Getxo is a town located on the estuary of Bilbao. During the period of Bilbao’s industrialisation in the nineteenth century it became a residential area for the local bourgeoisie. The town has many grand buildings as a result, especially in Atxekolandeta neighbourhood, but I didn’t get time to see them.
Google map here.
Originally the town was based on the fishing village of Algorta. One day I was lucky enough to finish work early so I could spend the afternoon exploring the village’s picturesque Puerto Viejo.
From Portuzarra Kalea you get good views over El Abra bay. In this picture you can see Ereaga beach (one of many good local beaches) in the distance with Bilbao behind it.
Nearby, two sculptures pay tribute to the professions which were once the mainstays of the local economy. They show a Sardinera, a female sardine seller, (sculpted by Luis Iñiguez) and an Arrantzale, a fisherman, (by the sculptor José Luis Butrón).
The twisting streets of the Puerto Viejo are quite narrow and many have boat slipways.
The pretty houses have whitewashed façades and brightly-coloured doors and windows.
Naturally such a pretty spot has plenty of tapas bars and restaurants. During my wanderings, this place looked the nicest.
Karola Etxea (Intermediate B+), 22 Aretxondo Kalea, www.karolaetxea.net
This pretty mid-range restaurant is located in an old timber frame building. I’m guessing it’s a family business with the daughter waiting on the tables and the parents in the kitchen.
I had the Menu Karola, three courses for €19.80 which also included a bottle of decent Chardonnay (B).
Bacalao Pil Pil with potato and tomato (A).
Of course I also had to have some Sardines (B).
And Flan to finish (B+).
This was a very good meal for only €20. Definitely a good spot.
And that’s my trip to Bilbao done for this time. Off to Andalusia next!