Best Nature Runs in Bilbao

Bilbao is an amazing place to run in. Located in Basque County, Spain, Bilbao has a lot to offer when it comes to sceneries. From museums to historic architecture, Art centers, delicious local cuisines, and amazing beaches.

Running activities are the best way to explore this amazing city. The city has plenty of routes adorned with beautiful sceneries for an incredible run.

On that note, we have amazing running tours that take you through the most scenic routes and which ensure you get the best of this magical town.

This article outlines some of the top routes you can run in;

Bilbao Modern Downtown Route

Difficulty: Easy

Go running tours offer the most scenic route you can run at. The route starts from the elliptical square of Bilbao and takes you west until you reach Dõna Casilda Iturrizar Parkea, the largest park in Bilbao. From here, turn right to enter the park.

In the park, you can run around the dancing water fountains and a pond that is usually inhabited by ducks. Highlights here include paved pathways, summer flowers, fountains, and ponds.

The route further extends through Plaza de Euskadi to Parque Republica de abando Park. This route offers more scenic views including the Guggenheim Museum and the Chavarri Palace.

Bilbao Town Cultural Route

Difficulty: Easy

To ensure you explore the top cultural organizations in Bilbo, Go running tours have you sorted out with this colorful route. Starting at the iconic Guggenheim museum, the routes take you southeast, along the estuary of Bilbao.

Once you’ve reached the Arenal bridge( Puente del Arenal), cross the bridge to get to Casco Viejo, a medieval district and probably the most cultural area in the whole city. From Casco Viejo, run through Etxebarria Park and then head south and till you reach the center of Old Town.

From the old town, run along until you get to a bridge, cross it, and run back to Puente del Arenal. Run along Gran Via Don Diego Lopez de Haro Avenue until you get to San Mames stadium and run around it.

To get back to where you started, follow Olabeaga Kaia as you run along the river past Museo Marítimo, past Palacio Euskalduna, and back to Guggenheim museum.

Pagasarri Route

Distance: 7.7km

Difficulty: Moderate

This loop trail has an elevation of 407 meters that takes you through the forests parks of pagasarri. The trail starts at Pagasarribidea, where you run along the unpaved roads till you pass a water fountain and then climb up the mount pagasarri.

At the top of this mountain, you can enjoy panoramic views of the impressive landscapes. Besides, the area has a restaurant where you can treat yourself after an incredible run.

Some parts of this route are rocky, but it offers sceneries that are worth the climb. You can even spot some wildlife as you run along!

Europa Parkea

Distance: 2km

Difficulty: Easy

Europa Parkea is a municipal park located near Txurdinaga, Bilbao, and has an elevation gain of 67m. It’s one of the largest parks in Bilbao and is an ideal place for running. This loop trail has a perimeter of 2km, but you can extend to interior paths if you want a longer run.

The park has a greenhouse, gym, sports center, sculptures, building refurbished in Roman styles, paved paths thus offering runners mixed sceneries for an enjoyable run.

Greenbelt of Bilbao

Difficulty: easy to moderate

The greenbelt of Bilbao comprises parks and forests that surround the town. Since the ring spans over 70km, it’s divided into simpler yet scenic routes to give you the best running experience. The green ring offers both short and long runs.

One of these routes passes through Monte Avril and offers impressive panoramic views of the city. The route is well marked and has instructions that guide runners. If you’re coming from the west direction, you can access this route at Artxanda Rest Stop, and from the east, Santo Domingo Rest Stop.

More routes can be found in Arraiz, Artxanda, and Arnotegi.

Circuito Puerta de Bilbao – Mirador de Erillo – Isequilla – Laredo

Distance: 13.2 km

Difficulty: Moderate

This is a loop trail located near Laredo in Cantabria and has an elevation gain of 546m. The route is multipurpose and can be used for trail running, hiking, and even mountain biking. The route is adorned with wildflowers and also has a historic site.

It takes runners through amazing places such as Carlos V Cultural Theme Center, San Julián Beach, and Santa María de la Asunción Basilica.

Bilbao Estuary Promenades

Distance: 3.9km

Difficulty: Easy

This offers running paths for both sides of the estuary. It offers scenic views of the city such as impressive architectural buildings, skylines, and sumptuous neighborhoods. 

One such promenade starts at Los Castaños to Zubizuri modern bridge. The route has an elevation gain of 66 meters and is runnable for all fitness levels. This route also takes you past Catedral de Bilbao for more scenic views.

Miribilla to Pagasarri

Distance: 11.1km

Difficulty: Moderate

This wooded trail has an elevation gain of 716 meters, although there are different paths you can run at varying distances.

This particular route takes you right through the forest of pagasarri and is mostly covered with dirt tracks. Though it doesn’t have much scenery, the route is quiet and peaceful since it’s usually uncrowded allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty.