Sharing our pride with you Be, explore, enjoy
• Bilbao Bizkaia open to people, open to the world
• Bilbao Bizkaia PRIDE, a destination with pride
• LGBTI+ guided tours.
• Companies committed to LGBTI+ rights.
• At the heart of the Atlantic’s LGBTI+ community
• Cutting-edge transformation.
Aste Nagusia, Zinegoak... Festivals and Meet-Ups
This card offers savings and convenience during your stay in Bilbao Bizkaia, applying to public transport and tickets to museums, shows, restaurants, shops, and other leisure spaces. Ask for it at any tourist office or at: www.bilbaobizkaiacard.com
Issue: May 2023. Sixth edition
Tourism brochure photos: Bilbao Tourism archives, Bizkaia Tourism, Basquetour, Hazi, Bell, Gonzalo Azumendi, Pedro Muñoz, Quintas Photography, Gemma Arrugaeta, Mitxi, Martín Photography, Asier Bastida, Bilbao Basket, CC by-3.0-ES 2012/EJ-GV/ Irekia-Basque Country Regional Government/Mikel Arrazola, ABAO-OLBE © E. Moreno Esquibel, CC Amélie Nollet, CC Zawp, CC Hacería, CC Infameless and others.
Legal deposit: Printhaus/ BI-66-2019
Everywhere
BILBAO BIZKAIA
Bilbao Bizkaia is proud and want to share that pride with you. Culture, nature, cuisine, experiences, identity and modernity await. The home of the Guggenheim Museum is also the go-to LGBTI+ friendly destination in the Athlantic Arc thanks to its wide variety of offerings in a diverse, respectful environment like none other. Inviting, open and keen to show the best they have to offer: that’s Bilbao Bizkaia, the gateway destination and point of entry to the Basque cultural universe.
This is also a “safe” destination – in Bilbao Bizkaia the law stands firmly behind LGBTI+ rights.
open to people, open to the world
In spite of the times in which we live, Bilbao Bizkaia hasn’t lost its drive as one of the best places for absolutely everyone to come together. It’s ready to show off its open charm, its fight for equality and its ability to celebrate anyone proud to be who they are.
Every year, a large number of hugely successful activities are planned with room for all LGBTI+ groups and anyone else looking to join in the fun.
As every year, in mid-June, we will be celebrating BILBAO PRIDE, extending it at the end of June to Mundaka, Santurtzi and Plentzia.
PRIDE gaining values, gaining visibility
Bilbao
PRIDE A citywith
In Bilbao Bizkaia, pride is all around. Thanks to that, it’s already considered one of the top LGBTI+ friendly destinations in Atlantic Europe, and is one of the destinations with the most growth year after year. With its wide variety of activities and events held in the month of June, Bilbao Bizkaia PRIDE, member of EPOA (European Pride Organisers Association), has become an essential rendezvous on the European circuit.
The extensive four-day programme also includes outdoor shows with the best international and local talent, cultural functions, a culinary trail, street performances and a full Off Pride agenda with spots around town. Save the date and come to Bilbao to celebrate the pride of being and loving as you are.
For all the information you might need on BILBAO BIZKAIA PRIDE and the event’s programme, visit https://www.bilbaobizkaiapride.com/
Inclusive and authentic
We’ve enjoyed so many great activities and shows at PRIDE over the last few years, from activities for kids, to music, performances, protests and marches, and parties. What we’ve certainly never lacked was a desire to host a fully authentic, inclusive celebration.
Guided tours
Guided tours have also been added to the programme, with visits to the places that have formed a part of the history of the struggle for LGBTI+ rights and which today are more important than ever for the movement. This is a new, interesting way to get to know Bilbao, the epicentre of the LGBTI+ movement.
GUIDED TOURS Past and present
TOUR 1
Travel through the LGBTI+ history of Bilbao and Bizkaia
Starting at the Albia Gardens, next to the Bilbao courthouse, this tour will help you discover the history of the local LGBTI+ community with unpublished documents and direct testimonials from people who lived or participated in the LGBTI+ movement.
The different chronological stops show LGBTI+ history and allow you to connect directly with historical events and specific spaces highlighting the realities of lesbians, transgender people, and intersex people.
The tour will also help you discover different corners of town full of history and heritage
TOUR 2
Culture, Leisure and Atmosphere
The Franco regime, which ruled Spain for 40 years, harshly persecuted homosexuality and prohibited all displays of affection between same-sex partners, especially in public spaces.
It forced the community to create its own language to be able to recognise one another within society, and that is what we’d like to show on this tour.
Starting at the tourism office in Plaza Circular, this guided tour uses unpublished documents and recorded testimonials to show how spaces were established to pick people up and how social relationships were forged between LGBTI+ people. Leisure and culture are key elements of these relationships.
Get caught up
In addition to teaching you history, the guided tours will show you places that continue to be frequented by the community.
You’ll also see the city through a different, well-researched, enlightened lens. Afterwards, you decide where to next!
ASTE NAGUSIA !
SO MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM
It will suit your taste
Obrating Aste Nagusia – Bilbao’s great week of festivities. Nine days of uninterrupted fiestas with a wide range of LGBTI+ focused activities at numerous txosnas – the pop-up bars that spring up throughout the city, such as Pinpilinpauxa (with live performances by Las Fellini), Mamiki, Gogorregi (with Asier Bilbao) and Federiko Ezkerra (with La Otxoa).
As the Aste Nagusia anthem, which you will hear and dance to more than once, has it, “there’s only one week like this in the world”.
Whether it’s the city’s open, pluralistic nature, the events throughout the day, evening and late into the night, or Marijaia, the huge, exuberant effigy of a woman with her arms aloft in celebration who is the symbol of the festivities, witnessing Bilbao’s biggest fiesta first-hand is a unique, essential experience. As the spokesperson for Naizen (the Association of the Families of Trans Minors) said, “We don’t know what’s under Marijaia’s skirt, and we don’t care” – it’s simply another demonstration of the diversity of Basque society and the city of Bilbao, the capital of Bizkaia.
MarijaiaParades, free concerts, culinary competitions, activities for all kinds of families, fun, music, sports, exhibits... There are as many Aste Nagusia experiences as there are people at the festival.
This is a truly fascinating week in which to visit Bilbao as there is an incredible atmosphere in the city, with the streets full of locals, from other towns in Bizkaia and neighbouring provinces and from further afield.
In addition, the “comparsas” Pinpilinpauxa, Mamiki, Federiko Ezkerra and Gogorregi offer special programming for LGBTI audiences. Take the plunge and take part in the fun! As La Otxoa (one of our best known activists in the struggle for emotional freedom) sings, LIBÉRATE! (FREE YOURSELF!).
In late February and early March, Zinegoak international LGBTI+ film and performing arts festival takes place. This prestigious two-week festival shows films and plays crafted by international artists. At Zinegoak, the audience is part of the festival. Your vote determines the award for best short of those shown before each film.
AUDIENCES For general
Beyond cinema
In addition to films, talks and meetings, you’ll be able to enjoy a number of events during the festival. Different places in the city are responsible for hosting parties, karaoke and performances, the perfect post-film plan.
www.zinegoak.com
BBK LIVE
Second week of July
A festival with LGBTI+ presence
Pop and rock share the stage at this famous festival, one of the most important in Spain, which attracts thousands of people who are eager to see and listen to some of the best groups on the international music scene.
There are also two distinct spaces: BASOA, an enchanted forest in which you can listen to the very best of the latest electronic music, and LASAI (which means “calm” in Basque), a chill-out space in which you can relax and rest for a while before returning to the action.
The programme includes a special LGBTI+ night.
As a further attraction, don’t miss BIME LIVE, at the end of October.
bilbaobbklive.com
www.bime.org
SHARED COMMITMENT People, Society and Companies
We all have a part to play in ensuring a more level playing field – individuals, institutions, social partners and companies alike all need to be committed to LGTBI+ rights.
For this reason, Bilbao Bizkaia is working on equality plans, taking part on social media and in internal diversity committees, creating products, activities and protocols and, above all, working in the areas of education and training. We are selecting and working with companies whose values include those of nondiscrimination and who in some way or other have diversity running through their DNA.
As part of this process of modernising our society and companies, the opening of new bars and restaurants deserves special mention.
Businesses and organisations in other sectors are also joining this initiative which is led and coordinated by the local LGTBQI+ association, Ortzadar under the name Bilbao Bizkaia LGBTI Travel Allies.
Those wishing to take part in this network should have commitments in areas such as communications, strategy, etc. with a social undertaking to protect LGBTI+ rights, the development of products and staff training.
In the accompanying leaflet you will find the tourism companies that have already signed up to the Bilbao Bizkaia LGBTI+ Travel Allies programme.
THE WORLD Connected to Bilbao
Bizkaia
Bilbao Bizkaia in international LGBTI+ tourism forums
Bilbao Bizkaia is open to the world. We love visitors, but we also love to be at those international events which work together for full LGBTI+ rights, integrating and professionalising the tourism sector to develop products and services for the community.
Bilbao Bizkaia’s great international connections make it the perfect choice as a holiday destination, with its respectful, inclusive environment that is open to everyone regardless of their background, gender identity or sexual orientation.
We have an international airport just 15 minutes from Bilbao with numerous connections to Europe’s most important cities. There are excellent train and coach connections to the whole of the Iberian Peninsula as well as being an LGBTI+ cruise port.
Bilbao Bizkaia is a member of IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association) and participates in its Annual Convention and Marketplace. It also attends “Proud Experiences”, a conference for professionals organized by Reed Exhibitions.
TRANSFORMATION Cutting-edge
When Culture is all around
When you come to Bilbao, you’ll never be bored. Culture abounds in a wide variety of events and spaces.
There’s the must-see Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, an icon that defines the city, as well as the Fine Arts Museum, with its catalogue covering a vast swathe of art history. They’ll be looking forward to welcoming you!
There’s also a year-round cultural programming at Euskalduna Palace and in the incredible Azkuna Zentroa
Don’t forget to cross the Bizkaia Bridge, also known as the Hanging Bridge, a symbol of the city’s industrial past, now, more than a century later, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Remember to pencil in some time for music. If you love concerts, then Bilbao BBK Live is perfect for you. If classical music is your thing, you won’t want to miss the ABAO/OLBE opera season.
The city is a European touchstone for art and architecture thanks to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the amazing urban transformation in recent decades.
Discovering Bilbao Bizkaia means letting yourself be delighted by the harmony with which tradition blends with modernity, museums, festivals, street culture and amazing theatre. Basque and universal, the capital of Bizkaia welcomes you as you are, whomever you love.
PURE
You won’t want to miss it. Situated within an incredibly lush natural locale, Bilbao Bizkaia offer outdoor plans for all tastes: hiking through the mountains and valleys, adventure sports and experiences, boat and kayak trips, cliffs, charming villages; the possibilities are endless. Very close to the capital, you’ll also find the Basque Coast with enchanting sand beaches where the vegetation and mountains blend into the sea, giving rise to the majestic Bay of Biscay. Make the most of the nature around you and walk, take public transport, or drive to discover the magical settings that inspired films and series like Game of Thrones.
Game of Thrones
Kick back or get active, you’re in the right place
Head to the coast and don't miss the scent of the salt air in fishing towns like Lekeitio and Bermeo
If you’ve got to be on the move, water sports are a great option. The left-breaking wave of Mundaka is renowned by surfers around the world, as are the beaches of Sopela and Bakio
An equally appealing option is kayaking the Bilbao Estuary.
If the beach is your thing, you’ve got many beautiful beaches to choose from including Laida, Laga, and Gorliz as well as nude beaches frequented by a mostly LGBTI audience like Meñakoz, Barinatxe, Azkorri and Barrika
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe LekeitioFrom luxurious comfort to practical urban options, Bilbao Bizkaia offers a wide range of hotels and accommodations that adapt to all itineraries. Anyone looking to make the most of the city should look no further than the Old Quarter and the centre of Bilbao, but if you’re looking for accommodations in a unique, natural setting, you’ve got all of Bizkaia to choose from with hotels, country guest houses, and agrotourism options. Quality, service, and a friendly, inviting environment for everyone are guaranteed in all of them.
We recommend you to do some of the experiences offered by the destination. Or better, do them all. Get inspired in our web of cultural, gastronomic, active tourism activities...
www.reservabilbaobizkaia.eus
Always at your service
you choose the plan Time to rest
Wherever you stay, once you’re here, you’re one of us. Ongi etorri! Welcome!
Already decided where you’re staying? Looking for a young, chic, classic, quaint or agrotourism place to stay? You’re sure to find it in Bilbao Bizkaia. There is a wide range of accommodation available near the city’s LGBTI+ nightlife where you are bound to feel at home. You can enjoy new architecture as well as charming, classic establishments. You’ll never lack friendly, quality service.
SHOPPING & GASTRONOMY
The taste yours is
For all styles and all budgets
Bilbao has always been an elegant city recognised for its style and it has certainly known how to incorporate the latest trends while maintaining its traditions to become a great showcase of the top international designers.
Walking through Abando, Indautxu, the Old Quarter or Gran Vía means watching a fashion show. These areas are shopping heaven for all tastes and all budgets.
as a symbol of our identity
We love our cuisine and want to share it with you. Starting with delicious and creative pintxos – canapes and small plates – followed by modern and traditional Basque menus offering exceptional value-for-money and culminating in the most prestigious restaurants in the world – Bilbao Bizkaia currently has 14 Michelin stars* Accompany all this with the fine local wines, such as the crisp, white Txakoli
Sophistication and quality. This is the perfect time and place to be delighted by the multitude of dishes and culinary offerings which are sure to please even the most demanding palates.
Pintxos and stars
You decide: enjoy miniature portions of haute cuisine displayed on the bar, which we call pintxos, or traditional Basque cuisine like cod pil-pil or cod á la vizcaína, baby squid, pisto or bonito tuna, all of excellent quality and the product of arrantzale fisherpeople and baserritarra farmers.
If wine strikes your fan cy, you can visit a txakoli txakoli winery. During the season, you can check out a cider house or visit local cheese producers. If you’re into home cook-
Specialist shops highlighting the work of the Basque Country’s newest designers and the very latest in fashion.
The best in local produce, arts and crafts, gastronomy and jewellery which will make you proud to show off the “Made in Euskadi” label.
But that’s not all, alternative, cutting-edge markets are already part of the city’s ambiance: These include the Sunday Market, Open Your Ganbara–Zorrotzaurre and one Saturday every month on 2 de Mayo st. to name but a few.
So much to see and it's all close by
GET AWAY
Bilbao Bizkaia’s privileged location allows visitors to discover countless new places on day trips to the surrounding area. Just one hour away is Donostia/San Sebastian, the elegant capital of Gipuzkoa. With an agenda of events and festivals throughout the year, taking a stroll, tasting the local cuisine and visiting the beaches are all experiences that come highly recommended at any time of year.
Vitoria-Gasteiz is another city that deserves its place on your itinerary. The city is renowned for its old quarter and beautiful parks.
An hour and a half away is the Rioja Alavesa region with its prestigious wineries. These famous cellars where wine lovers can enjoy tasting sessions welcome visitors.
Another great idea is to take a trip to Biarritz, a fabulous city on the French Basque Coast that also has a burgeoning LGBTI+scene. Be sure not to miss the Grande Plage and the lighthouse on your visit. These are just a few tips although the possibilities are endless. You’re only 90 minutes away from the “Côte Basque”.
Take out a map and mark the places you’d like to visit with Bilbao Bizkaia as your home base.
Donostia/San SebastianPRACTICALINFO
BILBAO TOURISME
www.bilbaoturismo.net
TOURISME BISCAYE
www.visitbiscay.eus
EUSKADI TOURISME
www.turismo.euskadi.eus
NEKATUR/AGROTOURISMES
943 327 090 www.nekatur.net
TOURIST OFFICES
BILBAO
TOURISM BILBAO
Plaza Circular, 1 Edificio Terminus · 944 795 760
Alameda de Mazarredo 66 (Junto a Guggenheim Bilbao)
Aeropuerto 944 031 444
BIZKAIA
BAKIO
946 193 395 www.bakio.eus
BALMASEDA - ENKARTUR
946 802 976 www.visitenkarterri.com
BARAKALDO BEC (Bilbao Exhibition Centre)
944 995 821 www.visitbarakaldo.eus
BERMEO 946 179 154 www.bizibermeo.eus
DURANGO
946 033 938 www.turismodurango.net
ELORRIO
946 820 164 www.visitelorrio.com
GERNIKA-LUMO
946 255 892 www.gernika-lumo.net
GETXO
944 910 800 www.getxo.eus/turismo
GORLIZ 946 774 348 www.visitgorliz.eus
KARRANTZA-HARANA
946 806 928 www.karrantza.org
LEKEITIO
946 844 017 www.lekeitioturismo.eus
MUNDAKA 946 177 201 www.mundakaturismo.com
MUXIKA 946 257 609 www.uramendi.org
ONDARROA 946 831 951 www.ondarroa.eus
ORDUÑA 945 384 384 www.ordunaturismo.com
OROZKO 946 122 695 www.gorbeiaeuskadi.com
PLENTZIA 946 774 199 www.visitplentzia.com
PORTUGALETE 944 729 314 www.portugalete.org
SANTURTZI
944 839 494 www.visitsanturtzi.eus
SOPELA 944 065 519 www.turismoa.sopelaudala.org
SOPUERTA 946 104 028 www.visitenkarterri.com
TRUCIOS - TURTZIOZ
946 560 079 www.turtzioz.org
URDAIBAI-BUSTURIALDEA 946 257 069 www.turismourdaibai.com
ZIERBENA (La Arena) 662 547 468 www.zierbena.net
TRANSPORT AIRPORT
Bilbao-Loiu 913 211 000 (AENA) www.aena.es
CRUISE AND FERRY
Ferry Bilbao-Portsmouth 944 234 477 www.brittany-ferries.es
TRAINS
Abando Indalecio Prieto Station (Renfe)
Plaza Circular, 2 · 912 432 343· www.adif.es
EUSKOTREN
944 333 333 www.euskotren.eus
Concordia Station; FEVE Bilbao
Calle de Bailén 2 · 912 320 320 www.renfe.com
BUSES
Bilbao Intermodal (Bus Station)
Gurtubai 1 · 944 395 077 www.bilbaointermodal.eus
Bilbobus (Municipal buses)
946 855 000 / 944 790 981 www.bilbao.eus/bilbobus
Bizkaibus (Coaches and buses, province and airport)
946 125 555 www.bizkaia.eus
METRO BILBAO
946 855 000 www.metrobilbao.eus
TRAM
944 333 333 www.euskotren.eus
TAXIS
Radio Taxi Bilbao
944 448 888 www.taxibilbao.com
Tele Taxi
944 102 121 www.teletaxibilbao.com
Radio Taxi Nervión
944 269 026 www.radiotaxinervion.com
BICYCLE HIRE
Bilbaobizi
946 564 905 www.bilbaobizi.bilbao.eus
INFORMATION
EMERGENCIES 112 INFORMATION 010 (for calls within the Bilbao area)
944 010 010 (for calls outside of the Bilbao area)
CONSULAR OFFICE
944 706 426
CITIZEN INFORMATION
944 241 700
GENERAL TRAFFIC AND ROAD INFORMATION
011
LOST AND FOUND
944 204 981 / 944 205 000
MUSEUMS IN BILBAO
GUGGENHEIM BILBAO MUSEOA www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus
FINE ARTS MUSEUM
www.museobilbao.com
SACRED ART MUSEUM www.eleizmuseoa.com
ITSASMUSEUM BILBAO www.itsasmuseum.eus
EASTER PROCESSION MUSEUM
www.museodepasosbilbao.com
BILBAO BULLFIGHTING MUSEUM www.bilbao.bmftoros.com
BASQUE COUNTRY MUSEUM www.euskalmuseoa.eus
REPRODUCTIONS MUSEUM www.bilbokoberreginenmuseoa.eus
ATHLETIC CLUB MUSEUM www.sanmames.athletic-club.eus/museo
BASQUE LANGUAGE INFORMATION CENTRE www.azkuefundazioa.eus
ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM
www.bizkaikoa.bizkaia.eus
MUSEUMS IN BIZKAIA
ON THE COAST
FISHING MUSEUM
Bermeo www.bizkaikoa.bizkaia.eus
PLASENTIA DE BUTRÓN MUSEUM
Plentzia · www.museoplentzia.org
RIALIA MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY
Portugalete www.portugalete.org/es-ES/Rialia
SANTURTZI ITSASOA MUSEUM
Barco-Museo Agurtza· www.visitsanturtzi.eus
BASONDO
Urdaibai wildlife refuge, Kortezubi
www.basondo.com
BIZKAIA BRIDGE
Las Arenas (Getxo) /Portugalete www.puente-colgante.com
URDAIBAI BIRD CENTER
Gautegiz-Arteaga www.birdcenter.org
EKOETXEA URDAIBAI
Busturia www.ekoetxea.eus
TXAKOLINGUNEA
Bakio · www.bizkaikoa.bizkaia.eus/txakolingunea
SANTA CATALINA LIGHTHOUSE
Lekeitio · www.lekeitioturismo.eus/es/
INLAND
SIMÓN BOLÍVAR MUSEUM
Ziortza-Bolibar www.simonbolivarmuseoa.com
DURANGO ART AND HISTORY MUSEUM
Durango www.museoak.bizkaia.eus
ENCARTACIONES MUSEUM
Sopuerta www.enkarterrimuseoa.eus
EL POBAL FORGE
Muskiz · bizkaikoa.bizkaia.eus
BASQUE COUNTRY MUSEUM
Gernika-Lumo www.bizkaikoa.bizkaia.eus
FUNDACIÓN MUSEO DE LA PAZ DE GERNIKA
Gernika-Lumo www.museodelapaz.org
GERNIKA PEACE MUSEUM FOUNDATION
Gernika-Lumo www.gernika-lumo.eus
“JOSÉ LUIS GOTI” BASQUE MUSEUM ON THE HISTORY OF MEDICINE AND SCIENCES
Leioa www.ehu.eus
OROZKO MUSEUM
Orozko · www.orozkomuseoa.eus
BASQUE COUNTRY MINING MUSEUM
Gallarta www.meatzaldea.eus
BALMASEDA HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Balmaseda · www.visitenkarterri.com
BOINAS LA ENCARTADA MUSEUM
Balmaseda · www.bizkaikoa.bizkaia.eus
VALENTÍN DE BERRIOTXOA MUSEUM
Elorrio www.visitelorrio.com
LOIZAGA TOWER. ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAR MUSEUMS
Galdames www.torreloizaga.com
IRON BELT HISTORY MUSEUM
Berango · www.cinturondehierro.eus
ANTZASTI MUSEUM
Artaun Auzoa, 35, 48141, Dima
www.antzasti.eus · 628 32 22 75
ORDUÑA MUSEUM
www.orduñahiria.org / 635 751436
KARPIN FAUNA
Wildlife reception center. Karrantza
www.karpinabentura.com
HONTZA MUSEOA FUNDAZIOA
Mañaria · www.hontzamuseoa.eus
IZENADUBA BASOA
Basque mythological park. Olentzeroren etxea
Caserío Landetxo Goikoa Baserria (48100 Mungia)
olentzero@izenaduba.com · 946 740 061
www.izenaduba.com
DOLOMITAS FÁBRICA MUSEUM
Karrantza · visitenkarterri.com
KONTZEJU ZAHARRA INTERPRETATION CENTRE
Markina Xemein
www.leaartibaiturismo.com/es/hacer/detalle/kontzeju-zaharra
NATURAL SPACES
URDAIBAI BIOSPHERE RESERVE
946 257 609 · www.turismourdaibai.com
946 870 402 (Ihobe) www.ekoetxea.eus
GORBEIA NATURAL PARK
946 122 695
www.gorbeiaeuskadi.com
URKIOLA NATURAL PARK
946 814 155 · www.urkiola.net
ARMAÑÓN NATURAL PARK
946 560 079 · www.visitenkarterri.com
Learn
https://www.bilbaobizkaiapride.com/