Near Bilbao
Abra bay and Puerto Viejo route
The Abra bay was adapted for large merchant ships by engineer
Evaristo Churruca at the beginning of the XX century. The walk dedicated to
him initiates a pleasant promenade along the eastern side of the bay, starting
at the bridge and finishing at the Puerto Viejo. Here we find the high bourgeoisie
mansions, the private yacht clubs, and the beaches of Las Arenas and Algorta
(sunbathing only). At the initial part of the walk, there are several interesting
mansions built towards the end of XIX C. and the beginning of the XX: Palacio
Kai-Alde, Palacio Luis Allende, Casa Cisco (all three by Manuel María
Smith), the Hotel Embarcadero and the Club Marítimo de Vela yachting
club. As the walk makes a sharp left-turn, we find the Palacio Lezama-Legizamon
(with one of the best private libraries in the country), the Harriluze searchlight,
and the quay, followed by the Puerto Deportivo marina complex, and the hotels
Tamarises and Igeretxe in front of the Ereaga beach, and the unusual Casa-Faro
de los Náufragos (a farm-like construction built over arches).
Past Ereaga beach we find Puerto Viejo, the old Algorta fishing village. This
is a charming group of traditional fishermen´s houses built on a steep
hill, and is an ideal place to just hang around or enjoy one of its fish restaurants
at the top, or the pintxos in one of its old taverns.
+ info: www.getxo.net
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