Stay in a historic palace by the sea just minutes from Bilbao

URH Palacio de Oriol 4*: history, sea views and Basque charm

• Set in an elegant early 20th-century building overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, the URH Palacio de Oriol blends historic grandeur with modern comfort. Its refined interiors and spacious rooms offer a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

• Located just 13 km from Bilbao, it’s the ideal base to explore both the cultural treasures of the city (including the Guggenheim Museum) and the maritime soul of Santurtzi. The stay includes breakfast, a visit to the Sea Museum, and late check-out (subject to availability).

A unique escape for travelers seeking authenticity, culture, and calm in northern Spain.

Delve into the secrets of the sea: visit the Santurtzi Sea Museum

Tickets: When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll receive your ticket to access the museum.

• You can visit it on any day of your stay.

• Opening hours: from 10:00h to 15:00h, every day of the week.

• Location: Puerto Pesquero Kalea, 20, Santurtzi, Bizkaia.

Why visit this museum? It’s much more than a cultural visit, it’s a journey into the seafaring roots of the Basque coast. Discover the life of fishermen, the tales of corsairs and smugglers, and the sardine boats that shaped the town’s identity. With interactive exhibits, audiovisuals, and dramatized tours, history comes to life in an authentic setting by the port, connecting past and present in a unique way.

Curiosities of Santurce: Sea, Tradition and Character

Santurce (Santurtzi), at the mouth of the Nervión, is much more than a coastal town — it is a place where maritime identity shapes every street, every story and every celebration. Discover the most fascinating curiosities of this unique corner of Biscay:

• La Virgen de Guía: The patron saint of seafarers watches over the town from a niche on the street leading down to the port. Fishermen would pause here to ask for protection before heading out to sea. Every July 1st, her procession becomes one of the most emotional and crowded events in Santurce.

• From Fishing Village to Strategic Port: Once a modest rural settlement, Santurce transformed dramatically during the 19th-century industrial boom of the estuary. Today it is a key port linked to Bilbao’s economy — yet it proudly preserves its authentic village spirit.

• The Sardineras: A Living Legend: Immortalised by the famous song “Desde Santurce a Bilbao,” the sardineras became an enduring symbol of the town. These women once walked barefoot along the estuary selling fresh fish. A statue near the port now honours their strength and legacy.

• Casa Torre Palace: Rising among the maritime atmosphere, this 18th-century palace reflects Santurce’s noble past. Once owned by the Marquises of Casa Torre, it now serves as a cultural centre, preserving models and exhibits that trace the town’s evolution.

• Gastronomy: The Scent of the Embers: In Santurce, sardines are not simply eaten — they are celebrated. During the El Carmen festivities, the streets fill with the aroma of fish roasting over open embers. Whole sardines, grilled with coarse salt and without cleaning, represent a culinary tradition locals defend with pride.

• Mount Serantes: Standing 451 metres high, this natural lookout offers one of the finest panoramic views in Biscay. On clear days, you can see from the Port of Bilbao to the coast of Castro Urdiales. For sailors returning home, its conical silhouette is the first reassuring sign of land.

Sea breeze, history and proud traditions — Santurce is authenticity shaped by the Atlantic.

Bilbao is one of Spain’s most impressive urban transformations. Once an industrial port city, it has reinvented itself as a vibrant cultural hotspot in northern Spain, in the heart of the Basque Country. With its striking architecture, world-class gastronomy and easy access to both green mountains and the Atlantic coast, Bilbao is perfect for families and couples looking for a city break with character.

Make sure you visit:

• The iconic Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao’s architectural masterpiece and a must-see for art lovers.
• The charming Casco Viejo (Old Town), with its Seven Streets full of traditional shops and lively pintxo bars.
• The elegant Gran Vía, ideal for shopping and soaking up the city’s atmosphere.
• The Zubizuri Bridge and the riverside promenade, perfect for a relaxed stroll.
• The viewpoint at Mount Artxanda, offering panoramic views over the entire city.

Beaches we think you’ll like:

• Sopelana Beach, popular with surfers and families alike.
• Playa de Ereaga (Getxo), a wide sandy beach with lovely views and a relaxed vibe.
• Plentzia Beach, sheltered and ideal for a calm day by the sea.
• Bakio Beach, perfect if you fancy combining beach time with dramatic coastal scenery.

Family-friendly activities:

• Take the funicular up to Mount Artxanda for an easy adventure with fantastic views.
• Visit the Itsasmuseum Bilbao to discover the city’s maritime history in an interactive way.
• Enjoy a boat trip along the Nervión River.
• Spend the afternoon exploring Doña Casilda Park, a green oasis in the city centre.
• Head to nearby Getxo for a seaside walk and cross the historic Bizkaia Bridge.

Make sure you try these local delicacies:

• Pintxos – small, creative bites served in bars throughout the city.
• Bacalao al pil-pil – cod cooked in olive oil and garlic sauce.
• Marmitako – a hearty tuna and potato stew.
• Txuleta – Basque-style grilled beef steak.
• Pantxineta – a delicious puff pastry dessert filled with cream.

Make the most of your visit and go to...

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (45 min), a breathtaking islet connected by a stone bridge, famous for its dramatic setting. Getxo (20 min), for elegant seaside architecture and coastal walks. Gernika (35 min), rich in Basque history and culture. Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve (1h), ideal for nature lovers and birdwatching.