Discover Getxo: Algorta’s coast and maritime heritage

In Algorta, maritime heritage, coastal paths and the Puerto Viejo reveal different sides of Getxo. If you are planning a stay, you can use these themes as a guide: would you like to learn more about the history of the former fishing village, plan a coastal walk or get to know the neighbourhood’s squares and bars? The places and activities offer different ways to explore, without requiring you to make any one focus the main purpose of your trip.

The Puerto Viejo: history and the neighbourhood today

The Puerto Viejo de Algorta was once a fishing village and was transformed into a leisure and recreation area for locals and visitors. It is also part of a protected heritage complex that the Basque Government has classified as a cultural asset. Etxetxu is a historic landmark in the neighbourhood: the Cofradía de Mareantes built it in the 18th century as a meeting place. Here, you can encounter several aspects of maritime history, from the character of the former village to a place where the seafaring community gathered.

The former Ermita de San Nicolás is also part of this history. It was a place of worship and gathering for Algorta’s sailors, and was first mentioned in 1634. The Fiestas del Puerto Viejo de Algorta are also held every year. The programme includes, among other things, a Marmitako competition and competitions between the cuadrillas. Individual events may change from year to year. A typical culinary activity is following the pintxos route through the neighbourhood’s squares and bars.

Coastal places and maritime traces

Playa de Ereaga lies between the Puerto Viejo de Algorta and the Arriluze breakwater. The beach is 882 metres long. This geographical description connects two clearly named points on the coast and also indicates where Ereaga is in relation to the old port and the breakwater. At the Puerto Viejo, the Fuerte de la Galea, also known as Castillo del Príncipe, recalls another maritime purpose: it was built in the mid-18th century to protect the entrance to the Abra.

Other notable landmarks are located in Algorta. The Molino de Aixerrota is one of the few surviving windmills in Bizkaia. Another link to port work can be found in the mural at Punta Begoña, created by Ángel Cañada in 1972. The mural pays tribute to the so-called Titan crane and the dock workers. Together, the mill, fortress and mural tell different stories of technology, protection and labour, rather than presenting just one image of the coast.

Routes, activities and getting around

The developed Gorrondatxe–Azkorri promenade has rest areas and viewpoints, and leads to the lighthouse and the ruins of the Fuerte de la Galea. Another route description starts at Aixerrota: the route descends to Arrigunaga Beach, climbs up to Usategi Park and continues to the Puerto Viejo de Algorta. You can use the named waypoints to consider which places you would like to connect in your plans; no walking time is given for this route.

The sports facilities along Algorta’s waterfront are suitable for diving, sailing and canoeing. If you are interested in water-based activities, these three options offer a concrete starting point for planning your trip. The Algorta metro station is also relevant for getting to the Puerto Viejo: it is the nearest station and is on line L1. From there, it is about one kilometre on foot. Check current operating hours and any transport changes before travelling.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Barakaldo, Muxika, Arantzazu, Gaztelu-Elexabeitia, Ziortza-Bolibar, Plentzia, Kanpantxu, Mundaka.

For the broader travel overview: Bizkaia.