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SANTURTZI

THE FISHING PORT

Puerto pesquero Santurtzi
A fishing village

SEA SOUL

Santurtzi fishing port is just 15 km from Bilbao.

An old village of fishermen, sardine sellers and seafarers.

The transformation of the coast and its growth in recent years, have made Santurtzi become a city integrated into part of the Metropolis of Greater Bilbao

However, it retains its unmistakable essence and seafaring character.

It is surprising to know that the old fishing port was in front of the San Jorge church.

It was here that the boats unloaded the fish on the ramp of the old dock. The central park did not exist, only rocks visible at low tide as can be seen in the images shown in the portico of the church.

At the end of the XIX century, Bilbao and its surroundings were undergoing a big transformation: mining, industrialization, greater commerce, railways, labor movement … and of course, the Port.

Santurtzi, puerto pesquero
The transformation of the bay

NEW AREAS

Until then, the boats went up the estuary some to Abando (Bilbao), giving themselves a situation of collapse and navigation problems through the «Portugalete sand bar», a sandbar at the entrance of the estuary that made it extremely difficult for boats to pass, each time of greater draft.

This problem was partially solved with the construction of the “Muelle de Hierro”, the iron pier, in Portugalete (1881-1886) and then the Rompeolas and the beginning of the outer port at the end of the XIX century. These events were decisive in the transformation of Santurtzi and the Bay.

More activities in Santurtzi

Santurtzi Itsasoa Museoa -El Museo del Mar

Guided tours of The Museum of the Sea

The Museum of the Sea, Santurtzi Itsas Museoa, gives you an original view of the history of Santurtzi and its seafarers and helps you understand how the coastline has changed over the centuries.
Pesquero Agurtza, Santurtzi

The Agurtza Museum Boat

A fishing boat that has been converted into a museum and interpretation centre focused on the fishing and canning of white tuna. It is the only vessel of its kind in Bizkaia.
Santurtzi, El Bote Tours

The Bote Tours

Sign up for a trip with El Bote Tours and visit the municipalities of Bilbao, Getxo, Portugalete and Santurtzi by boat.
Ver ballenas en Santurtzi

Whale watching

Seeing a whale blow just a few metres away is one of the most exciting experiences that Santurtzi has to offer.
Spa Kabiezes, Santurtzi

Santurtzi SPA

An urban SPA in Santurtzi with swimming pool, jacuzzi, circuits, treatments, massages and first class equipment.
Monte Serantes, Santurtzi

Guided tours of Mount Serantes

Let us show you around: book one of our guided tours of Mount Serantes. Trails, tours and workshops for audiences of all types.