Mount Pagasarri
A beloved local mountain offering panoramic Bilbao views, accessible trails, and a charming summit cafe. Perfect for a refreshing hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Mount Pagasarri
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved local mountain offering panoramic Bilbao views, accessible trails, and a charming summit cafe. Perfect for a refreshing hike.
"Must try Monte Pagasarri hiking if you are in Bilbao! Best hike in the city."
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Good hiking boots are essential for a comfortable and safe trek. :athletic_shoe:
Check Weather Forecast
Conditions can change quickly. Fog and ice are common in winter. Be prepared! :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views of Bilbao
Pagasarri Summit
Panoramic vistas of Bilbao and the surrounding Biscay landscape. Perfect for photos!
The Meadow and Picnic Area
Near the Summit
A lovely open space with picnic benches, ideal for a break and enjoying the scenery.
Rocky Single Track Descent
Eastern Trail
An exhilarating descent with a more challenging, rocky path for experienced hikers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Hike Pagasarri
Getting to the Trailhead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Good hiking boots are essential for a comfortable and safe trek. :athletic_shoe:
Check Weather Forecast
Conditions can change quickly. Fog and ice are common in winter. Be prepared! :cloud:
Bilbao 4 days
Trekking trail recommendations in the Basque country/ Northern Spain
Bring Cash for Cafe
A small cafe at the peak offers refreshments. Cash is recommended for purchases. :moneybag:
Trail is Well-Marked
No GPS needed! The paths are clear and easy to follow for most hikers. :compass:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Good hiking boots are essential for a comfortable and safe trek. :athletic_shoe:
Check Weather Forecast
Conditions can change quickly. Fog and ice are common in winter. Be prepared! :cloud:
Bring Cash for Cafe
A small cafe at the peak offers refreshments. Cash is recommended for purchases. :moneybag:
Trail is Well-Marked
No GPS needed! The paths are clear and easy to follow for most hikers. :compass:
Water Stops Available
Don't worry about hydration; there are water sources along the way. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mount Pagasarri is widely praised for its accessible trails, stunning city views, and convenient amenities like the summit cafe. Hikers appreciate the well-marked paths and the rewarding experience for various fitness levels. Some find the neighboring Ganeta peak less interesting, but Pagasarri itself is a consistent favorite for a local hike.
"Hiking Pagasarri Mountain was a great experience. The trail is well-marked and accessible, making it suitable for different skill levels. Most of the route has good phone signal, and the path shown on Google Maps is accurate. I definitely recommend exploring this mountain."
Oscar David Orozco González
"This summit has scenic city views, a nice meadow, and picnic benches. You can go down from east through a beautiful rocky single track. I don't recommend the neighbour summit of Ganeta. It doesn't have views and the summit has only the radio tower."
Banu Aysolmaz
"Great hike. Can do in 1.5 hrs to the top"
Gus Vegas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the trailhead of Mount Pagasarri from Bilbao using public transport or by car. Several bus lines go near the base, and driving offers parking facilities, though they can fill up quickly on busy days. The trails are generally well-marked, making it accessible for various skill levels.
Yes, the trails are generally well-marked and easy to follow. Many visitors report that Google Maps is accurate for navigation, and you might not even need a GPS device.
Absolutely! Public transportation options are available from Bilbao to get you close to the trailhead. This is a great option if you prefer not to rent a car and want to enjoy the scenery without driving stress.
The most common and well-marked routes lead directly to the summit. You can choose a route based on your fitness level, with some offering more challenging rocky sections for experienced hikers.
The most popular starting points are usually from the areas around the base of the mountain, accessible by road. These trailheads are well-known and often have signage indicating the main routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mount Pagasarri is a natural area and does not require any admission tickets for hiking. It's a free public space for everyone to enjoy.
As a natural park, Mount Pagasarri is accessible at all hours. However, it's best to hike during daylight for safety and to enjoy the views.
There is no entrance fee to access the hiking trails on Mount Pagasarri. You can explore the mountain freely.
While technically accessible, hiking at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting on the trails. Stick to daylight hours for the best experience.
No permits are required for general hiking on Mount Pagasarri. It's an open area for recreational use.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Mount Pagasarri offers trails suitable for various skill levels. Some routes are gentle and accessible, while others include rocky sections that are more challenging. It's a great hike for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Many visitors report that a hike to the top and back can take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
Yes, there's a small cafe located at the peak where you can purchase refreshments, including sandwiches. It's a popular spot to refuel after your hike.
You'll be rewarded with scenic city views of Bilbao and the surrounding Biscay region. The summit also features a nice meadow and picnic benches.
Most of the hiking routes on Mount Pagasarri have good phone signal coverage, which can be reassuring for safety and navigation.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most spectacular panoramic views of Bilbao and the surrounding landscape, making it ideal for photography. The meadow area also provides lovely scenic backdrops.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hues. However, the city views are impressive at any time of day.
Yes, during winter months, Mount Pagasarri can be covered in snow, offering a unique and picturesque landscape for photographers. Be sure to dress warmly and check conditions.
The main landmark is the expansive view of Bilbao itself. The summit marker and the cafe also make for good photo opportunities.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for capturing the views. If you're interested in landscape photography, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, although there are water stops along the way and a cafe at the summit. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes suitable for varied terrain. The rewarding views from the top are sure to be a hit with the whole family!
🚶 Budget Travelers
If you're traveling without a car, public transport options from Bilbao can get you close to the trailhead without the cost of car rental or parking fees. It's a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the region without spending a lot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Mount Pagasarri: Trails and Difficulty
For those seeking a bit more challenge, the descent from the east offers a beautiful, albeit more rocky, single-track path. This route provides a different kind of engagement with the terrain. While the summit of the neighboring Ganeta peak is noted as less scenic, primarily featuring a radio tower, Pagasarri itself boasts excellent city views and a pleasant meadow area.
It's important to note that while the main trails are straightforward, winter conditions can introduce snow and ice, requiring appropriate gear and caution. Always check the weather forecast before heading out, especially during colder months.
The Summit Experience: Views and Amenities
Beyond the views, the summit area features a pleasant meadow and several picnic benches, making it an ideal spot to rest, enjoy a packed lunch, or simply soak in the atmosphere. For those who didn't bring their own provisions, a small cafe is located at the peak, offering refreshments and snacks like ham and cheese sandwiches – a welcome treat after the hike.
Many hikers appreciate the convenience of having these amenities available, enhancing the overall experience. The presence of good phone signal across most of the route also adds a layer of comfort and safety for visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit