Hondarribia

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Hondarribia

Hondarribia, which according to legend was founded in the 6th century by the Gothic King Recaredo, is located just 16 miles east of Donostia-San Sebastian - near the French border - overlooking the mouth of the Bidasoa Estuary. A natural border between Spain and France and part of a rich ecosystem which plays host to many species of migratory birds.

A fortified town, it contains a magnificently preserved mediaeval quarter at the top of which is the Parador de Turismo, a castle once the residence of King Carlos V. Interesting sights in the Old Quarter include the Puerta Santa Maria, the original gateway to this historic walled town engraved with the coat of arms, the Calle Mayor, a beautiful cobbled street with many interesting historic buildings such as the Town Hall (built 1745), the baroque Casadevanta Palace, the Casa Solar del Conde de Torre Alta, where the town's history archives are stored, the Casa Ladrón de Guevara with its vitrified blue brick front and t he Zuloaga Palace. Of note too are the Plaza de Vicario,the Calle Pampinot, the Church of the Asunción y del Manzano (Gothic-Renaissance) built between 1474 and 1600 and the Plaza de Armas; a lovely cobbled plaza where the previously mentioned Parador is located. This area also has many excellent restaurants and bars.

Adjacent to the Old Quarter is "La Marina," the Maritime Quarter, with its lovely tall, brightly coloured fishermen's houses. Here, along Calle de San Pedro, where the atmosphere is always friendly and relaxing, there are lots of cafes and restaurants with outdoor terraces for relaxing and dining. In this area too, is the Paseo Butrón promenade which is lovely to stroll along, enjoying stunning views over the estuary to Hendaia in France (there is a regular ferry shuttle between the two towns).

The Paseo Butrón leads all the way to the Hondarribia Beach passing on the way the sheltering harbour for many colourful fishing and pleasure boats. A bit further on is Frailes Beach, Amuitz Island, San Telmo Castle and the Cape Higuer lighthouse which jointly complete a landscape of remarkable beauty. It is possible to travel further and discover the Artsu, Zuatxipi and Biosnar coves.

Jaizkibel summit, at a height of 549 m., offers an excellent vantage point from which to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view over the town, Txingudi Bay and the beautiful Bidasoa Estuary. Here too, on the summit, the remains of the old San Enrique Fort can be seen and nearby the Iskulin dolmen and Jaizkibel cromlechs.