Sarrikoko parkea

Sarrikoko parkea (Parque de Sarriko) is a municipal park in the Deusto district of Bilbao, a favorite among locals for walking, sport, and family time outdoors.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The park sits along Etxezuri Bidea in Deusto, just a short stretch from the banks of the Nervión river. The easiest way in is by metro: Line 1 stops at Deusto station, a few minutes' walk from the park entrance. Worth knowing — the nearby Sarriko metro station (served by Lines 1 and 2) actually takes its name from this park, even though it sits a bit further away, closer to the university campus. From central Bilbao, expect a 10–15 minute ride. Close by you'll also find Unibertsitate parkea, the park attached to the Faculty of Economics and Business, while San Mamés stadium lies roughly 1.25 km to the southeast.

What can you see inside the park?

The Larrako Tower and remnants of a former estate

The land now occupied by the park once belonged to the Counts of Zubiría, who held it from the early 20th century. After the family left in the 1950s, Bilbao's city council bought the estate in 1960, using part of the plot to build the Faculty of Economics and Business and turning the rest into a public park. Several traces of the old residence survive today: fragments of the palace, a gatehouse, and a decorative arch bearing a heraldic shield. In 1962 a reconstructed version of the Larrako Tower was also moved onto the grounds — its original foundations may date back as far as the 16th century, making it one of the park's more distinctive architectural features.

A botanical garden and varied greenery

The park covers roughly 31,920 m² of green space, complemented by 6,500 m² of paths and paved areas. A small botanical garden holds a surprisingly varied tree collection: Canary palms, eucalyptus, white poplars, Atlas cedars, black pines, sequoias, oaks, magnolias, Japanese cherry trees, lindens, ash trees, and Chinese soapberry trees all grow within the grounds, giving the park a different character depending on the season.

What is there to do for families and sport?

Sarrikoko parkea ranks among Bilbao's more sport-oriented parks. It's home to the city's first municipal parkour zone — also the largest in all of Biscay. On top of that, visitors will find a Cross Zone for outdoor training, outdoor gym equipment, naturalized play areas with rope nets strung between trees, and two separate children's play zones. Dog owners get their own agility circuit. In summer, as part of Bilbao's "urban beaches" program, the park switches on showers and water features to help visitors cool off during hot spells. The park recently underwent a renovation, completed in four months at a cost of around €300,000.

When is the best time to visit?

The park is open year-round, though it looks its best in spring and autumn, when the botanical garden's varied trees shift color. Summer draws families thanks to the water features, and on weekends the park often becomes a community gathering spot, hosting sport and recreational activities for different age groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you reach Sarrikoko parkea by metro? The closest stop is Deusto on Line 1 — about a fifteen-minute ride from the city center, followed by a short walk from the platform to the park.

Is there anything for kids at the park? Yes — two dedicated play zones plus naturalized play areas with rope installations hung between trees, and in summer, showers and water features as well.

What's the tower inside the park? It's the reconstructed Larrako Tower, moved onto the grounds in 1962; its original foundations may date to the 16th century.

Is the park good for sport and exercise? Definitely — it has Bilbao's first municipal parkour zone (the largest in Biscay), a Cross Zone training area, and outdoor gym equipment.