If you’re looking for amusement parks in Bilbao, it’s important to know that the city currently doesn’t have one. However, Bilbao once had an iconic park that shaped generations, and today there are nearby and exciting alternatives for enjoying a fun-filled day.
Vizcaya Amusement Park
In the 1970s, the Provincial Council of Vizcaya promoted the creation of the Vizcaya Amusement Park, also popularly known as Artxanda Amusement Park. Located a few kilometers from the center of Bilbao, this park was created with the intention of offering a modern and natural recreational space for all ages.
The initiative was a resounding success, attracting a large audience. In 1975, it received 447,000 visitors, establishing itself as the main leisure destination in Vizcaya during its early years. It featured a wide range of attractions for children, such as carousels, mini-bikes, and Ford Model T cars, and also for adults, including a roller coaster, go-karts, a ghost train, and the fun Crazy Worm.
The park was well-equipped with parking, cafes, restaurants, and candy stands, becoming a popular destination not only for the people of Vizcaya but also for visitors from neighboring provinces.
Over the years, the park expanded, opening a popular mini-zoo in 1975 and a swimming pool in 1978, long considered the best in Vizcaya. Although at least one new attraction opened each year, the industrial crisis that affected Vizcaya between 1982 and 1984 prevented its modernization and relaunch. Finally, its remoteness from the center of Bilbao and the decline in visitors led to the announcement of its closure in 1990.
Despite its closure, the memory of the Vizcaya Amusement Park lives on in the minds of many, and there is currently a project to modernize its facilities and reopen it, which would undoubtedly be great news for the city.
Alternatives for enjoying the fun in the Basque Country and Bizkaia
Although Bilbao doesn’t currently have its own amusement park, don’t worry, there are fantastic options nearby for a day of family fun!
Monte Igueldo Amusement Park (Donostia – San Sebastián)
Less than an hour’s drive from Bilbao, in the beautiful city of Donostia, is the Monte Igueldo Amusement Park. Igueldo. This park is a true gem, with a history dating back to 1912, combining classic attractions with more modern ones.
The most special thing about this park is its location at the top of Mount Igueldo, which is accessed via a picturesque funicular. From there, the views of La Concha Bay are simply spectacular. Inside the park, be sure to visit El Torreón, an old wood-burning lighthouse that houses an exhibition on local customs and ways of life. They also offer birthday celebrations and group tours.
Barracas at the Patron Saint Festivals of Bizkaia
If you visit Bizkaia in spring or summer, you’re in luck! Most of the towns in Greater Bilbao celebrate their patron saint festivals, and with them come the popular barracas. These temporary fairgrounds feature a wide variety of attractions for all ages, from the most exciting to the most traditional. An important fact is that the fairgrounds in Bizkaia are known for being some of the safest in Spain. It’s an excellent option to enjoy the adrenaline rush and the local festive atmosphere.
Christmas Parks in Bizkaia
During the Christmas season, Bizkaia is filled with magic with the organization of Christmas playgrounds in many of its municipalities. These spaces offer fairground attractions and special activities for the little ones. Among the more than
