Bilbao
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Bilbao, Spain
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Bilbao, the capital of the Basque region of Spain, is Spain’s fifth largest city, with a population of 360,000 in the municipality and over 950,000 in the greater Bilbao area. Founded in 1300 on the banks of the Nervion river, the settlement became the most important port in northern Spain during the heyday of the Spanish empire from the 15th to the 19th centuries. During the twentieth century, the city witnessed a dramatic influx from poorer regions of Spain to fuel its rapidly growing heavy industries. Today, Bilbao is an important international ferry port and a tourism destination in its own right, with major attractions such as the Casca Viejo (old town) and the world-famous Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art. The city’s excellent transport links (which include an airport and good rail links) and its huge harbour with its three marinas make Bilbao a useful destination for yachts heading down across Biscay from the French coast as well as a handy stopping off point for yachts cruising the north coast of Spain.
Charts
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Radio Nets
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Local Weather
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No problems in the approach, but keep a careful watch for ferries entering or leaving from the ferry terminal at Santurtzi. The marinas are nearly four miles from entrance, Getxo Marina being the first to port, the new and as yet uncompleted Puerto Deportivo di Santurtzi about 500 metres further on to starboard (just past the ferry terminal) and the Marina Club Maritimo del Abra a further mile on to port just as the harbour narrows and becomes the canalised river.
Check-in facilities (Customs and Immigration)
If intending to berth at Getxo Marina, call on channel 09 or telephone: +34 94 4912367. To contact the marina in advance, you can also e-mail: [email protected]. For the Marina Club Maritimo del Abra, call on channel 09 or telephone: :+ (34) 94 4637600. E-mail address is: [email protected]. It is unknown at present when the municipal marina of Puerto Deportivo di Santurtzi will be operational (details needed).
Offshore Islands and Groups
None.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Getxo Marina has a total of 827 berths for yachts from 6 metres to 18 metres. Yachts berth where directed on long pontoons. Maximum draught in the marina from 3.0 - 5.0 metres. Water and electricity at all berths. Fuel pontoon. Crane (5T) and travel lift (45T). Around the marina are several restaurants and bars, shops, a multiplex cinema and laundry. The staff here have a reputation for being rather officious.
Marina Club Maritimo del Abra (in the suburb of Las Arenas) has a total of around 300 berths. Maximum length 18m. Maximum draught 2.5m. Water and electricity at all berths. The marina has a smart club house with pool, toilets, showers, restaurant and bar. Laundry. Fuel station. Crane (2T) and travel lift (35T). The club has a reputation for being very welcoming to visiting yachtsmen.
Puerto Deportivo di Santurtzi This new marina is on the west side of harbour just beyond the ferry berth. The marina is planned to eventually accommodate over 700 vessels, but at present there is no information about when it will be open for visitors (update needed).
Anchorages
The best anchorage is at the SE corner of the inner harbour, between the two marinas. Anchor in 3.0 - 4.0 metres. Bottom is sand and mud and reasonable holding. Gusts can be experienced in strong winds, so ensure your anchor is well dug - many yachts have reported dragging here!
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
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Repairs/Yards
All mechanical, electrical and electronic repairs can be undertaken in the large boatyard of Getxo Marina. The yard has 3900 square metres of hard standing.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Water, electricity and fuel at both marinas.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The marinas of Getxo and Club Maritimo del Abra are about 10 minutes from the nearest metro station. From there, it is a 15-20 minute journey into the centre of Bilbao. Although there is not a lot of historic value in the centre in architectural terms, the Casca Viejo (old town) is worth strolling through, with its narrow streets and arcaded Plaza Nueva. An absolute must is the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art, whose dramatic titanium-clad curves have made it one of the most photographed buildings in Spain. Also worth a visit is the unusual Puente Colgante, an iron bridge with a moving platform that crosses the River Nervion, which is now an important heritage site.
 The famous Guggenheim museum |
 The celebrated Puppy art installation by Jeff Koons |
Grocery & Supply Stores
Numerous supermarkets and other provisions in the suburb of Las Arenas.
Eateries
Wide range of choices around the marinas and in the clubhouse of the Club Maritimo del Abra.
Internet/WiFi
Available?
Laundry
At both marinas.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Garbage Disposal
Bins in the marinas.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- July 2000 --Atheneoflymington 16:59, 2 March 2010 (UTC)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | North Atlantic | Spain | NW Spain | Bilbao | |
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