Bilbao, Ferries and Ferry Crossings

Welcome to the Bilbao (Spain) section of FerryCrossings.org, the site for information about major UK and continental ports and the ferries between them. Our site includes an introduction to a number of ports and feature pages about the various crossing ways, lanes and routes and companies operating between them to help you plan your journey and discover interesting travel destinations along the way. You can even compare prices and save money on your ferry tickets with ads from major booking sites and selected major ferry lines.

Port of Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao. Bilbao is in the Basque country of northern Spain and is the area's largest city. It has a pleasantly mild climate without extremes and is an important seaport and industrial centre. There is a ferry link between Bilbao and Portsmouth. The origins of Bilbao itself go back to 1300 when the village received a charter but there is evidence of settlements in and around the area that are considerably older. The city is a stop on the Northern Way of the mediaeval pilgrim's route, to Santiago de Compostela, along the northern coast of Spain.

The settlement's growth was slow but steady and not without violence and bloodshed between Bilbao and other settlements not similarly privileged with a charter and also between rival noble families. In the MIddle Ages the city also endured serious flooding and a fire, almost destroying the Bilbao church of Santiago. In the earlier years of the 16th century Merino wool was Bilbao's major export and the city became the most important port in Castile for the wool's export to northern Europe. During Spain's Empire building years the port of Bilbao was one at the commerical and financial hub of Spain's affairs. In 1602 Bilbao was awarded the status of capital city of Biscay. The discovery and exploitation of extensive iron ore reserves in the nearby hills enabled Bilbao to enter the 19th century with an advantage. The city's mining and shipbuilding industries grew and prospered, despite the city being embroiled in fighting during the Carlist Wars of the 19th century.

By the beginning of the 20th century Bilbao was one of Spain's most prosperous cities. During the Spanish Civil War of the late 1930s Bilbao supported the side of the Republican Government but, despite heavy fighting, was taken by Franco's troops. Fortunately, the city itself didn't suffer extensive damage at this time. The city's heavy industry was an important factor in Spain's economy. Devastating floods in 1983 killed many people and left many areas severely damaged. Since then, the Casco Viejo (the Old Quarter and the location of the original 'Seven Streets' of the city) has been extensively renewed and renovated to promote Bilbao's tourist industry and move away from the image of an industrial city. Heavy industry has been moved from the city itself to the outskirts. One of the jewels in this new crown is the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum whose designer was the Canadian born, but American based, architect Frank Gehry. This stunning building is located on the banks of the Nervión River and is covered with sharply reflective titanium panels that resemble fish scales. From a distance, and an elevated view, it can seem to have the appearance of a ship. It's here that you'll find 'Maman', Louise Bourgeois' enormous sculpture of a spider, along with both permanent and temporary art exhibitions.

Also in Bilbao is the Museo de Bellas Artes (The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum), which houses the most important art and sculpture collections in Spain, and a Martime Museum on the banks of the River Nervión. For the visitor, the Casco Viejo, the old mediaeval centre of Bilbao is a must-see with its narrow streets of taverns, shops, historic buildings and monuments. Bilbao has several theatres and concert halls and also its own symphony orchestra which was founded in 1922. The nightlife in the city is, as you'd expect, lively and vibrant, with lots of good places to eat and drink, and with local entertainment and live music. A fairly recent addition to the city's programme of events is the Live Music Festival that was started in 2006, attracting thousands of visitors annually. If you vist Bilbao in August try to be there for one of Spain's best festivals, the Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia). It's a festival of fireworks, concerts, music of all sorts, food, giant model-figures, a strongman competition and lots of activities just for the children.