Ayuntamiento de Loiu

Loiu Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de Loiu) occupies the main square of Loiu, a small municipality in Biscay, Basque Country, sitting right next to Bilbao Airport — the gateway most visitors use to reach the region.

What makes Loiu worth a stop?

Loiu is a rural municipality only minutes from downtown Bilbao, on land that once formed part of the old Asua estuary area. Despite hosting the region's international airport, the town has kept a distinctly countryside feel: traditional Basque farmhouses, fields and small valleys sit close to modern transport infrastructure. That contrast is what surprises first-time visitors — within minutes you can trade the noise of a departing flight for a quiet country lane.

What can you see around the town hall and the main square?

The square where the town hall stands functions as Loiu's civic heart. Alongside the town hall building itself, you'll find a frontón — a court for pelota, the traditional Basque ball game — and the Casa de Cultura, which hosts local events and exhibitions. A short walk away stands the parish church of San Pedro, whose origins trace back to a medieval building from the 12th century; its current form largely dates from a 1634 reconstruction. Gothic elements survive within its walls, a notable detail for such a small town.

Which nearby landmarks are worth visiting?

Beyond the town center, the hermitage of San Miguel is worth the detour — a small chapel that for centuries served as a meeting point for clergy from the surrounding Merindad de Uribe. Nearby stands the 18th-century Larraburu palace, along with numerous traditional Basque farmhouses scattered across the surrounding hills. Loiu's agricultural past is also visible in its old water mills — Txitorreta, Errotatxu and Goiengo Errota. The last of the three is still operational, giving visitors a rare working glimpse of how grain was once milled in this part of Biscay.

What is the history behind Loiu?

The municipality's name descends from an older form, Luxua or Lucua, meaning forest. In earlier centuries the settlement held port status thanks to its access to the mouth of the Asua river. Records from 1634 note a population of just 500 people living in 98 houses — a useful reminder of how small this community once was. In 1966, Loiu was annexed into Bilbao together with the municipalities of Erandio, Sondika, Zamudio and Derio, but a decree issued in December 1982 restored its independence as a separate municipality, effective January 1, 1983.

When is the best time to visit — festivals and events?

The main local festival is Fiestas de San Pedro, held on June 29 around the hermitage, combining religious rites with popular celebrations. In autumn, on the third Sunday of October, the town hosts a Gastronomy and Craftwork Fair, with stalls selling local food and handmade goods throughout the village — a good chance to experience Loiu away from the rhythm of airport traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Loiu from Bilbao? Loiu sits right next to Bilbao Airport, so the easiest way in is by car or taxi along the main roads connecting the city to the terminal — usually a journey of just a few minutes.

What can you see in Loiu in a single day? Start at the main square with the town hall, the frontón and the church of San Pedro, then head out to the hermitage of San Miguel and one of the surviving water mills.

Are there walking or cycling routes in Loiu? Yes, the rural lanes linking farmhouses and valleys around the municipality are well suited to walking and cycling, offering a quick escape into nature right at the edge of Bilbao.

What are Loiu's main festivals? The key dates are the Fiestas de San Pedro on June 29 and the autumn Gastronomy and Craftwork Fair on the third Sunday of October.