Bermeo
—  City  —
The old port of Bermeo
Location of Bermeo in Biscay
Bermeo Location of Bermeo within the Basque Country
Bermeo Location of Bermeo within Spain
Coordinates: 43°25′22″N 2°43′32″W / 43.42278°N 2.72556°W / 43.42278; -2.72556
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Basque Country
Province	Biscay
Comarca	Busturialdea
Founded	1236
Government
• Mayor	Idurre Bideguren Gabantxo (Bildu)
Area
• Total	34.12 km2 (13.17 sq mi)
Elevation(AMSL)	11 m (36 ft)
Population (2010)
• Total	17.078
• Density	0.5/km2 (1.3/sq mi)
Demonym	bermeotar
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code	48370
Area code(s)	+34 (Spain)
Official language(s)	Basque, Spanish
Website	Official website

Bermeo is a town and municipality in the sub-region of Busturialdea. It is in the wider province of Biscay, part of the autonomous region of the Basque Country, in Northern Spain. Bermeo has 17,078 inhabitants and is the most important fishing port of the Basque Country. The town was founded in 1236 and has the highest population of Busturialdea's towns. Bermeo held the title of "Provincial Capital" between 1476 and 1602.

The town has a long maritime tradition and its economy is based on the fishing industry.

Bermeo tourist attractions include the tiny island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the Ercilla tower (a fishing museum), the Saint Juan gate and the port itself.

Bermeo is linked by the EuskoTren (train service) and Bizkaibus (bus service) to Bilbao.

Neighbourhoods [link]

Bermeo's neighbourhoods are:

• Arana
• Artike
• Agirre
• San Andres
• Almike
• Arronategi
• San Migel
• Demiku
• Mañu
• San Pelaio

The neighbouring regions [link]

• The Bay of Biscay in the north.
• Bakio in the west.
• Mundaka in the east.
• Mungia and Meñaka in the south-east.
• Busturia and Arrieta in the south.

North-west: Bay of Biscay	North: Bay of Biscay	North-east: Bay of Biscay
West: Bakio		East: Mundaka
South-west Mungia and Meñaka	South: Busturia and Arrieta	South-east: Busturia

Climate [link]

Bermeo enjoys a coastal ocean climate with heavy rain in Spring and late Autumn. The average annual minimum temperature is around 48°F (9°C) and the maximum around 68°F (20°C). However, the record maximum temperatures was 113°F (45°C) and the record minimum was 16°F (-9°C).

Average climatic parameters of Bermeo
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average maximum temperature (°F)	55.4	59	60.8	62.6	68	74	77	79	75.2	68	60.8	57.2	66.2
Average minimum temperature (°F)	41	41	42.8	44.6	50	55.4	59	59	55.4	50	44.6	42.8	48.2
Precipitations (mm)	126	97	94	124	90	64	62	82	74	121	141	116	1195
Fuente: AEM[1]

History [link]

Ercilla´s tower

The ancient history of Bermeo is recounted in "Ezkerra" by Don lñigo López and his wife Mrs Toda, of the estate in San Juan of Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo to the monastery of San Juan of the Crag the year 1051. Years later, in 1082, goes back to quote the name of Bermeo in the donation that did Don Lope lñiguez, second Gentleman, and his wife Doña Tecla, to the Monastery of Saint Millán of the Cogolla, of the Church of "Sancti Michaelis Arcangeli in Portu of Vermelio". These documents speak of the antiquity of Bermeo, although it rotted to trace back to periods very previous. Then some legends situate the foundation of the ancient port of the Amanos in Túbal, downward of Noe, 150 years after the deluge, or for the Romans to the 1st century B. C. Under the government of the emperor Flavio Vespasiano.

Santa Eufemia church

Don Lope Díaz II of Haro, Gentleman of Biscay, gave him jurisdiction of Logroño and title of Town and although the document had date, definitely was issued the year 1236. The King Don Alfonso X The Wise confirmed this privilege the 12th of August 1277, finding in the ring of the castle of Unzueta of the Valley of Orozco.

Later, on 18 March 1285, the eighth Gentleman, Don Lope Díaz of Haro, expanded and improved his terms, and the same did the Gentleman Don Tello, for privilege issued on 25 April 1366.

Several Gentlemen of Biscay and at the same time kings Spaniard confirmed the Jurisdictions and Privileges of the Town in the Church of Saint Eufemia. Between them, Fernando the Catholic, who confirmed the town as a "Capital of Biscay" on 31 of July in the year 1476, title which Bermeo did time employed and that it was him snatched in 1602 after hard and long suit interposed by the national heroes that governed Bilbao and other institutions of the Domain, that do not go to resign to the fact that, Bermeo followed having such distinction.

Nevertheless, the primacy that came keeping Bermeo in regard to the other Towns and small locations translates in the fact that in the General Boards had the first vote and seat, and when spoke his attorneys were used to discover his heads the others that found in the Board. At present, the head of elderly than figure how one of the arms of his shield heraldry, demonstrate and perpetuates in all fairness the snatched title.

The importance that had Bermeo can deduce because of the numerous privileges and exemptions that achieved of the Gentlemen and of the Kings. Unfortunally the diverse fires that suffered the Town destroyed all these documents, although his enumeration and his dates of obtened are well known. This shows the prestige that the Town kept and the favour which all the time had.

The fights of the biscain fighters disturbed the life of Bermeo during the 15th century and with the fires its suffered in previous centuries (specifically in the years 1297, 1347,1360, 1422) ruined Bermeo and its population diminished continuously.

On the other hand, the foundation of the Town of Bilbao in 1300 contributed notably to the decadence of Bermeo.

At a later date, new fires, one of them the one of the year 1504, affecting to all the Town, dealted a harsh blow to Bermeo, putting at risk even his own survival.

Bermeo`s marina

Population [link]

The Izaro isle and Ogoño cape

Because of the immigration come with the industrialisation of the decade of 1960 the population grew of an important way.

In the decade of 1990 and until the year 2000 the population has diminished, but since this same year, the immigration has gone back to appear in the town and the population, in spite of small variations, tends on the rise.

Economy [link]

Bermeo`s commercial port

The economy of Bermeo has based mostly in the fishing activity. The port has been the main source of revenue of the town. Bermeo possesses an important fleet of deep-seas and the fleet of inshore fishing more important of Euskadi. The confrerie of fishermen "San Pedro" is one of the most important of Biscay, having big activity and entry of fish.

Besides, they exist several companies devoted to the preserves of fish, such as Zallo, Serrats, and Salica. But the industry does not base only in the preserves of fish, exist several companies like Wärtsilä Ibérica where diesel engines and generators are built.

In the port, exists a commercial port zone which receive diverse raw material around the year. We find in the same dock undertaken consignment of fuselages and big warehouses.

There are also different companies tied to the timber industry. On the other hand, the centre of innovation "DenokInn" is allocated to the study of new labour alternatives and creation of employment.

Another relevant company is the platform of gas "La Gaviota", which treats the gas from the maritime platform call in the same way.

Transportations [link]

The Port

Bermeo is joined to Mungia (18 km) across the road BI-631 and to Gernika-Lumo (14 km) across the road BI-2235. Also it possesses the road BI-3101 that joins the town with Bakio (12 km). The capital, Bilbao (33 km), is connected with the town through the roads BI-631, as well as BI-2235.

Bermeo possesses besides different services of bus, train, taxi and urban bus.

Bizkaibus (Bus Service) [link]

Bizkaibus offers different lines of bus that connect the town with different destinations:

• 3515 Bermeo - Gernika - Amorebieta - Bilbao (Monday to Friday at 6:30 to 22:00 each half hour / Saturdays, Sundays and festive of 6:30 to 22:30 each hour)

• 3527 Bermeo - Mungia - Bilbao (Monday to Friday at 6:50 to 21:50 each hour / Saturdays, Sundays and festive of 9:50 to 20:50 each two hours)

• 3528 Bermeo - Mungia - Derio - UPV/EHU (University of the Basque Country) (Monday to Friday at 6:40, 7:40, 8:40, 9:40, 13:40 / Weekends and festive there is not service)

• 3524 Bermeo - Bakio (Monday to Friday at 7:15 to 19:15 each two hours / Weekends and festive there is not service)

"Itzulera" sculpture

Euskotren (Train Service) [link]

Euskotren offers different lines of railway that join the town directly with Bilbao and the towns that remain to his step; and by means of transfer the east towns of Biscay and Gipuzkoa.

• Bermeo - Bilbao (Monday to Friday at 6:18 to 20:48 each half hour and to the 21:35 and 22:35 / Saturdays, Sundays and festive at 7:43 to 21:43 each hour)

• Bermeo - Gernika - Amorebieta (Saturdays nocturnal service at 23:39, 1:18, 3:18, 5:18)

• Bermeo - Gernika (Saturdays nocturnal service at 22:43,7:43)

Taxi [link]

There is a taxi station in the park called Lamera, where different taxis are available. The taxi station has a telephone.

Bermibusa (Urban Bus) [link]

Urban bus that joins different points of the town during the morning and the afternoon. (Monday to Friday)

Tourism [link]

Interesting Places

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

• San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

On the road to Bakio we can find the lighthouse of Matxitxako, in the cape which has the same name. Further on, we can find the isle called Akatz, next to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a peninsula linked by a bridge. In the 14th century there was a castle on the top of the isle. Nowadays, there is the hermitage of Saint Juan.

On the 24 June, people use to celebrate a procession to the hermitage from Bermeo. A lot of people from different places use to come to participate in that procession. On 29 August, there is a mass to celebrate the day of Saint Juan. Finally, on 31 December, there used to be another mass to say goodbye the year.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is the most attractive tourists place in the Basque Country and thousands of visitors visit it every year.

The isle and its environment are considered protected area.

Akatz Isle

• The Akatz Isle

This isle is situated next to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Its a small isle with a few vegetation and an important population of birds.

• Matxitxako Cape

In this cape, there is the lighthouse called Matxitxako. There is the old lighthouse too, which is out of order and the new one is which is operating. This place offers good sights of the coast and cetaceans can be looked from there.

• The Izaro isle

This isle is located in front of the Urdaibai's Reserve. On the top of the isle there was an hermitage until the 13th century. Then, the Magdalena's hermitage was built. Nowadays, its a protected reserve included in the Urdaibai's Reserve where a lot of birds nest.

Izaro Isle

• The Old Town

In the old town there are a lot of houses painted with different colours and narrow streets with some squares too.

• Aritzatxu Beach

Aritzatxu its a small beach which is an attractive place to sunbathe and swim in its clear water during the summer. It has different services like rescue team, a beach's police, toilets WC and a bar.

Interesting buildings [link]

Ercilla Tower

• Ercilla Tower (Fisherman's museum)

It was one of the 30 towers that defended Bermeo in the Half Age and the only tower that remains in foot. It is situated strategically on the old port and was built to ends of the XV. century. It is a house-tower, the home of the Ercilla's family. Some of them were famous, for example Fortún García of Ercilla and Alonso Ercilla and Zúñiga, author of The Araucana. During centuries the tower was used for different activities, forgetting his committed military; it served like house of fishermen and warehouses of fish. In 1948 was reformed the facade, finding Gothic arches and appointed it like the Fisherman's Museum. In 1984 and 1985 more reforms were done.

Kikunbera house

• The Casine (The club)

It was built by Severino Atxukarro in 1894 and it fell in 1983 to consequence of some floods. It was built again and its considered inside the eclepticisme. It finds in the Lamera Park. The different zones of the building are used for diverse activities, on the one hand finds the room of exhibitions and conferences "Nestor Basterretxea" and by another there is a restaurant that receives the central space of the building. In the other side there is an Irish pub and a café.

• Town Hall

It is situated in the square Sabino Arana Goiri and it was built in 1732. In his facade can observe two solar clocks and is also considered Artistic Historical Monument.

• Kikunbera house

It can be classed inside the "Basque Rationalism". It is a building whose structure remembers us a ship and its Artistic Historical Monument since 1995.

• Batzoki

Its a modernist building which was built by Pedro Ispizua.

Photo Gallery [link]

• 

  Old port

• 

  Old port

• 

  Bermeo's marina

• 

  Commercial port

• 

  San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

• 

  The stairs of San Juan

• 

  Akatz isle

• 

  Izaro isle

• 

  The monument dedicated to the sailors of the battle of Machichaco

• 

  "Olatu" sculpture

• 

  Xixili

• 

  "Badatoz" sculpture (They come back)

• 

  Santa Eufemia church

• 

  Santa María church

• 

  "Aita Guria" whaleboat

• 

  Ercilla's tower

• 

  Bermeo's town hall

• 

  The entry to Bermeo's hospital

• 

  Wall of San Juan

• 

  Commercial Port

• 

  Aritzatxu Beach

References [link]

External links [link]

• BERMEO in the Bernardo Estornés Lasa - Auñamendi Encyclopedia (Euskomedia Fundazioa) (Spanish)
• Town council (Basque)
• Tourist information (Spanish)
• Fishermen Museum (Spanish)

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Bermeo

v t e Municipalities in Biscay 100,000+ Bilbao Barakaldo 50,000+ Getxo Portugalete 10,000+ Amorebieta-Etxano Arrigorriaga Basauri Bermeo Durango Erandio Ermua Galdakao Gernika-Lumo Leioa Mungia Santurtzi Sestao Sopelana Valle de Trápaga-Trapagaran 5,000+ Abanto y Ciérbana-Abanto Zierbena Abadiño Balmaseda Berango Elorrio Etxebarri Güeñes Lekeitio Muskiz Ondarroa Ortuella Zalla under 5,000 Ajangiz Alonsotegi Amoroto Arakaldo Arantzazu Artzentales Areatza Arrankudiaga Arratzu Arrieta Artea Atxondo Aulesti Bakio Barrika Bedia Berriatua Berriz Busturia Derio Dima Ea Elantxobe Ereño Errigoiti Etxebarria Forua Fruiz Galdames Gamiz-Fika Garai Gatika Gautegiz Arteaga Gizaburuaga Gordexola Gorliz Ibarrangelu Igorre Ispaster Iurreta Izurtza Karrantza Kortezubi Lanestosa Larrabetzu Laukiz Lemoa Lemoiz Lezama Loiu Mallabia Mañaria Markina-Xemein Maruri-Jatabe Mendata Mendexa Meñaka Morga Mundaka Munitibar-Arbatzegi Gerrikaitz Murueta Muxika Nabarniz Orduña-Urduña Orozko Otxandio Plentzia Sondika Sopuerta Sukarrieta Trucios-Turtzioz Ubide Ugao-Miraballes Urduliz Zaldibar Zamudio Zaratamo Zeanuri Zeberio Zierbena Ziortza-Bolibar

Coordinates: 43°25.22′N 2°43.32′W / 43.42033°N 2.722°W / 43.42033; -2.722