4.4
(442)
4,737
hikers
55
hikes
Hiking trails around Bermeo are characterized by a diverse landscape within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected area. The region features a dramatic coastline with impressive cliffs, notably around San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, and estuarine landscapes where the Oka River meets the Bay of Biscay. Inland, the foothills of Sollube Mountain offer more elevated perspectives and forested terrain. This combination provides a range of environments for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.5
(22)
103
hikers
9.51km
02:44
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(87)
1,700
hikers
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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10
hikers
12.7km
03:51
430m
430m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
14
hikers
12.0km
03:35
370m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(48)
374
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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A difficult and very tiring route. Arriving at the hermitage is worth every effort. Not to be missed.
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Picturesque old town with a relaxed surfer vibe
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The legend that attributes the name of Mundaca to the Latin expression munda aqua (clean water). This legend appears in the Chronicle of Vizcaya written by Lope García de Salazar in the 15th century. According to this story, a ship from Scotland arrived on the coast of Mundaca carrying a princess who had been banished from her land. The Scots called the place Munda aqua in their Latin language (sic) since they found a very clean source of water that contrasted with the murky waters of the Urdaibai estuary.
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The hermitage of Santa Katalina (or Santa Catalina) is located on the peninsula that bears the same name, a few minutes walk from the center of Mundaka. It is on a small hill facing the sea and its location is privileged, not only because of the impressive views, but because it is a strategic point to watch everything that is happening at the entrance to the estuary! Even the surfers who dare to use the bar! from Mundaka! In front you can see Izaro or the Ogoño rock. The building is dazzling for its height, compared to how small the hermitage and the belfry are (through which the only bell it has can be seen). Access to the back, a perfect area to see the sea, can be done from both sides, but the best way is without a doubt passing through the romantic arch you will see just to your right.
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Water is appreciated during the climb.
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Due to the number of tourists who wish to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, it is no longer freely accessible to the beginning of the stairs leading up to the hermitage. Now it is necessary to reserve access (free), go through a turnstile and make a steep descent until you reach the base of the hermitage stairs.
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Due to the number of tourists who wish to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, it is no longer freely accessible to the beginning of the stairs leading up to the hermitage. Now it is necessary to reserve access (free), go through a turnstile and make a steep descent until you reach the base of the hermitage stairs.
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Staircase made up of 241 steps until reaching the hermitage.
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There are over 50 hiking trails around Bermeo, offering a wide range of experiences. These include 13 easy routes, 32 moderate routes, and 10 more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every fitness level.
Yes, Bermeo offers several easy hiking trails. For example, the Saint John of Gaztelugatxe – San Juan de Gaztelugatxe loop from Biotopo Protegido de Gaztelugatxe is an easy 6.1 km path that allows you to experience the iconic coastal scenery without extreme difficulty. The region's diverse paths cater to various fitness levels, including those new to hiking.
The Bermeo coastline is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and sea views. A popular option is the Saint John of Gaztelugatxe – San Juan de Gaztelugatxe loop, which provides access to the iconic rocky islet and its hermitage. Many trails within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve also offer stunning coastal vistas where the Oka River meets the Bay of Biscay.
Yes, Bermeo features several circular routes. The Bizkaiko Bira: Burgoa Peak Loop from Bermeo is a moderate 12.7 km circular trail offering views of the historic port and the Bay of Biscay. Another option is the Sollube and Necrópolis de Tribisburu — circular desde el Truboimendi, which is a moderate 11.95 km loop exploring mountainous landscapes and historical sites.
Hiking around Bermeo offers access to several notable landmarks and natural features. You can visit the iconic Saint John of Gaztelugatxe, a rocky islet with a hermitage, or enjoy panoramic Views over the Urdaibai marsh. The Matxitxako Lighthouse also offers stunning coastal views. The region is part of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected area rich in diverse flora and fauna.
The hiking trails in Bermeo are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from dramatic coastal cliffs and estuarine environments to the elevated perspectives offered by the foothills of Sollube Mountain. The well-maintained paths and the iconic scenery of places like San Juan de Gaztelugatxe are often highlighted as favorite aspects.
Yes, the foothills of Sollube Mountain provide access to trails that offer elevated perspectives of the area. The Sollube and Necrópolis de Tribisburu — circular desde el Truboimendi is a moderate circular hike that takes you through mountainous landscapes, offering views of Sollube and historical sites.
Bermeo is situated within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected area, offering a rich diversity of natural environments. You'll encounter dramatic coastlines with impressive cliffs, unique estuarine landscapes where the Oka River meets the Bay of Biscay, and forested terrain in the foothills of Sollube Mountain. This combination provides a varied and engaging experience for outdoor exploration.
Hiking durations vary depending on the trail's length and difficulty. For example, the moderate Tour of Biscay Trail segment is about 9.5 km and takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. Shorter, easy loops like the Saint John of Gaztelugatxe loop can be completed in just over an hour, while longer moderate routes like the Bizkaiko Bira: Burgoa Peak Loop can take nearly 4 hours.
Absolutely. Bermeo is located within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected area known for its rich diversity of flora and fauna. The unique estuarine landscape where the Oka River meets the Bay of Biscay creates a significant area for birdwatching, making many of the trails ideal for observing various bird species.
Yes, the region around Bermeo is rich in history. Beyond the iconic Saint John of Gaztelugatxe with its ancient hermitage, you can find trails that pass by old farmhouses and other historical sites. The Sollube and Necrópolis de Tribisburu circular hike, for instance, offers insights into both mountainous landscapes and historical sites like the necropolis.


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