Elantxobe: Ogoño, harbour and maritime history

The harbour of Elantxobe lies between cliffs and mountains. It is sheltered from the force of the Cantabrian Sea.

Nature

The summit of Cabo de Ogoño is called Atxukullu and lies 308 metres above sea level.

The summit and the Atalaya viewpoint on Ogoño are surrounded by holm oaks, strawberry trees and holly. In the higher areas, views open out over Urdaibai.

The cliffs of Ogoño are home to European storm petrels. Ogoño is considered the only place in Europe where this species breeds on the continent.

The Atalaya viewpoint on Ogoño was used by fishermen from Elantxobe to observe fishing activity, the weather and possible pirates.

Townscape

The steep, paved streets of Elantxobe are well worth a visit. Elantxobe’s terraced buildings face the sea.

The topography remains immediately apparent in the streetscape: the paths rise between the houses, while the buildings on their terraces face the sea. On Calle Mayor, old sandstone blends with vegetation growing on the walls. Together with the fishermen’s houses, this creates a townscape in which the harbour economy, residential culture and the history of the town are visible side by side.

Calle Mayor in Elantxobe is lined with old sandstone walls covered in numerous plants. Elantxobe’s fishermen’s houses are a hallmark of its maritime tradition and a testament to the town’s past.

Experiences

The BUS05 Elantxobe: Portua route runs along the four piers that make up the harbour of Elantxobe. The piers of Elantxobe harbour were built in 1783 and have been reinforced ever since.

Beside the harbour of Elantxobe is the only saltwater swimming pool in Urdaibai. Those who arrive in Elantxobe by bus can observe the operation of the famous rotating bus platform.

Travelling by bus also reveals a detail typical of the town: the rotating platform is an observable part of operations in Elantxobe.

Culture

The five exhibition panels at the Museo de la Pesca y la Cofradía de Elantxobe cover five subject areas: Elantxobe’s origins, fishing, the piers, the way of life and the historical role of women.

The panels’ subjects therefore range from the beginnings of the town to the social and economic aspects of coastal life.

An exhibition by the Museo de la Pesca y la Cofradía de Elantxobe was set up in the covered area of the quay known as the Tinglao.

The parish church of San Nicolás de Bari in Elantxobe is dedicated to the patron saint of seafarers. The Seafarers’ Brotherhood of Elantxobe built the church of San Nicolás de Bari at its own expense.

The Fiestas de la Magdalena 2027 are scheduled for 22 July and have particular significance in Elantxobe.

You can find more places here: Durango, Butroi, Bermeo, Nabarniz, Altamira-San Kristobal, Lejona, Zelaia, Plaza.

Routes

The PR-BI 165 hiking trail begins in Elantxobe and leads to the viewpoint at Cabo de Ogoño.

To the main travel overview: Bizkaia.