Matxitxako Lighthouse (Faro de Matxitxako)
Perched on the most northerly cape of the Basque coastline, the white-and-red striped Faro de Matxitxako stands 60 metres above a sea that turns violent and luminous in equal measure. The drive out along the BI-2235 is itself a highlight, threading through eucalyptus forest before the land falls away to open Atlantic.
The View from the Cape
On a clear day the panorama stretches from the cliffs of Cabo Ogoño to the east all the way to the Cantabrian mountains to the west, with nothing between you and the horizon but deep blue water.
In winter, storm swells from the Bay of Biscay crash against the base of the cliff in explosions of white spray that can reach the lighthouse fence — a spectacular, humbling sight that draws Basque photographers from across the region.
Whale & Dolphin Watching
The deep submarine canyon that runs close to this cape funnels migrating cetaceans near the coast. Common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and even fin whales have been spotted from the headland, particularly in autumn and early winter.
Bring binoculars and scan the surface patiently — local birdwatchers also use the cape as a seabird migration watchpoint in October and November, when gannets, shearwaters and skuas pass in their thousands.
Combining with a Coastal Walk
A signed footpath (GR-38) links the lighthouse headland back toward Bermeo along the clifftop, passing through gorse-covered hillside with continuous sea views — the 7 km one-way walk takes about 2 hours.
The lighthouse itself is not open to visitors inside, but the surrounding grounds and the dramatic cliff-edge viewpoint are freely accessible at all times.
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