Best attractions and places to see around Zaratamo include a mix of historical sites, natural features, and cultural points of interest. This tranquil municipality, nestled in the Gran Bilbao region of Bizkaia, offers views of metropolitan Bilbao and the Nervión valley from its elevated position. The area is characterized by green hills and mountainous terrain, providing a setting for exploring rural Basque life.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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Neoclassical square in the heart of Bilbao's Old Town (Casco Viejo). • The square was laid out in 1821 and completed in 1851. • It is surrounded by arcades and columns, beneath which are numerous pintxos bars and restaurants. • Plaza Nueva is a popular meeting place and considered the heart of the old town. • A flea market takes place in the square on Sundays.
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Via the Zubizuri in Bilbao, also called Puente del Campo Volantin, you literally walk from the old to the new city. Together with the Guggenheim Museum, the bridge is the figurehead of the more modern, renovated Bilbao. The Zubizuri was built between 1994 and 1997. In Basque, its name means ‘White Bridge’. The Spanish architect Calatrava developed the modern metal construction with a glass floor, which later turned out to be not very practical. As a result, the city of Bilbao had to spend more than a quarter of a million to cover the bridge with carpet.
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The Plaza Nueva is a beautiful neoclassical square that was built in 1821. This square is the lively heart of the Casco Viejo, the old district of Bilbao. Plaza Nueva is surrounded by buildings, where the lower floor consists of arches. Under these arches you will find numerous pintxos bars and restaurants. The square is therefore ideally suited to grab a terrace at the end of the afternoon and watch the Basque life while enjoying pintxos, the Basque form of tapas.
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Plaza Nueva is now a landmark in the old town of Bilbao and has become one of the most important hubs of the city's social life. The colonnades of this neoclassical building complex alternate between bars, restaurants and cafés, which visitors should definitely visit to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the square. Every Sunday there is a street market for collectors with used books and records, minerals and fossils, coins and stamps, handicrafts and much more. And on December 21st, St. Thomas' Day, the square provides the backdrop for a remarkable agricultural market with countless typical products from all over the Basque Country. The square was inaugurated in 1851 after a long construction period of 65 years.
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The oldest building in the city of Bilbao. The current Gothic church was built on an even older pilgrimage chapel, dating from the time of the pilgrimages in honour of Saint James. The cathedral has three naves with ribbed vaults. Although it was originally built in the Gothic style, the current façade and tower date from the 19th century. The choir and cloister are of extraordinary beauty, the latter a late Gothic work. The crypt is built into the former pilgrimage chapel, whose walls have been incorporated into the building.
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Impressive museum, the building itself, architecture, high interior structures and the way art is displayed in enormous spaces. This allows art to be fully expressed.
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Beautiful gothic cathedral at the centre of medieval Bilbao (Casco viejo or Alde Zaharra in Basque). Really magical when some street musician starts playing will music in the small square in front of the Cathedral. Definitely worth a visit.
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In addition to all the history that Plaza Nueva has, it should be added that it is a meeting and celebration place when Athletic Bilbao has an important match (as can be seen in the photos, taken 10 hours before the start of the Copa del Rey match). 2024, which he won).
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Zaratamo offers a rich history, including the medieval Church of San Lorenzo Mártir, which houses Roman tombstones from the 2nd-3rd centuries A.D. You can also visit the Ermita de San Segismundo, known for its annual pilgrimage, and observe traditional Basque farmhouses called "caseríos" throughout the area. The Town Hall in Elexalde also contributes to the local historical character.
Yes, Zaratamo is surrounded by natural beauty. The Upo and Artanda Mountains provide magnificent panoramic views of metropolitan Bilbao and the Nervión valley. You can also visit the Upoko Pagadia Recreational Area, a tranquil spot with a beech wood, and the Lekubaso Reservoir, just a few kilometers from the village. The elevated position of Zaratamo itself offers excellent views of the Nervión valley.
The green hills and mountainous terrain of Zaratamo make it ideal for outdoor activities. Hiking is very popular, with routes like the moderate "Cima Berreaga from Palacio Urgoiti" or "Arantxille Dam – Kukuzburu Summit (426 m) loop from Zuhatzu." You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Zaratamo guide. Cycling and gravel biking are also enjoyed, with various routes available in the Cycling around Zaratamo guide and Gravel biking around Zaratamo guide.
While Zaratamo itself offers a peaceful rural setting, several family-friendly attractions are accessible nearby. The Zubizuri Bridge in Bilbao is considered family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. The Santiago Cathedral, Bilbao is also listed as family-friendly. For outdoor activities, many of the hiking trails around Zaratamo can be enjoyed by families, depending on their difficulty level.
Zaratamo's green hills and mountainous landscapes are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is also popular, especially for enjoying the recreational areas. Winter hiking is possible, but visitors should be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially wet conditions.
Zaratamo hosts several local festivals throughout the year. The most prominent is the festival of San Lorenzo, held annually on August 10th, centered around the Church of San Lorenzo Mártir. Another notable event is the pilgrimage in honor of Saint Segismundo, which takes place every year on July 3rd at the Ermita de San Segismundo.
Just a short distance from Zaratamo, in Bilbao, you can find several iconic man-made monuments. These include the renowned Guggenheim Museum, an architectural marvel, and the famous Puppy — Floral Sculpture by Jeff Koons located outside it. The modern Zubizuri Bridge is another symbol of modern Bilbao, known for its distinctive design.
Yes, several attractions listed as being around Zaratamo are wheelchair accessible. These include the Guggenheim Museum, the Puppy — Floral Sculpture by Jeff Koons, the Zubizuri Bridge, and Plaza Nueva (Bilbao). These are primarily located in the nearby city of Bilbao.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural beauty. The peaceful atmosphere of rural Basque life, combined with the opportunity to explore traditional caseríos and medieval churches, is a major draw. The panoramic views from the mountains and the tranquility of areas like Upoko Pagadia are also highly valued. The proximity to modern Bilbao's attractions adds to the overall appeal.
For relaxation and enjoying nature, the Upoko Pagadia Recreational Area is an excellent choice. It features a wide-open field surrounded by a beautiful beech wood, perfect for tranquility. The Lekubaso Reservoir also offers a serene natural setting. Additionally, the numerous green hills and mountainous landscapes provide ample opportunities for peaceful walks and enjoying the scenery.
The Village Square, located near the Church of San Lorenzo Mártir, serves as an ideal starting point to experience Zaratamo's peaceful atmosphere and local character. From here, you can easily access the church and observe the traditional architecture.
Yes, for experienced hikers, there are more challenging routes available. For example, the "View of Bilbao and Rest Area – Hirumugarrieta Megalithic Site loop from Basarrate" is a difficult gravel biking route that can also be adapted for hiking. You can explore various options, including those with significant elevation, in the Hiking around Zaratamo guide for detailed information on difficulty and terrain.


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