GR 123: Tour of Biscay

The starting point of the Monte Serantes from Neguri tour is accessible by public transport, making it convenient to reach without a car. Specific parking information is not detailed, but public transport is a viable option.

This hike is categorized as moderate, meaning a good level of fitness is required. While many paths are accessible, some sections demand sure-footedness due to varied terrain and potentially steep or slippery parts.

The route features varied terrain, including approximately 5.03 km of sidewalk, 3.58 km of path, 3.39 km of hiking trail, and 2.15 km of road. You can expect about 7.75 km of paved ground, 3.13 km of unpaved sections, and 2.71 km of asphalt. Some parts can be steep, and care should be taken on dusty downhill sections.

The hike offers fantastic views, especially from the summit of Monte Serantes. You'll see the Spanish countryside on one side and the bustling port of Bilbao and the Atlantic coast on the other. From the View from Mirador de San Juan (Monte Serantes), you get a 360-degree panoramic view of the Great Bilbao and the El Abra Bay.

Yes, the trail offers several notable features. You can visit the ruins of the Serantes Fort and the restored Serantes Tower, built in 1881, which offers excellent views and is open to visitors on weekends. You may also see the Vizcaya Bridge (Puente de Vizcaya), a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The trail research does not explicitly state rules regarding dogs. However, as a natural trail with varied terrain, it is generally suitable for well-behaved dogs on a leash, but always check local regulations before you go.

The trail can be enjoyed during various seasons, but it's always wise to check the weather forecast. There's a local saying: 'if Monte Serantes has a txapela (fog covering its summit), it's a sign of rain,' so be prepared for changing conditions.

There is no information indicating that permits or entrance fees are required to hike this trail or access the Monte Serantes area.

The total length of a route to Serantes can be around 10 kilometers, taking approximately 4 hours. This duration includes time for breaks and photos, but the specific route described here is longer at nearly 16 km, so expect a longer duration, around 4 hours and 40 minutes of moving time according to tour data.

Yes, this route intersects with several other paths. Notably, it covers a significant portion of the 'Bizkaiko bira' trail (94%) and also passes through sections of '[CIMA BI09] Serantes' (41%) and 'Areetako kaia' (18%).

Yes, an interesting aspect of this round trip via the Nervión river is that it may require a ferry crossing as part of the route.