Bermeo is home to around 17,000 residents, most of whom identify as Basque and speak Euskara, the region’s native language, alongside Spanish. The town has a strong sense of community, with many families tracing their roots back to the region’s fishing traditions. In recent years, Bermeo has experienced moderate growth due to an increase in tourism and the town’s proximity to Bilbao, which has spurred some population growth and diversification.
While the population is primarily Basque, Bermeo is becoming more diverse as it attracts more international visitors and residents. The town’s demographic mix includes a growing number of retirees, as well as younger professionals who are drawn to the area’s quality of life and natural beauty.