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Bilbao (Zierbena)

NOTE: Passengers travelling to Bilbao who have previously travelled with P&O Ferries and Acciona should note that the Brittany Ferries service operates to Bilbao (Zierbena) rather than Bilbao (Santurtzi). Please ensure you allow plenty of time to arrive at the port, and also be aware that Satellite Navigation systems may not be aware of the new port location.

Rather than Bilbao itself, the ferry port is located in Zierbena, which is 21km downstream from the city of Bilbao, which can easily be reached from both the west and the east via the A8. Bilbao is rich in its famous architecture with attractions such as the Guggenheim museum and Euskalduna Concert Hall being examples, and why the city has a strong tourist following.

Port Guide

P&O Ferries commenced sailings to Bilbao in 1993 with the mv Pride of Bilbao from Portsmouth. Acciona Trasmediterranea (AT Ferries) opened a competing service in 2006 which operated for one season with the mv Fortuny following rumours that P&O were to end their service. In 2010 it was announced that P&O would be closing the route, and shortly before closure Brittany Ferries announced they would begin serving the city from Portsmouth. Since the announcement Brittany Ferries have also moved the location of the port by 3km from Santurtzi to Zierbena, allowing for increased capacity at the port and improved road access. The new port location is accompanied by a brand new terminal.

Tourist Attractions

Bilbao is famous for Tapas cuisine, but has restaurants catering to all desires from traditional Spanish cuisines to out of the ordinary culinary triumphs!  Unmissable restaurants include the Gorrotxa and dining at the famous Guggenheim Museum.

The Bilbao Guggenheim Museum has become a cultural and tourist hotspot. Built by Frank O. Gehry in 1997, it is completely covered by wavy titanium sheets making the outside flamboyant and noticeable. It houses some fantastic collections of modern art, making it a must for all art lovers

The Fine Arts Museum is among the best in Spain, with a great gallery that houses three collections: art through the centuries, featuring El Greco, Zurbarán, Goya and Van Dyck. Contemporary art with Gauguin, Bacon, and Tàpies, and Basque art by Regoyos, Zuloaga, and Iturrino

In the field of the performing arts, the prestigious long-standing Opera Season at the Palacio Euskalduna (a facility with capacity for more than 2000 people), stages spectacular shows including the best international singers

There are 75 theatres and cinemas throughout Bilbao to keep you occupied.  If you like classical music head to The Bilbao and Euskadi Symphony Orchestras or Arriaga Theatre for dance shows

Check out the shopping in Bilbao in both the Old Quarter, which is home to over 800 storefronts, and BilbaoCentro, where you'll find both department stores and smaller boutiques

The Seaside Market is located in the Old Quarter, on Ribera Street. In this three-story complex you can find a number of food items for sale, including fresh produce and meat.

Accommodation

Details will appear here shortly.

Restaurants

Details will appear here shortly.

Transport

By Car: Bilbao (Zierbena) Port is located 3km from the A8 motorway which links Bilbao and Santander

By Train: Zierbena Port's nearest station is Santurtzi, which is located on Line 2 of the Bilbao Metro. The station is 3km/5min taxi ride from Zierbena, and connects at Bilbao-Sants station for mainline rail services. The train to Barcelona takes around 6.5 hours and costs around 70 Euro. More information on Spanish rail services is available from www.renfe.es / www.metrobilbao.net for the Bilbao Metro.

By Taxi: Taxis can be booked through Parada de Taxis de Santurtzi (Tel +34 94 461 03 56), the journey to Santurtzi costs approximately 10 Euro.

By Bus: A bus from Bilbao to Madrid takes 5 hours and costs 30 Euros.