this marvellous isthmus, a protected biotope.
Before or after the climb, stop at the view point to enjoy the wonderful bird’s eye views of the island.
Surroundings
BILBAO
Bilbao, with Guggenheim Museum as a great international symbol, is the gateway to the Basque cultural universe.
Structured around its, the city has become a showroom for great architects, e.g. Norman Foster, Santiago Calatrava, Frank Gehry and Arata Isozaki among others, whose modern buildings waltz with the historical buildings surrounding the oldest part of the city, i.e. the 7 streets, the very heart of the city.
