The Tide Gauge, located at the end of the Quay, was built in Paris and placed by the Port Works Board in 1883. Map It is a nautical instrument that measures the depth of the channel. It records the rise and fall of water level with the tides. This information, of utmost importance, made it easier for ships to transit the estuary. Today it is a testimonial element that opens the way to the Iron Dock.

Translated by

•

Josu Madariaga

March 11, 2026

Hiking

Located at the beginning of the Iron Pier in Portugalete, there is a device that, due to its shape, resembles a broken antique clock with only one hand. But it is actually a tide gauge, a device for measuring the height of the tides.

It allows us to know the distance from the water's surface to the bottom and whether it is sufficient for a ship to navigate. This instrument was fundamental for navigation in the Bilbao estuary and for the development of industry and commerce in the province.

Translated by

•

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Nearby routes

Best routes near Mareometer of Portugalete

4.6

(5)

hikers

1. Puerto Viejo de Algorta – Punta Galea Cliffs loop from Portugalete

19.2km

05:13

270m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

5.0

(2)

hikers

2. Mount Serantes and Fort – Santurtzi Fishing Port loop from Sestao

16.4km

04:53

460m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

5.0

(3)

hikers

3. Santurtzi Fishing Port – La Arena Beach loop from Peñota

24.4km

06:38

350m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 80 m

Weather

Friday 20 March

20°C

9°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: Portugalete, Gran Bilbao, Biscay, Basque Country, Spain

Other Popular Places to Check Out

View from Mirador de San Juan (Monte Serantes)

Sasiburu Summit

Kiosko de la Música de Portugalete

Puente de la Vía Verde de Barakaldo

La Arena Beach

View of Bilbao from Arraiz Viewpoint

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Nervión River

Arriluce Lighthouse

Monte Serantes

Punta Lucero Coastal Battery and Viewpoint

Bicycle Highway Near Bilbao

Mirador del Abra

Mareometer of Portugalete

1. Puerto Viejo de Algorta – Punta Galea Cliffs loop from Portugalete

2. Mount Serantes and Fort – Santurtzi Fishing Port loop from Sestao

3. Santurtzi Fishing Port – La Arena Beach loop from Peñota

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️