Santurtziko parkea

Santurtziko parkea is a waterfront town park in Santurtzi, a small fishing port in Biscay, in Spain's Basque Country. It sits right along the Nervión estuary, next to the fishing harbor, the town hall, and the Church of San Jorge, making it the natural heart of the town.

What is there to see in the park?

The park was laid out in 1918 and has been the main green space in Santurtzi ever since. Its most distinctive feature is a collection of trees rarely found in this part of Spain: a giant sequoia and Himalayan cedars grow here alongside shrubs brought from Japan and palms originating from the Americas and Africa. Walking its paths feels noticeably different from a typical Basque town square, and that mix of species is often what catches visitors off guard.

At the center of the park stands a bandstand-style kiosk built in 1917, a year before the park itself officially opened. Its walls are covered in colorful mosaic tiles depicting the municipalities that line the estuary, along with scenes of sardine fishing — the trade that shaped Santurtzi's identity as a fishing town for generations. The kiosk remains one of the most photographed spots in the park.

Why is it worth a visit?

Because the park sits directly on the water, it offers open views of the estuary and the daily comings and goings of the fishing port. Locals use it for quiet walks, for sitting on a bench facing the harbor, or simply for watching boats return from the day's catch. Its location near the train station also makes it an easy stop for anyone arriving by rail from Bilbao or exploring the Biscay coast.

Santurtziko parkea also functions as the town's main meeting point. Many local events and festivities take place here, which makes it a useful reference spot when planning a visit — it sits within easy walking distance of both the harbor and the town center.

How do you get to the park?

The park lies right in the center of Santurtzi, next to the town hall and the Church of San Jorge, so finding it is straightforward: just head toward the waterfront and the fishing port. Travelers coming from Bilbao can reach it comfortably by train, since the station is only a short walk away.

Frequently asked questions

When was Santurtziko parkea built? The park opened in 1918, while the kiosk at its center is a year older, built in 1917.

What do the mosaics on the kiosk show? The mosaics depict the towns along the Nervión estuary and scenes of sardine fishermen, referencing Santurtzi's fishing history.

What kind of trees grow in the park? The park features species uncommon for the region, including a giant sequoia and Himalayan cedars, along with plants introduced from Japan and palms from the Americas and Africa.

Is the park close to the center of Santurtzi? Yes, it sits directly beside the town hall, the Church of San Jorge, and the fishing harbor, right in the middle of town.

Is the park easy to reach without a car? Yes, it is a short walk from the train station, making it easy to reach by rail, including directly from Bilbao.

What can you do in the park besides walking? Sit on a bench overlooking the estuary and watch ships and fishing boats entering the harbor, and take a look at the historic kiosk at the center of the park.