The route of the beaches of the Basque Country
Orio
Start your itinerary in this town, renowned for its recipe for grilled red sea bream, which is celebrated for three days during the Fiesta del Besugo, around mid-July. Church of San Nicolás de Bari – At the edge of the medieval quarter or Goiko Kale. This church, rebuilt during the Renaissance, still retains the appearance of a fortress, reminiscent of the time when it served as a watchtower. The main street, calle Mayor (kalea Nagusia), which runs along it, is lined with old houses from the 15th, 16th or 17th centuries, often emblazoned.
Zarauz/Zarautz
Continue your visit with a 3.5 km walk along the coast to reach Guetaría where the rock rises (el Ratón, “the mouse”, or San Antón Island). On the weekend, have an aperitif in Zarauz before joining Guetaría on foot for lunch. This road is dotted with old whale watching points. This seaside resort, famous since Queen Isabella II made it her holiday resort in the 19th century, is laid out in a pleasant location where the hills adjoin a huge beach popular with surfers, the first where you can surf in Spain. .
The small, pedestrianized center is pleasant. The colorful facades of Plaza Musika surround a pretty oval kiosk with a wooden frame. In Calle Mayor (Nagusia), the Luzea tower, fitted with elegant windows, now houses a bank. The covered market (Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) is opposite it and brings life to the town. The town has also preserved a palace which overlooks the beach, belonging to the Marquis de Narros (16C), with corners embellished with watchtowers. Next to it, away from the Church of Sta María, stands the bell tower.
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Guetaria/Getaria
Don’t miss this pretty little fishing port, 1 star in the Basque Country Green Guide, renowned for its chipirones (squid) and grilled fish. The pedestrian streets are narrow and cobbled. One of them leads to the Church of San Salvador (14th-15th c.), the singularity of which is the slope which rises towards the choir. Calle Mayor (Nagusia) passes under it, from where you can see the crypt through a window that houses the chapel. Inside, a beautiful gallery in the Flamboyant style.
Archaeological excavations, visible from Calle Mayor, show remains from Roman times and the 14C. (old tour). Guetaría also reserves beautiful walks between the vineyards for lovers of green spaces during which you will have the opportunity to taste Txakoli, the famous local white wine. At the exit of Guetaría, in the direction of Zumaya, take the first road on the left until Azkizu. This district of Guetaría, surrounded by vineyards, which can be reached on foot by the Camino de Santiago from the center, dominates the village and the ocean. The pediment and the small church of San Martin de Azkizu with a single nave as well as the old beguinage (white facade with green shutters) give the site a certain charm.
Zumaya/Zumaia
Easily accessible from Hendaye by train (1 hour), Zumaya has two beaches. The first, Itzuruna, is enclosed in a superb site surrounded by cliffs, with their characteristic geological strata of this portion of the coast. It is accessed from the church of San Pedro (15C), with its impressive single nave (large altarpiece by Juan de Anchieta, 16C), via a passage bordered by very high walls. The best view of its folded cliffs is from the San Telmo sanctuary (from San Pedro, via San Telmo street, take the 2nd left and follow it to the end).
The second beach, Santiago, is at the entrance to the town. The painter Ignacio Zuloaga (1870-1945) lived near it. Go to the Ignacio Zuloaga cultural space to discover the artist’s studio converted into a museum. His works, in fiery colors and vigorous lines, illustrating realistic and popular themes, are exhibited there, as well as his personal collection (paintings by Goya and sculptures by Rodin, among others) and works by contemporary artists.
Azpeitia
Finally, turn inland to spend the night in Azpeitia.
find in the MICHELIN Green Guide Basque Countryall the advice and ideas for a successful holiday: