🏖️ Coastal town located on the Bay of Biscay (Cantábrico), part of the Atlantic Ocean
🚗 Approximately 35 km east of Bilbao (about 30–40 minutes by car)
🚉 Around 75 km west of Santander (about 1 hour by car)
📍 One of the easternmost municipalities in northern Cantabria
🏰 Historical & Cultural Sites Santa María de la Asunción Church About 15 minutes on foot (~1.4 km). A magnificent 13th-century Gothic church located on the Camino del Norte pilgrimage route.
Santa Ana Castle & Lighthouse Around 16 minutes walk (~1.5 km). Located on the cliffs behind the church, offering panoramic views of the harbor.
Medieval Bridge (Puente Medieval) & Santa Ana Chapel Same location as the castle and lighthouse, about 16 minutes on foot (~1.5 km). The bridge becomes surrounded by seawater at high tide, creating a mystical atmosphere.
Ocharan Palace (Palacio de Ocharan) 6 minutes walk (~450 m). A beautiful neoclassical mansion with lush gardens.
Dícido Ore Loading Yard (Cargadero de Dícido) About 35 minutes walk (~2.7 km), or 7 minutes by car. An industrial heritage site along the coastline.
El Cuco Cave (Cueva de El Cuco) 20 minutes walk (~1.5 km), or about 5 minutes by car. Prehistoric cave with important archaeological wall paintings.
🌳 Nature & Scenic Spots Brazomar Beach (Playa de Brazomar) 4 minutes on foot (~300 m). A quiet white sandy beach near the property, awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness.
Ostende Beach (Playa de Ostende) About 22 minutes walk (~1.8 km). A calm, wider artificial beach popular among local families.
Punta de los Cuervos 30 minutes walk (~2.3 km). Scenic rocky promontory at the edge of Ostende coast.
Cotolino Park (Parque Cotolino) 5 minutes walk (~0.5 km). A seaside park with benches and walking paths.
Amestoy Park (Parque Amestoy) 14 minutes walk (~1.1 km). A plaza-style park in front of the town hall, perfect for a break during sightseeing.
Siete Caminos Park (Parque Siete Caminos) 10 minutes walk (~800 m). A natural park near residential areas with gentle terrain ideal for strolls.
🏙️ City Walks & Culinary Experiences Town Hall Square (Plaza del Ayuntamiento) & Old Town Area 14 minutes on foot (~1.2 km). Historic center with cobblestone streets and a variety of lively bars and cafes.
New Market (Mercado de Abastos) 13 minutes walk (~1.1 km). Scheduled to reopen in 2025, this market offers fresh local seafood and produce.
☕ Cafes & Light Bites Cafetería Amanecer (3 minutes walk / 267 m) A local favorite for breakfast and light coffee breaks.
🍷 Pubs & Bars Bar La Estación (6 minutes walk / 468 m) A casual pub with a lively atmosphere, popular into late hours.
🍽️ Restaurants (3–7 minutes walk) Restaurante Montoro (3 minutes walk / 237 m) Casual dining with home-style dishes using local ingredients.
El Submarino (4 minutes walk / 284 m) Located by the sea, serving traditional Spanish seafood dishes.
🌟 Highly Rated & Popular Restaurants (10–15 minutes walk) La Bodeguita Esmeralda (15 minutes walk) Well-loved bar offering affordable local Spanish cuisine and tapas.
Magnolia Restaurante (14 minutes walk) Specializes in seafood with grilled options and vegetarian/gluten-free choices.
Restaurante Marisquería Alfredo (14 minutes walk) Famous seafood restaurant in the harbor area serving fresh catch.
🛒 Nearby Supermarkets (within walking distance) Lidl Castro-Urdiales 6 minutes walk (~450 m) Popular discount supermarket with fresh, frozen, and daily goods.
Carrefour Express (Calle La Ronda) 8 minutes walk (~600 m) Small but well-stocked store including organic products.
BM Supermercados (Leonardo Rucabado Street) 8 minutes walk (~600 m) Focuses on local products including fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat.
Eroski (Barrio Brazomar area) 10 minutes walk (~800 m) Large supermarket with groceries, ready meals, and beverages.
ALDI (Leonardo Rucabado Street) 11 minutes walk (~850 m) Discount store known for affordable daily necessities.
🚍 Public Transportation Local Buses (CastroBus) Closest stops:
La Ronda 22 (2 minutes walk)
La Ronda - La Barrera (3 minutes walk)
Main lines serve:
City center, shopping areas, medical centers, beaches
Long-Distance Buses (ALSA, Bilman) Castro-Urdiales Bus Terminal (12 minutes walk / 1 km)
Bilbao: approx. 30–45 min
Santander: approx. 1 hour 10 min
Other routes: Laredo, Santoña, Barcelona
🚗 By Car / Rental Near A-8 highway (Autovía del Cantábrico) for easy travel
Bilbao: approx. 35 km (30 minutes)
Santander: approx. 75 km (1 hour)
Parking:
Street parking available (some free, some paid zones)
Paid underground parking near city center (e.g., Parque Amestoy)
🚕 Taxi & Ride Apps Local taxis available by phone reservation
Ride apps like Uber/Bolt operate in limited areas/times
🚶 Walking & Cycling Key attractions and beaches reachable within 15 minutes on foot
Coastal bike paths and promenades for walking or cycling
★ Summary Castro-Urdiales is a hidden gem on Spain’s northern coast where history and sea life blend beautifully. With its medieval streets, stunning beaches, and vibrant culinary scene, it offers a perfect mix of culture and nature. Conveniently located near Bilbao with excellent transport links, it’s ideal for both visitors and residents seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle with urban amenities.