GIPUZKOA 2020 _ 2021 TOURIST GUIDE
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GIPUZKOA
T O U R I S T G U I D E
2020 _ 2021
Gastronomy Culture Festival Nature
Active Tourism Family plans Calendar
#GipuzkoaTurismoa
www.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus www.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus
BRIEF DICTIONARY OF THE
GIPUZKOA BASQUE LANGUAGE
TOURIST GUIDE USE EUROPE’S OLDEST LANGUAGE TO ORDER A BEER. Basque is the oldest living language in Europe
2020 / 2021 and one of the few non-Indo-European languages that has not only survived but is actually thriving in
Gipuzkoa today. Join in and learn some expressions. Use the basque language to say hello or order a beer:
“Egunon. Zurito bat, mesedez”. (Good morning. A small glass of beer please).
Published by: Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa.
Department for Economic Development, Tourism and the Rural Environment
ENGLISH ESPAÑOL EUSKERA ENGLISH ESPAÑOL EUSKERA
Direction and production: ACC
GREETINGS SALUDOS AGURRAK Sheet Sábanas Maindireak
Text composition: Alejandro Fernández Aldasoro
Blanket Manta Estalkia
Translations: Bitez / Saretik Hizkuntza Zerbitzuak My name is Miren / Me llamo Miren Ni Miren naiz
Towel Toalla Eskuoihala
I’m Miren
Photographs: The archives of the Countycouncil of Gipuzkoa, Tourist Offices, Breakfast Desayuno Gosaria
Hello! Hi! Hola Kaixo
San Sebastián Turismoa, Basquetour, ACC, Josu Altzelai, Abar Aranburu, David Lunch Almuerzo Bazkaria
Good morning Buenos días Egun on
Argindar, Gema Arrugaeta, Chillida Leku, Fotolia, Gorka Gómez, Istock, Javier Dinner Cena Afaria
Good afternoon/ Buenas tardes Arratsalde on
Larrea, Pello López, Lurrak, Edu Manso, Oscar Oliva, Sagardoetxea, Sara Heating Calefacción Berogailua
evening
Santos, Iñigo Santiago, Stocksy, Oneka Tirado, Thinkstock, Txakel, Mendi Buenas noches Gabon Air conditioning Aire acondicionado Aire girotua
Good night
Urruzuno, Santiago Yániz Adios Agur Price Precio Prezioa
Bye
Hasta mañana Bihar arte Card Tarjeta Txartela
Cover: Tolosa / Back Cover: Zarautz See you tomorrow
Hasta luego Gero arte Dining room Comedor Jangela
Printing: Gertu See you later
Por favor Mesedez Sidrería/Cider bar Sidrería Sagardotegia
Please
D.L.: D-0171-2020 Perdón Barkatu Coffee Café Kafea
Excuse me / sorry
Gracias Eskerrik asko Milk Leche Esnea
1st edition in english: March 2020 Thank you / Thanks
De nada Ez horregatik White coffee Café con leche Kafesnea
Not at all /
You’re welcome Wine Vino Ardoa
Yes Sí Bai Red wine Vino tinto Ardo beltza
No No Ez White wine Vino blanco Ardo zuria
Welcome Bienvenido(s) Ongi etorri Rose wine Vino rosado Ardo gorria
Enjoy your meal Buen provecho On egin Beer Cerveza Garagardoa
Cider Sidra Sagardoa
PLACES LUGARES LEKUAK Txakoli Chacolí Txakolina
Street Calle Kalea Patxaran Pacharán Patxarana
Square Plaza Plaza Water Agua Ura
Tourism office Oficina de turismo Turismo bulegoa Sandwich Bocadillo Ogitartekoa
Town / City Council Ayuntamiento Udaletxea Mixed grill Plato combinado Plater konbinatua
/ Hall Today’s menu Menú del día Eguneko menua
Bank Banco Banketxea Menu Carta Karta
Library Biblioteca Liburutegia Appetizer Aperitivo Janaurrekoa
Church Iglesia Eliza Pintxo (appetizer) Pincho (sobre pan) Pintxoa (ogi gainekoa)
Museum Museo Museoa First course Primer plato Lehen platera
Cinema Cine Zinema Second course Segundo plato Bigarren pletera
Exhibition Exposición Erakusketa Dessert Postre Postrea (azken burua)
Hotel Hotel Hotela Food Comida Janaria
Youth hostel Albergue Aterpetxea Drink Bebida Edaria
Agroturism Agroturismo Landa etxea Sweet Dulce Gozoa
Campsite Camping Kanpina Salty Salado Gazia
Parking Aparcamiento Aparkalekua Tasteless Soso Motela
Bus Stop Parada de autobús Autobus geltokia Bitter Amargo Mikatza
Train station Estación de tren Tren geltokia Tip Propina Eskupekoa
Pub Bar Taberna Waiter Camarero Zerbitzaria
Restaurant Restaurante Jatetxea Cook/Chef Cocinero Sukaldaria
Beach Playa Hondartza Meat Carne Haragia
Basque police Policia Autónoma Ertzaintza Fish Pescado Arraina
Municipal police Policía municipal Udaltzaingoa The bill, please La cuenta por favor Kontua mesedez
Chemist’s Farmacia Botika Cheap Barato Merke
Expensive Caro Garesti
AT THE HOTEL, EN EL HOTEL, HOTELEAN,
PUB OR BAR O TABERNAN, NUMBERS NÚMEROS ZENBAKIAK
RESTAURANT RESTAURANTE JATETXEAN 1 Uno Bat
Good morning, Buenos días, Egun on, 2 Dos Bi
I’d like one room quería una gela bat nahi dut 3 Tres Hiru
Room habitación Gela 4 Cuatro Lau
Double room / Habitación Gela bikoitza 5 Cinco Bost
Twin room Habitación doble 6 Seis Sei
Bed Cama Ohea 7 Siete Zazpi
Toilet Servicio Komuna 8 Ocho Zortzi
Bathroom Baño Bainugela 9 Nueve Bederatzi
Key Llave Giltza 10 Diez Hamar
1 Tourism in Gipuzkoa Sustainable and Responsible GOOD PRACTICE FOR TOURISTS _ Be considerate with the environment and the people around you. _ Support the local economy. _ Recycle, recycle and recycle and do not litter. _ Consume less energy and do not waste water. _ Use public transport. _ Use new technologies. _ Courtesy costs nothing.
A
bove all, the guide that you have before you is an invitation to discovery. An
invitation to enter a unique and special region, where countless attractions
and experiences are concentrated in a small area. Gipuzkoa is sea and
mountains, blue and green, beaches and nature parks. Its beautiful capital, San
Sebastian, a tourist hot spot in Europe since the Belle Époque, is the gateway to
unexplored valleys, breath-taking nature and cultural and architectural heritage of
incalculable value.
Gipuzkoa is a region with a strong personality, proud of its history, its identity, its
language - Basque, one of the oldest in Europe and whose origins remain a mystery.
The birthplace of great navigators, intrepid whalers, traces of its shipbuilding industry
and fishing tradition can be found in towns like Pasaia, Mutriku, Hondarribia, Orio
or Getaria, where Juan Sebastián Elkano was born, the first person to travel around
the world in the 16th century.
It is also home to nature. The magnificence of its Basque Coast Geopark and its
cliffs, one of the planet’s geological treasures, which you can visit on foot or by boat.
The home of nature parks like, Pagoeta, Aralar, Aiako Harria and Aizkorri, where they
hold the best mountain marathon in the world. The caves of Arrikrutz and Ekain,
the sandy beaches of Zarautz and rail trails like Plazaola, which is perfect for riding
a bike. A place closely linked with gastronomy, with exciting tours to discover local
products like cider, txakoli wine and Idiazabal cheese. Traditional markets like they
have in Ordizia and Tolosa. Bars packed full of irresistible pintxos (tapas) and the
highest concentration of top 100 restaurants per inhabitant on the planet. And of
course, we mustn’t forget the incredible shops.
Gipuzkoa is synonymous with culture and history, but also with modernity. Temples
like the ones you find in Zumarraga, Loiola and Arantzazu will invite you to meditate
and relax. The Mirandaola foundry in Legazpi will take you back five centuries to
discover how they used to work with iron. Museums like Chillida Leku, in Hernani
and Balenciaga, or works of art by people like Oteiza will showcase the creativity of
exceptional modern artists. In addition to these attractions there is a calendar of
events, festivals and special activities, unbeatable conditions for doing sport and
active tourism and the attentive and hospitable local people.
In short: an endless world of possibilities and treasures, in a space not much larger
than a big city. Enjoy it!
Imanol Lasa
Deputy of Economic Development,
Tourism and the Rural Environment
Inland Direct to the
heart!
The green horizon p.6
The land of cider p.8
Rural paradise p.10
Ignatian land p.14
Sea ahoy! The coast
Tasty spots p.18
Eastern Coast: Hondarribia - Pasaia Bay p.22
Western Coast: Mutriku - Orio p.24
17 Beaches p.27
Surf p.28
Thalassotherapy p.29
Donostia / San Sebastián
Natural beauty p.30 Natural beauty
Three routes to lose your self p.32 and a touch of
Waves of creativity p.38 sophistication
Festival days p.40
We love it
when a plan
Things to do
turns out well Gastro-plans p.44
Cultural plans p.52
Festival and events plans p.60
Nature and active tourism p.64
Family plans p.76
Shopping plans p.78
5 Plans close to Gipuzkoa p.80
Calendar p.82
Practical info. Don't sleep in
there's
Tourist offices p.84 a lot to see!
Museums and visitors centres p.86
Active tourism companies p.90
Accommodation guide p.94
Transport p.96
Useful phone numbers p.96
Dictionary p.97
4
GIPUZKOA
SMALL THE UNESCO BASQUE
COAST GEOPARK
YET INTENSE GI-638
Mutriku
PROTECTED BIOTOPE Zumaia
Getaria
Deba DEBA-ZUMAIA 63
4
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Barely 2000 square metres, GI- Za
62
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a little more than a city like
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London, manages to hold a
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cosmopolitan capital such
33
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as Donostia, a traditional
GI-
E-7
BIZKAIA
GI-3
A-8
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GI-321
culture and the oldest
GI-
GI-63 Aizarnazabal
32
Mendaro 1
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language in Europe, 86 km
E-70
GI-3293 GI-
37
Zestoa
of versatile coastline and
30
A-8
ba
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De
Ekain
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899 m.
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de Loiola
Intxorta
GI-2
737 m. 639
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Beizama
62
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Motorway
GI-631
GI-2
37
GI-
632
GI-
Toll Motorway
Bergara G
Main road
Urola
39
GI- Izazpe
26
33
Community road 60 972m.
GI-
Antzuola
District road
Zumarraga
E-5
GI-632
Local road Urretxu Ermita de
La Antigua
GI- Ezkio GI-319
2
GI-3551
Church 63
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Itsaso
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Aratz
1445 m.
5
1
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G
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MARISMAS
DE TXINGUDI
Donostia/ Jaizkibel
545 m.
San Sebastián Lezo
San Pedro Donibane A-1
Pasaia GI-2
638 Irun
N-121
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A-8 E-70 45
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34 631
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Zizurkil GI-3282
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NAVARRA
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IN FIGURES
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CLIMATE
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Berastegi
Average temperatures:
37 34
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Summer 18,5º
GI-2
GI-130 GI-3502 Gaztelu
Winter 8,1º
130
GI-3071
ia GI-3072
Or Alegia
Altzo
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Ikaztegieta 1
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GI-407
G
I-3
POPULATION*
60
GI-319 Legorreta GI-3670
2 Orendain
Nº of inhabitants in Gipuzkoa: 717.197 persons.
GI-
1
A-
1
13
213
Density: 362,5 persons/Km2
I-2
3
G
Itsasondo Baliarrain
Ordizia Altzaga GI-371
Locations with the highest population:
GI-3670
5
Beasain Arama
Gaintza
Donostia/San Sebastián 181.652 hab.
71
GI-
33 Amezketa Irun 59.899 hab.
Abaltzisketa
Zaldibia
Errenteria 40.141 hab.
Lazkao GI-2 Eibar 27.246 hab.
81 133
35
GI- Zarautz 23.301 hab.
Olaberria
Txindoki Arrasate / Mondragón 22.058 hab.
1340 m. Ganboa
Idiazab al 1402 m. *Eustat. January 2019
Ataun
ARALAR
Si
er
ra
de DISTANCE FROM SAN SEBASTIAN IN KM.
Aral
GI-2120
ar m
endizer
ra
Aia 30 Leintz-Gatzaga 80
1
Lareo Arrasate 76 Legazpi 62
Astigarraga 6 Mutriku 57
Azpeitia 52 Oiartzun 11
Beasain 41 Oñati 74
Bergara 70 Tolosa 26
Deba 52 Zarautz 21
Eibar 71 Zerain 54
Hondarribia 21 Zestoa 44
Idiazabal 50 Zumaia 35
Irun 18 Zumarraga 56
+ It’s easy to get around Gipuzkoa. Check it out on
www.mugi.eus6
Rural Paradise The land of Cider Ignatian Land
INLAND
The green horizon
Gipuzkoa is a giant maze with fresh grassy walls.
Inland, it is a system of narrow, fertile and sumptuous
valleys that hug the course of the rivers. Something
new emerges round every bend: an old town centre, a
Palaeolithic cave, a chocolate sanctuary, a wooden
chapel that is really a cathedral.
Don’t miss it... or else
MOUNT TXINDOKI (FROM LAZKAO)www.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus INLAND 7
INLAND GIPUZKOA IS, ABOVE ALL, Or with the Palaeolithic paintings of
THE LANDSCAPE OF GIPUZKOA. The the Ekain cave in Deba, and its
complicated relief of narrow and respective replica Ekainberri, which
twisted valleys conditions you can visit in Zestoa. With a game
everything. They give its culture of pelota in Azkoitia, the home of
and inhabitants this wide-ranging the Basque Pelota Centre, or at the
Astelena in Eibar, ‘the cathedral’ of
yet deep nature. It has kept the
pelota.Or among the three jewels in
essence of its ancestral customs
Gipuzkoa’s religious architectural
and its old language, Euskera. The
crown: the Loiola Sanctuary, the
villages and towns have clustered
Hermitage of St Mary the Ancient
around the rivers that cross it as INLAND and the Arantzazu Sanctuary, three
best they can. It has created a
whole host of natural nooks and GIPUZKOA IS temples barely 40km apart. Or at
the chocolate factory in Mendaro,
crannies, incoming and outgoing, DEEP AND REAL. sweetening this land since 1850. Or
singular spots. And, of course, it
has provided an endless
IT IS THE you can find yourself inside a
hundred year old train snaking
demonstration of green horizons. ESSENCE OF through the Urola Valley, or in an
The inland landscape of Gipuzkoa
is penetrating and cheerful, brief
THE PROVINCE. ironworks where they work with iron
like they did in the 16th century. Or
and complex. in the Basque Highlands as we call
Grab a roadmap and look at the main roads, the district of Goierri (that means high altitude
zigzagging across Gipuzkoa. Just like the rivers. Any villages in Basque), in the shadow of the
excursion inland will always run along a valley, spectacular Mount Txindoki, Gipuzkoa’s very own
following the course of a river. It’s best to take your Matterhorn or Aizkorri, the highest summit in the
time, stopping in places as planned or taking Basque Country. Or at a Herri Kirolak, Basque
detours to see what you might find. It’s full of country sports meet or a giants parade in a local
surprises. You might come across the market in the festival. Or at a museum, Or at a cider house. Or in
former capital of Gipuzkoa, Tolosa, offering the a natural park.
best local products every Saturday. Or in nearby It will be a trip featuring very few straight lines,
Ordizia, every Wednesday. You can find yourself in you can be sure of that, but a green and vibrant
a beautiful medieval town centre such as Segura. trip that you’ll never forget.
+ PAGE 84 # TOURIST INFORMATION
Use it to search for the most useful tourist
resources and how to use them.8
THE LAND OF
CIDER
from
Astigarraga
to Andoain top!
and back again
CIDER HOUSE
There’s a small place in
the Gipuzkoa that is
both unique and DONOSTIA / Urumea
special. It may be small SAN SEBASTIÁN A-8
in size but it’s large in A-8 Astigarraga
influence, a place Usurbil OIARTZUN
where everything, A-8 1 Sagardoetxea
3 Museum
absolutely everything,
LASARTE-ORIA 2
is linked to cider. The Hernani
area’s history, culture,
A-1
31
economy, customs and
GI-1
ways of life are all Urnieta
Old town
of
closely connected with Hernani
this product. Welcome Andoain
to Cider Country!
4
Donostia / Leitzaran
San Sebastián Grennway
LAND
OF
CIDER ASTIGARRAGA is the epicentre secrets of the txotx (this is
of the Basque cider-making shouted out when a new
tradition. This is the province barrel is being opened, to
where most of Gipuzkoa’s cider sample the cider). And the
houses are concentrated. So museum itself, where you will
it’s no coincidence that this is be able to see an exhibition of
where you will find the tools, games and photographs
SAGARDOETXEA Cider that will help you to learn
Museum [1], where you can about the rituals and customs
discover and sample all of the surrounding cider.
secrets of the world of cider. In addition to opening
The centre has three different seasonally every January, they
areas: the apple orchard, also hold Sagardo Eguna (Cider
where you can discover all Day) in various towns of the
kinds of apples, observe how Home of Cider such as
they ripen and view collection HERNANI, ASTIGARRAGA AND
methods. The tasting centre, USURBIL.
perfect for discovering the
+ For further information about the
world of cider, see page 48
SAGARDOETXEAwww.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus INLAND 9
Pure Nature
PLAZAOLA / LEITZARAN
GREENWAY [4] The Plazaola
Greenway was originally an 84 km
mine railway that connected
Gipuzkoa to Navarra between
1914 and 1958, when the line
was closed. The part of it that falls
within Gipuzkoa, which is almost
22 kilometres long, runs entirely
through the blind valley of
Leitzaran, passing through a
fantastic forest and a landscape
that, even now, remains unspoilt.
The journey starts in Andoain and
you have to make your way
through an endless series of
HERNANI tunnels and bridges to get to
In no time at all, you find Plazaola, near to the border
yourself in HERNANI [2]. Its between Gipuzkoa and Navarra.
HISTORIC QUARTER, standing Simply spectacular.
on a small hill overlooking the
ZUN River Urumea, still retains a
beautiful arched entrance and
most of the streets and
monuments from the Middle
Ages, in what is one of the
Basque Country’s sites of
historical and artistic interest.
Hernani is an important point
on the Camino de Santiago, as
it passes through the territory
of Gipuzkoa. The Fagollaga
Bridge and Santa Cruz Wayside
Cross are worth visiting, as is
the Santa Bárbara Hermitage,
where you can enjoy a
magnificent view of the valleys
of the rivers Urumea and Oria.
CHILLIDA-LEKU
which houses the works of the
sculptor Eduardo Chillida, is
located in Hernani. Its
reopening will allow us to enjoy
this special, magical place,
where fifty large sculptures are In Hernani, make for the GALARRETA JAI-ALAI SPORTS
displayed in the gardens COURT [3], one of the temples of Basque sports and enjoy
together with other works that one of its most spectacular versions: el remonte. Through the
are housed in the Zabalaga guided visit “Siéntete remontista por un día!” (“Remontista For
farmhouse, which dates back A Day!”) we invite you to get onto the “court” alongside one of
to the 16th century and was our pelota players and experience the speed of the ball and the
restored to house small pieces. sensation of holding the basket in your hand.
+ For more info about Chillida-Leku,
see pages 54-5510
RURAL
PARADISE
The Basque
Highlands
Rural Paradise is at
the heart of the
Gipuzkoa, a large
maze of grasslands
and green hills that is
a haven for the purest
essence of the Basque
culture, its customs
and its ancient SEGURA
language: Basque. In
its narrow and fertile
valleys, there are
countless places that
are unique, all graced
with an authentic
rural feel, where you
can pet sheep,
exchange views with
the local farmers and
get your hands dirty
making bread or
cheese. Immerse
yourself in this small
Green Paradise.
Donostia/
San Sebastián
TOLOSA
RURAL
PARADISEwww.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus INLAND 11
High above narrow
valleys, Rural Pasadise’s
meadows form fertile,
lush waves..
NATURAL AND
CULTURAL
ORDIZIA RESERVE
In Rural Paradise, in
addition to its natural
treasures, many of the
folk and cultural events
that give this people
their identity live on with
greater enthusiasm.12
Further on, the IGARTZA
MONUMENT [5] is
waiting for you in Beasain,
taking you back to the
Middle Ages. You will find
the 13th century Igartza
Palace surrounded by a
mill, an ironworks, a
winery and old dam and
top! TOLOSA
the palace chapel.
Before we reach Tolosa, we can
take a detour and lose ourselves
Following the A-1, you’ll soon on the “MUSKERRAREN
come to TOLOSA [1], where you’ll BIDEA” [2](“the Lizard Trail”) in
find TOPIC, THE INTERNATIONAL Asteasu, the pastoral town where
PUPPET CENTRE, the only the writer Bernardo Atxaga was
complete puppeteering centre in born, where a pleasant
all of Europe. Tolosa was the capital 2-kilometre stroll will allow us to
of Gipuzkoa in the 19th century and discover the fantasy world of
you’ll come across many palaces “Obaba”, his best known work.
and ancestral homes. The church In another rural village, Alkiza, is
of St Mary, next to the river, is the UR MARA MUSEUM [3]
lovely, just like el Tinglado where a where the sculptor KOLDOBIKA
fantastic market is held every JAUREGI has created a unique
Saturday. As well as its busy space to display his works in a
cultural agenda (including its setting that is in perfect harmony Afterwards, you can take
exceptional Carnivals), Tolosa is with nature. a short detour to the west
known for its CULINARY GEMS: towards Ormaiztegi and its
Beans (its leading product), chops Now let’s go deeper into the
Goierri district. If your trip falls on ZUMALAKARREGI MUSEUM
(grills were “invented” here), [6], devoted to the Zumalakarregi
chillies (the “king prawns of Ibarra” a Wednesday, be sure to go to brothers and find out what life
because of their shape) and its the ORDIZIA MARKET [4]
originating back in the 11th-12th was like in Basque Country in the
pastry-making (its “petits fours 19th century.
and sweet pastry cigars” are century, bringing in sellers of
famous). agricultural and livestock And if you continue along the
products from all over the A-1, you’ll find the IDIAZABAL
district. And make the most of CHEESE VISITORS CENTRE [7],
your stop to visit D’ELIKATUZ, where a cheese-tasting beginners’
the Gastronomy and Goierri course will teach you the secrets
district Visitors Centre. of this emblematic product.
In 2015, the European Union gave the region of Goierri the EDEN
award (European Destinations of Excellence) for the ‘Territorio
Idiazabal’ project, a local gastronomy-based tourism product.
top! ORDIZIA MARKET IDIAZABAL CHEESE VISITORS CENTREwww.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus INLAND 13
top!
DONOSTIA /
SAN SEBASTIÁN
LASARTE-ORIA
A-1
ANDOAIN
Asteasu
2
3
a
Ori
IGARTZA PALACE
Alkiza
Tolosa
1
Igartza
Monument
A-1 Mount
GI-632
Txindoki N A V A R R A -
Oria
N A F A R R O A
Zumalakarregi
Museum 4 Ordizia
6 5 Abaltzisketa
Ormaiztegi Beasain
All along the route, you’ll see
Zerain Idiazabal the unmistakable silhouette of
9 10 Txindoki on your left, as a
8 7 Ataun figurehead, symbol and
Segura
entrance to the ARALAR
Aizpea ARALAR
NATURAL PARK NATURAL PARK and opposite
Mines to this, AIZKORRI, the highest
11
summit in the Basque Country,
Zegama A-1 which can be accessed from
ZEGAMA [11], the entrance to
the AIZKORRI-ARATZ
AIZKORRI-ARATZ NATURAL PARK.
NATURAL PARK
We suggest that you delve into
A R A B A - our history. Firstly, in SEGURA
Á L A V A OLD TOWN [8], reminding us
of this town’s absolute control
over the surrounding valleys.
And later, in the remains of the
mining tradition in Zerain, as can
be appreciated in the AIZPEA
MINES [9].
There are many clues to
understand this Rural
Paradise, where man has lived
and worked for millennia,
found in the AITA
BARANDIARAN MUSEUM
[10] in ATAUN.
AIZKORRI14
IGNATIAN
LAND
A journey
back in time
A visit to Ignatian Land is
a journey to the past.
Discover the different
ways in which man over
the course of history has
used the elements of
nature for shelter, LOIOLA SANCTUARY (AZPEITIA)
learning, meditating or
working. It is the story of
Saint Ignatius of Loyola TWO RIVERS,
and of spectacular ONE HISTORY
churches. It is the land of
iron, stone and fire, the
landscape that helped
shape Oteiza and
Chillida, and the setting
for the history of
humanity since
prehistoric times.
Donostia/
San Sebastián
IGNATIAN
LAND URKULU RESERVOIR (ARETXABALETA)
Two rivers and two valleys are the
defining features of the land of St.
Ignatius: Deba to the west and Urola
to the east. Two river basins that have
witnessed the creative talent of
Gipuzkoa for art, work and
spirituality. We recommend a trip
along both, firstly going up the Urola
before returning alongside the Deba.www.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus INLAND 15
UROLA
VALLEY
top!
FROM WATER
FROM ZESTOA TO
FIRE OF LEGAZPI
Prehistory and history,
stone and iron, water
and fire, art and faith.
In this valley that saw
the birth of St. PI)
S (LEGAZ
Ignatius, all elements - AOLA IR
ONWORK
MIRAND
natural, divine and
worldly - go hand in
hand.
MUTRIKU
ZUMAIA
DEBA GETARIA
ZARAUTZ
ba
De
16 A-8
la
Mendaro
Uro
Chocolate Lastur
Mendaro Valley
Zestoa
1 Ekainberri
Elgoibar Machine Tool
15 Museum
EKAINBERRI (ZESTOA),
A REPLICA OF THE EKAIN CAVE Arrate
Dólmenes
Eibar Rute
14 Azkoitia Mount
The 2 Azpeitia Hernio
Industry Arms Soraluze 3 Errezil
A-8 Museum Loiola
Jorge Oteiza Sanctuary
Courts
Elgeta
13 AP-1
Ur
12 Bergara
ola
La Antigua
Hermitage
Zumarraga
4 Igartubeiti
5 Ezkio
Homestead-Museum
Arrasate THE
11
IRON VALLEY Chillida
B I Z K A I A
Legazpi 6 Lantokia
A-1
Aretxabaleta 7 Oñati Mirandaola GI-632
ironworks
10 8 Arrikrutz
Caves
Urkulu
Reservoir
Eskoriatza 9 Arantzazu
Sanctuary
Leintz-
Gatzaga AIZKORRI-ARATZ
NATURAL PARK
A R A B A - Á L A V A16
top!
LILI PALACE (ZESTOA) THE HERMITAGE OF LA ANTIGUA (ZUMARRAGA)
In ZESTOA [1] you can visit In neighbouring AZKOITIA, In EZKIO, the IGARTUBEITI
its beautiful Belle Epoque the JORGE OTEIZA HOMESTEAD-MUSEUM [5] is a
spa, relaxing travellers since COURTS [3], forming part magnificent example from the
1804. EKAINBERRI is another of the Euskal Herria Pelota Golden Age of the Basque homestead
must-see. The true Centre, make up a giant and wooden architecture from the
representation of the nearby sculpture where you can 16th and 17th centuries.
Ekain cave reproduces 90% feel the spaces and play
of its paintings and shows us among them.
all about our prehistoric ERREZIL is at the foot of
footprints. At the LILI MOUNT HERNIO, considered
PALACE, you will find out to be the balcony of
about Gipuzkoa in 1678 by Gipuzkoa and one of its most
means of the play entitled emblematic summits due to
“Lili’s honour”. its pilgrimages in September,
A little further to the south, and the panoramic views that
in AZPEITIA, you will find the can be seen from its summit.
LOIOLA SANCTUARY [2], Following the course of the
the impressive set of River Urola, you’ll arrive at IGARTUBEITI
buildings raised during the ZUMARRAGA and, once And in LEGAZPI [6], the
18th century around the there, you should visit the impressive show put on by the
birthplace of St Ignacious, HERMITAGE OF LA Mirandaola Ironworks is a good way
the founder of the Company ANTIGUA [4], the cathedral of beginning to take in the rest of
of Jesus highlighting the of all hermitages. Inside, an the attractions in the IRON
basilica and the dome that incredible oak structure holds VALLEY: the Iron Museum, the
crowns it. Without leaving up the roof so that it seems Working Route, a trip through the
the town, you can also enjoy to be floating. lives of workers in the 1950s,
a sensational trip in an old CHILLIDA LANTOKIA, where art and
wooden train pulled by a industry were combined to create
locomotive, alongside the sculptures such as the Peine del
river, at the BASQUE Viento (Wind Comb) in San
RAILWAY MUSEUM. Sebastian. And let’s not forget the
traditional farmsteads, the home of
the Rincón del Pan (bread museum)
and the Shepherding Ecomuseum.
top!
LOIOLA SANCTUARY MACHINE TOOL MUSEUM (ELGOIBAR)www.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus INLAND 17
DEBA HISTORICAL OLD TOWNS OF
BERGARA AND ARRASATE
VALLEY [11-12]
In the rural district of
ARRATE, near to the
ART AND You go up to Arrasate, where you Sanctuary of the Virgin, a
CRAFTS can stroll around its medieval town, Civil War Interpretation
marked by singular buildings from Centre has been opened.
Alongside the River Deba, different periods. Going down along
humans have shown an the Deba river basin, we arrive at
extraordinary talent for Bergara, whose privileged location
manual skills and creating helped them to strike up lively
tools that help to improve business leading to palaces and
their lives. mansions being built. One of them
holds the new LABORATORIUM
museum. The main themes covered
At Legazpi we leave the Urola river in its permanent exhibition are
basin and head south, towards the scientific research and innovation,
sources of the River Deba. and it also tells us about the History
The first stop, a must-see, is of Bergara’s Royal Seminary, the
Oñati and its unrivalled Historic cradle of science in the Basque
Quarter, which features THE Country, which was a renowned LABORATORIUM MUSEUM (BERGARA)
SANCTI SPIRITUS scientific centre during the 18th and
UNIVERSITY [7] stands out as 19th centuries in Spain and Europe.
one of the most valuable
Renaissance works in Gipuzkoa. top!
Inside, feast your eyes on the
Mudejar coffered ceilings, the
cloister and a chapel with a
Plateresque altar.
Ten kilometres along a
spectacular road takes you from
Oñati to the ARANTZAZU
SANCTUARY [9], where the
best architects and artists of the
day put up a milestone in avant-
garde architecture in 1950. In the
surrounding area, there are the ARANTZAZU
spectacular OÑATI-
The consequences of the Civil Further to the south,
ARRIKRUTZ CAVES [8] and War in this area are also reflected ELGOIBAR [15] has an
the Aizkorri-Aratz natural park.
in ELGETA [13], near to Eibar. interesting MACHINE TOOL
That is the location of the MUSEUM which pays tribute to
In ARETXABALETA, the Basque Interpretation Centre for the ironmongers, blacksmiths
URKULU RESERVOIR [10] HISTORICAL MEMORY, with a and craftsmen of the iron
forms a fascinating natural Civil War exhibition and a guided industry and serves as an
space, marked by homesteads tour around the restored trenches educational guide to show how
and surrounded by limestone and shelters. the different technologies used
peaks. A little further on, in the in the mechanical
most westerly village in In the following village, EIBAR manufacturing processes have
Gipuzkoa, the Leintz Gatzaga [14] is a miracle of 20th century evolved. Plus a small Baroque
SALT MUSEUM shows us the planning: a town that grew enclave right in the town centre,
repercussion of this white gold without any space, comfortably, made up of its town hall and the
on the valley and the different right where it seemed impossible. St Bartholomew church.
systems that have been used to Eibar is linked to the manufacture
and processing of iron since time It just so happens that this tour,
extract it since the Middle Ages.
immemorial. Its sewing machine, which centres on human
bicycle and rifle factories are activity, ends in a natural area
famous and, as well as showing of exceptional beauty in the
how this production has changed VALLE DE LASTUR [16],
in the province over the last 600 between the coastal town of
years, the ARMS INDUSTRY Deba and Mendaro. Is a
MUSEUM is home to a tucked-away, delicious, lengthy
spectacular collection of yet dead-end valley, with
weapons, dating from the 14th Karstic origins, full of dolinas,
century to the present day. chasms, caves and sink holes.18
THE COAST
Tasty spots
The sixty kilometres of Gipuzkoa’s coastline
make up a line of fierce cliffs, tucked-away coves
and courageous beaches that look the Bay of
Biscay in the eye, seasoned with a tempting
collection of tiny fishing villages where you will
be able to enjoy the sea air and gastronomic
delights made with the best fish and seafood.
GETARIAwww.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus THE COAST 19
PASAI DONIBANE
ORIO
IN THE ETERNAL BATTLE BETWEEN HAND four metres in height. It is a titanic
LAND AND SEA, GIPUZKOA IS THE
CLEAR WINNER. The rough waters
TO HAND transformation creating a whole
new world in barely six hours. The
of the Bay of Biscay have carved COMBAT sea is a tireless sculptor.
a spectacular, undulating
coastline, sometimes even out of BETWEEN Actually, the sea is almost
everything here. It is the birthplace
bounds. It is a high coastline as LAND of this land, a practically amniotic
the mountains fall directly into
the water and the beaches slot in AND SEA force. Thanks to the sea, Gipuzkoa
around the mouths of the rivers, pioneered business trade in the
snaking their way from their Atlantic, with the economic thrust
nearby sources until they come of whale hunting and deep sea
across an outlet into the sea. fishing in Gran Sol and
Geographic features make their Newfoundland. Later, industry
mark. A headland is followed by a came the same way. Nowadays,
river mouth that precedes a bay, the port of Pasaia feeds Gipuzkoa’s
with an estuary and a port, and economic and industrial activity.
beyond that a beach. The coast is And the powerful fishing sector
hard to make out at times and continues to extract riches from
has to be revealed. The landscape the water.
changes constantly at every step
The sea has brought prosperity. It
and also as the tides lap in and
brought Queen Victoria to San
out. Twice a day, at high tide, the
sea comes up and fills Sebastián in the mid 19th century,
everything: it splashes across the followed by her entire court. The
promenades, covers the rocks sea brought architecture, art,
with foam, picking up the boats cuisine, film stars. And it just
resting in the port. And twice keeps on giving, at knock-down
more each day, it withdraws and prices. It calms extreme winter
then the coast, freed from the and summer temperatures. It
weight of the waters, shows itself possesses geological formations
to be magnetic, brimming with that are known all over the world
inebriating fragrances and unusual colours. At such as the flysch in the Mundial UNESCO
neap tide, there can be a difference of over Basque Coast Geopark.20
ZUMAIA MUTRIKU
GRILLED SEA BREAM
(ORIO)
< AN OCEAN
PASAIA OF FUN
The sea in Gipuzkoa
A green offers us all the
attractions, all these
and blue coast. pleasures that we enjoy.
Stretch out on
the sand
or go surfing,
You choose.www.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus THE COAST 21
It gives San Sebastián and Hondarriba Enjoy this lethargic summer sea with
fabulous bays. It gives Zarautz a 2500 m your family. This sensuous and
beach and constant series of waves for glamorous sea in San Sebastián, this sea
its enthusiastic surfers. It fills the grills of of romantic strolls, salt residue, night-
restaurants in Getaria, Orio and Mutriku time open-air cafés. This gentle,
with wonderful fish and seafood. And it recreational sea. This furious sea with
gigantic waves you see on the news.
tenaciously and delicately waters the
This sea taken like a painkiller before
txakoli slopes, producing the local white
and after eating, working and sleeping.
wine to complement its cooking.
This sea in Gipuzkoa. This green and
Along the Camino de Santiago you can maze-like coastline with its evidence
also stop off at Deba and its beautiful and its secrets, with all its seasoning
beaches, also perfect for surfing. and all its flavour.
HONDARRIBIA22
THE COAST
EAST
HONDARRIBIA
From PASAIA bay, you can
also get to TXINGUDI bay
along the 20 km route
climbing and descending
PASAIA BAY
MOUNT JAIZKIBEL [4],
In Pasaia bay, we find PASAI DONIBANE [1], one of the great via the VIRGIN OF
surprises along the way. It is a seafaring village with only one GUADALUPE SANCTUARY.
street: there’s no room for anything else between the mountain From the top of the
and the sea. It is so unique that the French novelist Victor Hugo ort, the view is both Hon
described it with great admiration in his book ‘The Pyrenees’. spectacular and
Nowadays you can visit the VICTOR HUGO MUSEUM HOUSE here. moving.
It’s lovely to stroll up to the north river mouth, crossing a real fjord M
no more than 200 metres wide, or climbing up to St Anne’s JAIZKIBEL
hermitage to get a great view of the port. 4
GI-3440
Albaola Pasai Victor Hugo
Pasai 2 Donibane Museum
house
GI-636
ULIA
San Pedro 3 1
DONOSTIA / Mater Costume
Boat-Museum Ecoactive Pasaia 5 Lezo
SAN SEBASTIÁN Centre
7 AP-8
Errenteria 6 Oiartzun
GI-20 Fanderia GI-2134
One of the bay’s other great attractions Mill 9
involves climbing aboard the boat that San Marcos Soinuenea
Fortress AP-1 Lub
crosses between Pasai Donibane and PASAI
SAN PEDRO and visiting ALBAOLA [2],The
Sea Factory of the Basques, a Shipyard/
museum where visitors can see first-hand
the artisan construction of a full-scale
replica of the San Juan whaling ship, a
Basque galleon from the 16th century that
was shipwrecked in Canada. This year, you
can also watch an 18th century patache
(flat-bottomed privateer ship) being built. .
(page 56). From 28 May to 1 June, this bay
ERRENTERIA
will be hosting the Pasaia Maritime Festival,
a major nautical festival at which traditional
ships from across Europe gather. Only a few In LEZO [5], we can enjoy the charm of its old town and
metres away is the ECOACTIVO MATER its Basilica of Santo Cristo, which hosts one of the only
MUSEUM SHIP [3], a tuna fishing boat beardless Christs in all of Europe.
that you can visit, where they recreate ERRENTERIA [6] still has a magnificent historic quarter
traditional fishing and give you the chance to which has retained its medieval structure and will be 700
feel like a genuine fisherman. years old in 2020. There, a restored 17th-century buildingwww.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus THE COAST 23
top!
OIARTZUN [7] is a typical
Basque country village with a
1
sweet old town. On the
horizon, you can see the three
granite summits of the AIAKO
HARRIA NATURAL PARK and From
reach its foothills by walking
along the ARDITURRI [8] Pasaia bay to
RAIL TRAIL to visit its Roman
mines stopping off at the Hondarribia
popular SOINUENEA [9]
music museum and the
LUBERRI [10] geology Let’s start at Pasaia
museum, before finally
entering the Roman mines of bay. Mount Jaizkibel,
Arditurri. to the east, separates
THE OLD TOWN OF us from the next bay,
HONDARRIBIA [11] which
13 has been declared an historical Txingudi, and forces
and artistic heritage site us to take a not-
together with the Marina
TXINGUDI district, is a unique complex of so-tedious 20km
BAY
12 palaces and houses bearing detour. This takes us
coats of arms. Some of its
attractions revolve around the to the end of the road
Hondarribia art of war that its border in Gipuzkoa: it’s the
11 HENDAIA
position forced upon it: the
slim Santa Maria port, the last village,
Txingudi
Marshes Carlos V castle or the Plaza de Hondarribia, the last
Armas. Don’t miss the
15 colourful neighbourhood of LA headland, Higuer,
MARINA in the heart of its and the last river, the
fishing district.
14 Bidasoa.
Irun From TXINGUDI BAY [12],
you can take a boat across to
Hendaye or visit the HIGUER
N-121-A
Aiako Harria HEADLAND [13], home to
Natural Park 16 the lovely lighthouse that a
few decades ago saw
significant Roman remains
un found under its waters,
dragged from Irun by the
ARDITURRI
10 RAIL TRAIL River Bidasoa
Luberri The Romans set up camp in
8 Arditurri
IRUN [14] twenty centuries
ago. To see how they buried
their dead, visit the SANTA
houses the COSTUME CENTRE, a
ELENA hermitage where a
museum which explores the
centuries-old tradition of fashion necropolis was discovered and
and clothing in the Basque the ROMAN MYSEUM AT
Country. OIASSO. The Dies Oiassonis
Roman festival is held in July. MARSHLANDS OF THE TXINGUDI BAY (IRUN)
We can also discover the FANDERÍA
Txingudi Bay lies at the
MILL, a building that bears witness
to the strength and development mouth of the River Bidasoa.
of industry in Errenteria. Its MARSHES [15] have a
rich ecosystem. On the slopes
In the outskirts of the city, in a of the Aiako Harria massif,
stunning rural environment, you can admire the huge
visitors can explore the SAN calcination furnaces of
MARCOS FORTRESS which features IRUGURUTZETA [16] which
extraordinary panoramic views of bear silent testimony to the
the coastline and the interior of mining history of the area.
the region.24
THE COAST
WESTERN
The small town of MUTRIKU [1], on the
western edge of Gipuzkoa, stands out for its
splendid Old Town, named a Monumental
Heritage Site, with exceptional manor
houses (most notably Arrietakua, a palace
that you can visit, which was the place of
residence of Admiral Gaztañeta and
Brigadier Churruca and steep streets that
IN DEBA.
drop down to the port. On the shore, next to SANTIAGO BEACH
a small beach and the port mouth, you’ll find
its natural swimming pools, unique along
the Gipuzkoa coast. In turn, DEBA [3] has perfect
Mutriku, Deba and Zumaia can boast an beaches for doing water sports.
internationally renowned treasure: the THE SANTA MARÍA CHURCH, at the centre
UNESCO BASQUE COAST GEOPARK [2]. of the old town, is also a National
The Geopark contains an exceptional Monument and a fine example of
geological treasure, the Flysch, a spectacular the Basque Gothic style.
layered rock formation which, like a huge
encyclopaedia, shows us over 60 million
years of the history of the Earth along 13
kilometres of cliffs and beaches.
Unesco
Basque Coast
Old Geopark
Town Getaria
1
Mutriku 4
2 Balenciaga
Deba 3 Zumaia Museum
Zarautz 5 7
Santa María N-634 Orio
Lastur Aia
Valley 6
A-8 Pagoeta
Mendaro Natural Park
Many of the mountains in world; and the fashion designer
this area are carpeted by CRISTÓBAL BALENCIAGA, whose
txakoli vines, producing a Museum exhibits an exceptional
young white wine, ideal to collection featuring many of his
drink alongside seafood or amazing creations (page 57).
fish. GETARIA [4] is a
charming village.
Despite being very small, it
has well-deserved fame for
its mouse-shaped peninsular,
the gothic church of San
Salvador, its grilled fish and
its illustrious sons: Juan
Sebastián Elcano, the first
sailor to travel around the
GETARIA
top!
BALENCIAGA MUSEUMwww.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus THE COAST 25
2
from
Mutriku
top!
to Orio
In just 40
kilometres, you will
find charming
CLIFFS IN THE UNESCO BASQUE COAST GEOPARK (DEBA)
Between Zarautz and Orio,
fishing villages, a
AIA [6] is an essential surfing atmosphere
stop-off with beautiful
views over the Bay of
and a high fashion
Biscay, old ironworks and museum. And
the PAGOETA NATURAL
PARK. Don’t miss it.
countless curious
One of the most geological
important days in ORIO formations like the
[7] celebrates the Sea
Bream festival, in July, so flysch, etched with
you know what you have over 60 million years
to order if you stay for
lunch. This town is famous of the Earth’s
Igeldo for rowing, a real religion, history. Better give
and for its arrantzales who
DONOSTIA / caught the last whale in yourself some time.
SAN SEBASTIÁN the Bay of Biscay in 1901.
The sculptor Jorge Oteiza
and the musician Benito
Lertxundi were born here.
Orio
top!
ZARAUTZ [5] can boast
Euskadi’s longest beach
and one of the most
extensive along this
coast, two and a half
kilometres long. If there
are waves, you’ll see tens
of surfers out there
attempting to ride them.
The pioneers of this sport
in Euskadi first emerged
here in the sixties. The ZARAUTZ
PHOTOMUSEUM also
makes an interesting visit.
+ PAGE 84 # TOURIST INFORMATION
Use it to search for the most useful tourist
resources and how to use them.26
IN THE
SHADE
Long rows of sunshades
can be seen along the
beach of Deba. They
protect you from the
sun and hide you from
watchful eyes.
DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIÁN
DEBA
ZARAUTZ ZUMAIA
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Deba Zumaia
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Zarautz Oriowww.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus THE COAST 27
17
BEACHES
BATHING AREA
Gipuzkoa has 17 beaches along its sixty kilometres of
coastline: a vast assortment of waves, breezes, currents,
sand and landscapes and a wide variety of ways of enjoying
a day at the beach. Pick one, or several, or all of them.
1. SATURRARÁN, the most 13. ANTILLA BEACH. Busy beach
Sakoneta
westerly beach and one of next to Orio campsite, boasting
the wildest on our coastline. 3,500 m2 of sand.
Nudist area. 14. ONDARRETA BEACH.
2. SEVEN BEACHES. The widest and noblest beach
A succession of wild, rocky in Donostia, separated from La
coves that form Mutriku’s Concha by the Parrot’s Beak.
black flysch. No amenities 8. ITZURUN BEACH. 15. LA CONCHA BEACH.
but extremely beautiful. Beautiful beach in Zumaia,
3. MUTRIKU BEACH. Next to framed by cliffs and the
the port, it has two natural phenomenal flysch.
swimming pools, unique
along the Gipuzkoa coast.
4. ONDARBELTZ.
Close to Deba town centre,
it has fine yet dark sand. The beach of all beaches. The
Itzurun classic, famous city beach.
5. SANTIAGO BEACH.
1370 m of fine sand and
It holds the ISO 14001
9. SANTIAGO BEACH. Long, elegance. A must-see.
quality certificate and is
peaceful family beach next to 16. ZURRIOLA BEACH.
skirted by a promenade.
the River Urola and the dunes Also known as Gros beach, it
Ideal for surfing.
in Zumaia. has a young surfer feel. Nudist
6. LAPARI BEACH.
10. GAZTETAPE BEACH. To area.
Located in Deba, it offers the west of Getaria and open 17. HONDARRIBIA BEACH. The
the unbeatable chance to to the Bay of Biscay, it is ideal last beach in Gipuzkoa, next to
explore the black flysch and for surfing. the mouth of the River Bidasoa.
the septarian concretions
11. MALKORBE BEACH. Small Hendaye lies on the other side.
and fossils in the area.
and sweet, and next to the port
7. SAKONETA BEACH. of Getaria, it is perfect for
ch
ea
A small cove between Deba swimming, canoeing and sailing.
ab
and Zumaia. Not easy to
bi
rri
12. ZARAUTZ BEACH. The
da
access but really worth it.
on
longest beach in Gipuzkoa
100% natural landscape.
_H
stretching over 2500 m. It TXINGUDI
17
BAY
has a long promenade, a
great surfing tradition and a
nudist area. Hondarribia HENDAIA
la
_Z a
rio
a C eta
16 nch
Irun
ur
_ L a rr
o
15 nd
_O
14
Pasaia
Donostia/San Sebastian
lla
+ www.gipuzkoaturismoa.es/playas28
SURF
WAVE MACHINE
The sea pounds Gipuzkoa with constant
waves, big and small, in never ending
series, bringing joy to all levels of surfers.
The sea never stops here.
The surf GIPUZKOA IS A LAND OF WAVES, WINTER STORMS AND
championships, STRONG SEA CURRENTS. Different sizes and categories of
in Zarautz. waves reach our coastline with alarming insistence as if we
had an enormous wave machine available for
In April 2020, the Pro Zarautz photographers, novelists and surf fans. Apart from the
QS1500 will be held in Zarautz, a tucked away coves and days of dead calm, the Bay of
point-scoring event for the Biscay demonstrates its never-ending enthusiasm here and
World Surf League (WSL). eggs on surfers from all over the world to try and ride
During the hosting of this classic them. Some begin in the least demanding area of the
trial on the European surfing beaches facing the sea. Others enjoy fast and
circuit, Zarautz is transformed manoeuvrable waves on the best surfing beaches: Zurriola
into the global surf capital. An in Donostia and Zarautz. Any day of the year, you can see
unmissable event if you want to them out there practising pirouettes and turns on the
see the top surfers riding on the shore. Others go out into the open sea, between Zumaia
waves of the Cantabrian Sea. and Getaria and under Mount Igueldo and dice with death
in the face of gigantic waves on groundswell days.
Gipuzkoa has the perfect wave for everyone.
SURFING SPOTS
AND BEACHES Hondarribia Hend
LA
IO
A RR
LE ZU
KO LA
AL GO TXE S
RI A PE
TIA INE UN A G TA
N UR LAY RU ZTE Z
SA ORG Z OR GA UT LA
Mutriku S IT P RA TIL Donostia
ZA AN San Sebastian
Deba
Zumaia Getaria
Zarautz Orio
+ GRAB A WAVE. If you wish to try out this booming sport, find out more here:
# SURFING EUSKADI www.surfingeuskadi.euswww.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus ACTIVE AND NATURE PLANS 29
THALASSOTHERAPY
TONIC WATER
After all that travelling, there’s nothing better
than relaxing in a spa. Pick a thalassotherapy
centre, but don’t get too stressed about it.
You’ve already done your exercise. You’ve
made the most of your time. You’ve come,
gone, done and seen. Now it’s time to stop for
a while. Rest. Relax. How about lowering
yourself into a hydrotherapy pool with warm
water jets and bubbles or a panoramic jacuzzi,
in a sauna or following a relaxation circuit?
How about lying down for a gentle or
invigorating massage? There are three
thalassotherapy centres in Gipuzkoa that
Don’t offer you all types of seawater treatments,
worry plus the Spa Hotel in Cestona, also located in
a beautiful natural spot, with the charm of a
be late 19th century building and an unmistakable
Belle Epoque atmosphere. Choose the place
water where you wish to tone your body and clear
your mind. But don’t stress about it. Don’t
worry. Be water.
CESTONA SPA-HOTEL
T: 943 943 147 140
www.balneariocestona.com
Hendaia LA PERLA THALASO
SPORTS CENTRE
T: 943 45 88 56
www.la-perla.net
ZELAI THALASSOTHERAPY
T: 943 865 100
www.talasoterapiazelai.com
HOTEL Y TALASOTERAPIA
VILLA ANTILLA
T: 943 89 21 02
www.villaantilla.comDONOSTIA /
SAN SEBASTIÁN
Natural beauty
and charmingly
artificial pleasures
This city has its own pure, inherent and
magnetic beauty but it also boasts man-
made artifices designed to make life
exciting and memorable.www.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus DONOSTIA/SAN SEBASTIÁN 31
SAN SEBASTIÁN GOT LUCKY IN LIFE’S LOTTERY. Just being
located on the coast is already a big advantage for a city. First
prize! However, if the sea and the land come together
beautifully, forming a shining bay, with a tiny island in the
middle, surrounded by green hills, with three beaches and a
river and a sufficiently wide floodplain to build streets, squares
and gardens, a complete urban life, then the city located there
is truly blessed. Double whammy!
However, what makes Donostia extraordinary are the people
who have crossed its path: the first fishermen settling here
under the protection of Mount Urgull; the designers of an
expansion zone with beautiful entrance-ways and romantic
sandstone buildings; Queen Isabel II who visited in 1845 to
bathe in the sea to help her skin problems, making summer
holidays in San Sebastián all the rage; the Europe aristocracy
who passed on all the frivolity and the French aesthetics of the
“Belle Epoque” to the city; Jorge Oteiza and Eduardo Chillida,
interpreting the city and bequeathing us fabulous sculptures DONOSTIA EATS IN A
slotted into the landscape; Michelin star chefs who congregate LEAGUE OF ITS OWN.
here more than anywhere else in the world. And for everyone Cooking is a religious affair
who is proud of their city and the artificial pleasures it offers here. It doesn’t matter if you
them: the flavours of its pintxos, the music in the jazz festivals, are in a local tavern or a
the inspiration from its museums and the emotion of the films Michelin Guide restaurant,
in the Zinemaldia festival. or you are standing up in a
bar to snack on the
San Sebastián is a lucky city. Let a little of its luck rub off miniature wonders that are
on you. our pintxos. You’re going to
love it, for sure.32
THE OLD
TOWN
We enter the Old Town through the “LA BRETXA”
MARKET [1]. Its name is due to it being located in the
place where Wellington’s English troops penetrated
the city during the siege of 1813. Having now been
renovated as a shopping and leisure centre, it still
retains its traditional market.
o
Nuev
Paseo
10
Mount 9 ZULOAGA
SQUARE
San Vicente
STREET IN THE OLD TOWN
Urgull TRINIDAD
SQUARE
Church
5 AL
4 DA
MA
SA
TO
NJ
R
OS
6 AG
UA
DE
uras 31
N
CONSTITUCIÓN
de los C Basilica of 3 SQUARE La
Pase
o Santa Maria IN C
ALBE
TÓN
Bretxa 1
Inside the Old Town the 7 2 FERM
MA
8
YO
streets exude vitality and el
R
eda d
there’s a constant flow of Alam vard
le
pedestrians. At sunset, Bou
La CBay
the bars and restaurants
fill up with people.
onch
FERMÍN CALBETÓN STREET
a
[2] is the epicentre of the
culinary earthquake that
takes place every day.
At the heart of the Old Town is
CONSTITUCIÓN SQUARE [3], where most of
the city’s festive events take place. The
colourful facades with numbers painted on
every balcony, remind us that it used to be
a bullring. At the end of San Jerónimo
Street we come to 31 DE AGOSTO STREET
[4], the only one left standing after the
devastating fire of 1813. TRINIDAD SQUARE
is hidden away on this street, with a pelota
court and stands, where they hold rural
sport competitions and concerts.
CONSTITUCIÓN SQUAREwww.gipuzkoaturismoa.eus DONOSTIA/SAN SEBASTIÁN 33
1
At one end of 31 de Agosto Street is from
SAN VICENTE CHURCH [5], which was
built at the start of the 16th century "La Bretxa"
and is the oldest in the city. At the
other end is the BASILICA OF SANTA to Mount
MARÍA [6]. Go inside and see Our Lady
of the Choir or Chillida’s cross in the Urgull
church, or sit on the steps to
contemplate the beautiful view of When San Sebastian
Mayor Street. An interesting fact: as the was still an island
crow flies, there is exactly one kilometre
between the Basilica of Santa María and connected to the
the Buen Pastor Cathedral, which can mainland by a narrow
be seen in the background.
31 DE AGOSTO STREET strip of land, there was
a fisherman’s quarter
that was sheltered by
Mount Urgull. The Old
Town is not only the
direct heir of that
district, but it is also
the beating heart of
the city, with its
countless bars,
restaurants and
gastronomic societies.
VIEW FROM LOS CURAS PROMENADE BASILICA OF SANTA MARÍA Everything that makes
Very nearby, a steep From here we can head San Sebastian what it
staircase eroded by the towards the AQUARIUM [8], is, everything that sets
passage of centuries takes a true Palace of the Sea,
you to the PASEO DE LOS where you can admire it apart, is
CURAS [7],(Priestes’ hundreds of different marine concentrated here.
promenade), an exceptional species, including sharks and
the skeleton of one of the
vantage point where priests
last whales to be hunted on
would once stroll under the
the Basque coast.
shade of the trees.
High up on Mount Urgull you’ll <
<
find La Mota Castle, which was DONOSTIA PASAIA
constructed in the 12th century SAN SEBASTIÁN
and a key part of the town’s
defence. At the top, the SAGRADO ORIO
CORAZÓN (SACRED HEART)
[9],monument, which is free to GR-121
enter, is the only place from
which you can see the city’s SAN SEBASTIÁN - PASAIA >
three beaches. As you walk down 9 km.
Unevenness: 180 m.
a set of stairs you come to the Difficulty: low
SAN TELMO MUSEUM [10], the
former Dominican convent from
the 16th century which was < SAN SEBASTIÁN - ORIO
15 km.
renovated and extended in 2011 Unevenness: 350 m.
with a contemporary building. Difficulty: low
SAN TELMO MUSEUMYou can also read
