Bilbao

[Joe and Lydia Banales]

I cannot recommend a hotel in Bilbao as we stayed in a not very
memorable one downtown. But I highly recommend the Cathedral area (the
Begonia). There is another cathedral in "old town" which is worth seeing
as well, especially because it is named after St. James! If you walk
through the old town, there is a stairway street that goes uphill to the
site of the old Jewish cemetary which is now a soccer stadium.
Continuing along this street brings you to a great old cemetary and then
on to the Catherdral. Bilbao has a very industrial luster to it, but it
has its' lovely areas as well. And while you may not be a fan of modern
art, it is very worthwhile to see the Guggenheim museum. The design of
the building is fantastic. I bought pencils as souvenirs to bring home.
Very light, very cheap. Buen Camino. Lydia

Adrienne Patton wrote:

> 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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