Like many of the places near Bilbao, Portugalete owes much of its current look to the industrialisation that took place in the 19th century, which, with the arrival of the train and its hanging bridge, boosted the local economy and renovated the town, giving an elegant, stately charm to many of its streets and squares.
During your holidays to Portugalete, you won’t want to miss the monument that truly transformed the town’s development. The iron Hanging Bridge of Biscay, by architect Alberto de Palacio, was built towards the end of the 19th century to join Getxo and Portugalete, located on either side of the River Nervión It is remarkable not only due to its practical role as the first transport bridge that allowed more than one ship to pass through the estuary at the same time, but also for its aesthetical appeal.
If you plan your trip carefully, it won’t be hard to find cheap trips to Portugalete to enjoy its medieval old quarter, with monuments such as the Basilica of Santa María, a Gothic-Renaissance style church, or the Torre Salazar tower, which dates back to the 15th century. You’ll definitely want to take a stroll along the promenade, which is made up of three distinct areas: the iron docks, the new Churruca docks and the old docks, where you’ll find the old train station, a 19th-century building that is now home to the Tourist Office.
After a long day’s walk, you’ll want to try some of the local food. You’ll be glad to know that Portugalete is famous for its love of wine: locals are known as jarrilleros, which refers to the glasses (jarras) of txakoli, a local fresh white wine that you’ll find in any bar in the town.
What other reasons could you need to book your package deal to Portugalete and enjoy a wonderful stay on the coast of Biscay?
