In the town of Getxo, located a 30-minute metro ride away from the centre of Bilbao, there is a fishing district called Puerto Viejo, also known as the Old Port of Algorta. This picturesque coastal spot should be on everyone’s itinerary when visiting Biscay! Make no mistake, Puerto Viejo will win you over with its small white houses and cosy alleyway with still operating traditional bars and restaurants that serve fresh seafood dishes.

The stroll along the streets of the Old Port of Algorta, which smells like fish and sea, feels like a trip back in time. The former fishing village, now a popular holiday spot for locals and tourists, remembers local traditions and fascinating events of Getxo’s history.

The establishment of Puerto Viejo began in the 12-13th centuries. The tiny enclave, devoid of trade and economic privileges of its neighbouring towns, managed to achieve a steady and successful position on the local market. Residents were a contributing factor to its success. Experienced fishermen and marine pilots were catching a lot of fresh seafood and helping maritime vessels pass through the treacherous sand beaches of Abra Bay. In time, a Coast Guard Station was created in Puerto Viejo and it operates to this day.

With the development of the fishing industry in the enclave, an authority, intended to regulate its work, was established and named St. Nicholas Seafarers Brotherhood. The first meetings of this union had taken place in the local Chapel of San Nicholas, until, in the 18th century, they built the Etxetxu House specifically for their meetings. Since then, it has become one of the main attractions of Puerto Viejo and the centre of its social life. At some point, this building even houses the Getxo’s Town Hall.

The Square of Arrantzale (Plaza del Arrantzale) is a perfect place to escape the heat of the day in the shade of trees surrounded by typical fishermen houses of the Old Port of Algorta, snack on small pincho sandwiches and drink refreshing beer or tight red wine.

A few metres away from the Square of Arrantzale (Plaza del Arrantzale), there are two notable and respected sculptures, Arrantzale y Sardinera, that depict a sailor and a marine pilot.