The Cantabrian coast, with the Basque Country as its emblem of culture, gastronomy, and unique landscapes, has established itself as one of the most attractive destinations in northern Spain for maritime tourism. At the heart of this dynamic lies the Port of Bilbao, whose commitment to innovation and sustainability makes it a benchmark in the region.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 74 – September 2025
2025 will be a record year for the Port of Bilbao, which expects to handle over 90 cruise ships and some 150,000 passengers. Thanks to its two maritime terminals and its capacity to accommodate three vessels simultaneously—without draft or length limitations—it is prepared to receive all types of ships, from the most modern cruise liners to the most exclusive luxury vessels.
In 2017, when the modern Olatua terminal opened, the port received 61 cruise ships and 83,674 passengers. This indicates that currently, not only are there 50% more cruise ship calls, but they are also from larger vessels. This reflects the fruits of three decades of investment in infrastructure and commercial commitment.
OPS systems will be installed and will be operational by 2026
In addition to its growth in the cruise sector, the port maintains a regular connection with the British Isles via ferries operated by Brittany Ferries. The Salamanca ferry connects with Rosslare (Ireland) twice a week, while the Galicia ferry links with Portsmouth (United Kingdom), also twice a week. These ferries run on liquefied natural gas and electricity.
From an environmental perspective, the BilbOPS project will promote the electrification of cruise ship docks. Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems will be installed at Getxo 2 and Getxo 3, allowing ships to connect to the port's electrical grid and reduce emissions and noise during their stay. There will be three connection points, with the capacity to serve two ships simultaneously using mobile systems with an operational range of up to 100 meters.
The project represents a total investment of €78 million, of which €14.2 million comes from European funds through the CEF Transport 2021-2027 program. In addition, a 0.5-megawatt photovoltaic plant will be installed in the terminal's parking area. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026, and by 2028, half of the clean energy supplied through the OPS systems is projected to be generated within the port itself.
The Port of Bilbao is making steady progress in connectivity, tourism and sustainability, consolidating its role as a strategic hub in the Cantabrian Sea.
The center of Bilbao became a tourist icon since the opening of the fabulous Guggenheim Museum in the late 1990s
A captivating green stopover.
The cruise ship docks and terminals are located in Getxo, about 20 minutes by road from the center of Bilbao and 12 km from the airport, which offers international connections. The fantastic Ereaga beach and the Paseo del Marqués de Arriluce e Ibarra promenade are right next to the cruise ship docks and are excellent areas for a pleasant stroll among stately homes. Not far from there is the Vizcaya Bridge, a unique mobility solution recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The center of Bilbao became a tourist icon since the opening of the fabulous Guggenheim Museum in the late 90s and one of the most requested excursions by cruise passengers is the one that visits the old town, the Cathedral of Santiago and the museum.
The streets of the Old Town, many of them pedestrianized, are lined with Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Modernist buildings. The Old Town is also a major shopping center, where traditional shops meet innovative ones and where you can enjoy typical Bilbao dishes.
In the heart of the Old Town stands the Cathedral of Santiago, a Gothic church built in the 14th century. The Church of San Antón, also Gothic, is located near the charming Mercado de la Ribera (Ribera Market).
After the Old Town tour, a guided visit takes you to the Guggenheim Museum, where you can see several permanent and temporary exhibitions. There will be plenty of opportunities to take photos outside, both of the building itself and of Puppy, a large floral sculpture in the shape of a dog, which welcomes visitors.
In addition, Bilbao also offers excursions to San Sebastián, a romantic and elegant city chosen by thousands of tourists every year. Its famous La Concha Bay is its most iconic image, but the list of attractions is extensive: from the gastronomy centered in the impressive historic center, to the funicular up Mount Igueldo, and the Palacio del Mar Aquarium.
Vitoria is another nearby town rich in historical and cultural heritage, and is the seat of the Basque Government and Parliament. Bestselling author Ken Follett drew inspiration from the Cathedral of Santa María for the second part of "The Pillars of the Earth." This cathedral, in a way, overlooks the medieval Almond, the heart of the city's historic center, which takes its name from the way its streets are identified on city maps.
An hour and a half's drive from Bilbao, the Rioja Alavesa region is especially known for its exquisite, internationally renowned wines and an innovative tourism offering: wine tourism. Among the area's beautiful vineyard landscapes rise spectacular wineries designed by world-renowned architects such as Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava.
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