Bilbao

[Adrienne Patton]

Hi Cledwyn et al,

This is from Eric Walker's guide of the Northern
Routes, on which Bilbao is the first large city.  As
you see, there is a refugio there - you should be able
to get your credencial and first sello there!

Sellos:
1. Cathedral
2. Tourist Office Bilbaos Iniciativas Turisticas
Plaza de Arriaga,(no #). (In basement of Arriaga
Theatre)  Tel. (944) 16 02 88
3. Tourist Office (Bilbaos Iniciativas Turisticas),
Paseo del Arenal.  Tel. 944 79 57 60

Accommodation:
Ref. … Albergue de Bilbao (Aterpetxea), Carretera
Basurto – Castrexana, 70. 48002 Bilbao.
Tel 944 27 00 54     Take the Line 58 Bilbobus.

Numerous reasonably priced Hostals, especially in the
Bidebarrieta area near the cathedral. Enquire at the
tourist office in the Arriaga Theatre.

Accommodation:
H*  Vista Alegre, Pablo Picasso, 13
Tel. (944) 43 14 50
HSR**  Gurea, Bidebarrieta, 2
Tel. (944)16 32 99
HS*     Begoña, Calle Amistad, 2
Tel. (944) 23 01 34
HSR*   Jofra, Elcano, 34
Tel. (944) 21 29 49
HSR*   Martinez, Villarias, 8
Tel. (944) 23 91 78

The nearest campsite is at Somorrostro (8 km NW) and
is listed under that town. Can be reached by train
(RENFE).

Cycle Repairers:
Canales Exposito, Avnda Lehendacari Aguirre, 68.
Tel (944) 75 08 56
Cima, Euscalduna, 5.  Tel. (944) 21 21 63
Cima, Elcano, 1.  Tel. (944) 24 93 96
Ciclos Altzaga, José Luis Goyoaga, 24
Tel. (944) 67 61 01


And here is info from CSJ's Camino Frances guide:
"From Bilbao it is 25 minutes by bus (every 40 mins)
to city centre, 1E.  Or you can travel in on the
nearby metro service, (every 20/30 mins).  For Sondiko
station turn left out of arrivals.  Reported cheap and
bicycle friendly.  Tourist Office at airport, open
until 2300, reported very helpful...If you want to
start your pilgrimage in Pamplona there is a coach
from Bilbao 4x a day."

The Termibus terminal is at C. Gurtubay, 1
(Tel: 944 39 52 05) on the west side of town.
Metro stop San Mames.
The company at this terminal that goes to Pamplona (2
hr. ride) is called La Union, 4-6 per day, cost 9.50E,

Tel: 944 39 50 77.

I don't believe there is a direct train ride
Bilbao-Pamplona, there is a RENFE station in Bilbao -
here is their number so you can call if you like.
Tel: 944 23 86 23

Your safest bet probably is to make the Tourist Office
in the airport your first stop.  They'll know more
about bike transport as well.

Good Luck!
Adrienne



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