Bilbao kicks off the HYROX Spain calendar for the second time on February 7-8, 2026 in style. Held at the spacious Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC), this inaugural two-day event showcases elite race production in Spain’s fitness scene alongside the impressive Bizkaia Arena infrastructure. 
With the venue just outside Bilbao proper and convenient metro access, athletes can expect smooth logistics paired with enthusiastic Basque energy. Bilbao delivers a unique blend of industrial modernism and waterfront charm to complement the athletic experience.
Citizens of EU, UK, US, Australia, and many others are visa-exempt in Spain for tourist stays under 90 days. Non-exempt travellers must secure a Schengen visa via their national Spanish consulate.
Finish inside the modern halls of BEC, then step out to stroll curved waterfront promenades or linger over pintxos in the Casco Viejo. Bilbao’s dramatic bridges, riverside parks, and post-race museums offer both movement and cultural restoration. Add in local cider and Basque flavors, and you’ve got race-cation fuelled by energy and heritage.
Bilbao offers fair value for Spain’s northern regions—mid-tier hotels cost around €80–140/night; local pintxos and street snacks run €5–12. Trains and buses to Barakaldo cost €1.50–2 per ride. Many cultural highlights, river walks, and museums are low cost or free.
• Gran Hotel Domine: modern, waterfront, a short metro ride to BEC
• Hotel BEC Barakaldo: event-adjacent lodging for race-day ease
• Mid-tier Bilbao city hotels near Moyúa or Abando for access to city life and 20-minute transit to venue
• Budget B&Bs in Barakaldo and nearby Getxo offer value with local tram access
BEC is serviced by Metro Bilbao’s Line 2 to Ansio Station, plus nearby Bizkaibus lines. On event days, metro frequencies increase to handle higher traffic. A single metro ride from central Bilbao costs about €1.50–2. Tickets can be bought via app or machines. Many athletes combine metro with short taxi or walk to arrival sites.
Capture your finish beneath the towering BEC façade with the distinctive Bizkaia Arena in the background. For iconic Bilbao visuals, head to the curved pedestrian paths of La Salve Bridge, or stroll the Guggenheim waterfront for artistic selfie backdrops.
Bilbao’s February climate is cool, humid, and occasionally drizzly—layering is key. Synthetic or quick-dry apparel helps with dampness. Elite athletes will appreciate indoor warm-up spaces at BEC and early morning dry windows—ideal for light mobility.
Refuel with local pintxos (like croquetas or jamón bites) in Bilbao old town (Casco Viejo). Healthy options include clean bowls at wellness-forward eateries near Abando. Seafood lovers should glide toward Mercado de la Ribera for fresh, macro-friendly fare.
Within Barakaldo and central Bilbao, athletes can drop in at CrossFit Bilbao or strength-focused studios. Some hotels also partner with local Nahe Wellness centers offering short‑term fitness programs. Advanced functional training studios in central Bilbao offer HYROX‑style prep well ahead of race day.
On-site BEC zones support cool-down routines. For deeper recovery, relax at local thermal spa Hidrotermal Barakaldo, or take a stroll in Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park near central Bilbao for muscle relief through walking and stretching.
