The old harbour of Algorta is a picturesque corner of Getxo on the Biscay coast.

Located at the end of the promenade on the beach at Ereaga, this ancient fishing harbour is one of the most charming and historic places on the Biscay coast. The old harbour of Algorta is part of the town’s Monumental Heritage and is classified as a Cultural Asset by the Department of Culture of the Basque Government.

The place conserves its maritime atmosphere; take a stroll through its steep and narrow streets to get to know its history while enjoying the excellent cuisine.

History of the Old Harbour of Algorta

The harbour’s origins go back to the 17^th and 18^th centuries, when the small enclave of Algorta, whose inhabitants mainly worked at sea, especially inshore fishing in small boats, grew in importance due to the particular physical and meteorological conditions of the harbour of Abra. It was necessary to contract pilots to guide the ships going up the estuary of Bilbao so as not to run aground on the sandbanks in the mouth of the estuary near Getxo and Portugalete.

As the harbour’s maritime activities increased, some sailors from Algorta set up a body to regulate them: The Cofradía (guild) of Mareantes (seafarers) of San Nicolás in Algorta. This guild, with its Steward at the head, protected the contracts of sailors from Algorta, regulated the use of Abra’s natural resources, sales, and established health measures in the harbour.

What to see and do in the Old Harbour of Getxo

The harbour is part of the town of Getxo, a major tourist attraction due to its excellent beaches and great monumental heritage. Located just 20 minutes from Bilbao, the Old Harbour is a must-see if you want to get to know the Biscay coast.

This old settlement of fisherfolk is full of charm and history, but is also very lively, being a meeting place of groups of friends to enjoy a glass of wine and pintxos (tapas) in its bars and restaurants, after taking a stroll along Ereaga beach from the Marina.

This enclave needs to be one of the photos in your album of Biscay, both the Old Harbour seen from below and the views that can be enjoyed from its viewpoint.

Attractions of the Old Harbour:

The ancient Chapel of San Nicolás

Founded by the Guild of Seafarers, the chapel was the first place they used for their meetings. It was closed in the 19^th century and new uses were given to the building, initially as a nautical training schooling and finally as a block of apartments after being renovated in 1948. The apse is the only thing that remains of the original construction.

Etxetxu

This ‘casita’ (little house) overlooking the sea has just one closed level and an open arcade with a bench that runs its entire length. It was built in the 18^th century by the Guild of Seafarers as a place to meet.

Sculptures of the arrantzale (fisherman) and sardinera (sardine seller)

On the steps going up to the streets of the Old Harbour, just before reaching Etxetxu, these sculptures pay homage to two of the oldest popular trades: fishing and sardine selling.

Erriberamune

The parapet of the landing on the steps that go down to the harbour next to the sculptures of the fisherman and the sardine seller is known as Erriberamune. It has been a meeting place for sailors and fishermen for many generations.

If you visit Biscay in summer, consult the timetable and prices of the dramatized visits to the Old Harbour in the Tourism Office. They take place on Sundays from June to September. It is an enjoyable way to get to know the history, stories and former way of life of this ancient maritime enclave.

However, the greatest attraction of the Old Harbour is, as well as its picturesque appearance, taking a stroll past its old buildings along the narrow and steep streets, enjoying its great atmosphere and gastronomy and tasting rabas (battered squid) as an aperitif or eating excellent fish in the restaurants in the area.

How to get to the Old Harbour of Getxo

From Bilbao or other points in Biscay it is easy to get to Getxo by road. Take the BI-637 road, when you arrive in Getxo you will find an area that gives access to the promenades, the Marina and Ereaga beach. The Old Harbour is at the end of the promenade.

Another option is Metro Bilbao: Get off at Algorta, it is less than 1 kilometre from there. You can algo get off the Metro at Neguri, walk 500 metres to Ereaga beach and stroll down to the end of the beach, where you will find the Old Harbour and its steps crowned by the sculptures of the fisherman and the sardine seller.