Rent a Campervan in Bilbao & Discover the Basque Country

Discover Bilbao: Your Adventure Starts Here

Welcome to Bilbao, the vibrant heart of the Basque Country! Nestled in a valley surrounded by green mountains, this is a city that has masterfully reinvented itself from an industrial powerhouse into a world-renowned centre for art, culture, and gastronomy. When you rent a campervan in Bilbao, you're not just hiring a vehicle; you're unlocking the gateway to an unforgettable adventure through one of Spain's most unique and captivating regions.

Geography and Location:
Bilbao is the capital of the province of Biscay, located in northern Spain. The city is situated on the Nervión River, which flows into the Bay of Biscay about 16 kilometres downstream. This strategic location has shaped its history as a major port city. The surrounding landscape is a stunning mix of rugged coastline, lush valleys, and rolling hills, making it a dream destination for anyone looking to rent a motorhome in Bilbao. The freedom a camper gives you is perfect for exploring these diverse terrains. If your plans include venturing off the beaten path, you should definitely consider a 4x4 camper mieten Bilbao for that extra capability.

History and Transformation:
Founded in the 14th century, Bilbao grew into a major commercial hub for iron and steel production. For centuries, it was a gritty, industrial city. However, in the late 20th century, Bilbao underwent a remarkable transformation. The decision to build the Guggenheim Museum here was a catalyst for urban renewal that turned the city into a global tourist destination. This story of change is visible everywhere, from the beautifully restored Casco Viejo (Old Town) to the gleaming modern architecture along the river. To truly appreciate this journey, you should rent a campervan in Bilbao and see the contrast for yourself. You will find that to rent a motorhome in Bilbao offers the best way to combine city sightseeing with nature exploration.

People and Culture:
With a population of around 350,000 in the city proper and nearly a million in the metropolitan area, Bilbao is a lively, bustling place. The people, known as Bilbaínos, are proud of their Basque heritage, which has its own unique language (Euskara), traditions, and world-famous cuisine. They are known for being hardworking, friendly, and welcoming to visitors. Exploring the culture is a key part of the experience when you rent a campervan in Bilbao.

Weather and Best Time to Travel:
Bilbao enjoys a mild oceanic climate. This means summers are warm but not scorching, and winters are cool and damp but rarely freezing. The best time to rent a campervan in Bilbao is from May to October when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities and road trips. The lush green landscape is a direct result of the regular rainfall, so be prepared for occasional showers even in summer – it's all part of the region's charm! For adventurers seeking to explore the mountains in tougher conditions, it's wise to rent a 4x4 camper in Bilbao. The flexibility you get when you rent a motorhome in Bilbao allows you to follow the good weather along the coast or inland. This is a key benefit of a camper holiday.

Sights and Activities In and Around Bilbao

Once you've settled into the vehicle you chose when you decided to rent a campervan in Bilbao, an incredible array of sights and activities awaits. Bilbao is a city of contrasts, where avant-garde art sits alongside centuries-old streets.

Guggenheim Museum:
You can't talk about Bilbao without mentioning the Guggenheim. This architectural masterpiece by Frank Gehry, made of titanium, glass, and limestone, is as impressive on the outside as the modern and contemporary art it houses on the inside. Park your camper and spend a day mesmerised by both the building and its collections.

Casco Viejo (Old Town):
The charming Old Town, also known as 'Las Siete Calles' (The Seven Streets), is the historic heart of Bilbao. Get lost in its narrow, bustling streets, discover independent shops, and visit historic buildings like the Santiago Cathedral. This area is also the epicentre of pintxos culture – a culinary must-do! Having the freedom that comes with deciding to rent a motorhome in Bilbao means you can spend your evenings here and retreat to your comfortable bed afterwards.

Mercado de la Ribera:
Located on the edge of the Old Town, this is one of Europe's largest covered markets. It’s a feast for the senses, with stalls overflowing with fresh local produce, meats, and seafood. It's the perfect place to stock up on supplies for your campervan kitchen. Cooking with local ingredients is a major perk when you rent a campervan in Bilbao.

Artxanda Funicular:
For the best panoramic views of the city, take the funicular up to the top of Artxanda Hill. It's a breathtaking sight, showing the city nestled amongst the surrounding green hills. It’s a great photo opportunity and helps you get your bearings.

Zubizuri Bridge:
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this striking white bridge is another symbol of Bilbao's modern transformation. Its curved design resembles a sailboat and offers a beautiful walk across the Nervión River.

Beaches Near Bilbao:
One of the biggest advantages of your decision to rent a motorhome in Bilbao is the easy access to the stunning Basque coastline. Beaches like Plentzia, Gorliz, and the surf-haven of Sopelana are just a short drive away. If you want to explore more remote coastal tracks, remember you can rent a 4x4 camper in Bilbao for ultimate access.

Unforgettable Road Trips Starting from Bilbao

Bilbao is the perfect launchpad for some of Spain's most scenic road trips. After you rent a campervan in Bilbao, the open road is yours. Here are a couple of recommended tours to get you started:

🚐 The Basque Coastal Explorer (4-5 Days)

🍷 The Rioja Wine Route (3-4 Days)

Returning Your Campervan Clean in Bilbao

After an amazing trip, it's important to return your vehicle clean. Finding a suitable car wash can be a challenge, especially if you chose to rent a motorhome in Bilbao, as many standard car washes don't have the height clearance for campers or large motorhomes.

It's crucial to look for 'Lavado de Camiones' (Truck Wash) or facilities with high-pressure wands ('Lanza a presión' or 'Boxes de lavado') that have open-air bays with no height restrictions. These are your best bet for getting the job done properly.

Here are a few suitable options in and around Bilbao where you can clean your campervan before returning it:

1. Garbigune Trapagaran
This is a well-known location that caters to larger vehicles. They have high-pressure washing bays suitable for motorhomes. It’s a reliable choice for a thorough clean.
Address: Polígono Industrial Aurrera, 48510 Valle de Trápaga-Trapagaran, Biscay, Spain

2. Elefante Azul (Blue Elephant) - Barakaldo
The 'Elefante Azul' chain often has open-air, self-service bays with high-pressure wands that are perfect for campers. The location in the industrial area of Barakaldo is convenient for those returning to the Bilbao area.
Address: Kareaga Kalea, 48903 Barakaldo, Biscay, Spain

3. Gasolinera Repsol with Truck Wash - Santurtzi
Many petrol stations on the industrial outskirts have facilities for large vehicles. This Repsol station near the port of Bilbao is equipped with truck washing facilities that will easily accommodate any size of campervan or motorhome you might have rented.
Address: Polígono Industrial El Abra, 48980 Santurtzi, Biscay, Spain

Always check the height clearance before entering any automated wash. Using the self-service jet wash bays is always the safest option for the vehicle you chose when you decided to rent a campervan in Bilbao.

How to Get to Bilbao for Your Campervan Trip

Getting to Bilbao to start your adventure is straightforward, with excellent connections for international travelers.

By Air:
Bilbao Airport (BIO) is a modern international airport located just 12 km from the city centre. It serves as the main hub for the Basque Country and Northern Spain.

From the UK & Ireland:
You'll find frequent direct flights to Bilbao from major UK airports. Vueling and British Airways fly directly from London (Gatwick, Heathrow), and you can also find direct routes from Manchester (MAN) and Bristol (BRS) with airlines like EasyJet. From Dublin (DUB), Aer Lingus and Vueling offer direct flights, making it a quick and easy journey.

From the USA & Canada:
There are no direct flights from North America to Bilbao. The most common and convenient way to travel is with a one-stop connection through a major European hub. Popular layover cities include Madrid (MAD) with Iberia, Paris (CDG) with Air France, Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM, or Frankfurt (FRA) with Lufthansa. You can connect from major gateways like New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Toronto (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR).

From Australia, New Zealand & South Africa:
For travelers from down under or South Africa, the journey will involve two stops. A typical route from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), or Auckland (AKL) would be via a major hub in the Middle East (like Dubai with Emirates or Doha with Qatar Airways) or Asia (like Singapore with Singapore Airlines), followed by a connection in a major European city like Madrid or Paris. From Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT), common routes are also via European hubs like Amsterdam, Paris, or Frankfurt.

Once you land at Bilbao Airport (BIO), picking up the vehicle you chose when you decided to rent a campervan in Bilbao is easy. Our depot is conveniently located, allowing you to hit the road and begin your journey without delay.