A coastal town in Biscay located on the left bank of the Nervión River. Included in the Greater Bilbao region, it is 13 kilometers from the capital. Its surface area is 2.3 square kilometers, of which 0.5 square kilometers belong to the estuary.
The town was founded in 1322 by Doña María Díaz de Haro and the charter of the foundation was lost years later, being ratified by Queen Isabella the Catholic in 1432.
Its economic development was notable in the 14th and 15th centuries, but declined from the 16th century onwards, when Bilbao monopolized the estuary. In the 19th century, it gained significant importance thanks to its coastal location, its spa town, and its beach, as it was a summer resort for the Bilbao and English bourgeoisie, visited by the nobility and royalty. The town's development was boosted by the construction of the Hanging Bridge, the Iron Pier, and the arrival of the railway.
Today it remains a nerve center, a commercial and recreational hub.
The patron saint festivities are held in honor of San Roque, from August 14 to 17, with the Virgen de la Guía being celebrated on July 1.
Click for more information about its history.
Click to see or listen to microvideo about medieval Portugalete (1:28´).
Click to watch the presentation video of Turismo Portugalete .
----
Click for information on WHERE TO EAT .
Click for information on WHERE TO SLEEP.