Hondarribia Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Hondarribia with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, food and drink highlights, safety tips, and travel logistics.


Introduction to Hondarribia

Located in the Basque Country region of northern Spain, Hondarribia is a charming town that offers visitors a unique mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and exciting activities. Sitting on the border of France and Spain, Hondarribia boasts a rich history and a thriving food and drink scene that draws visitors from all over the world. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your visit to Hondarribia, featuring top attractions, food and drink highlights, safety tips, and travel logistics.

List of Places to Visit in Hondarribia

From museums and historical landmarks to outdoor adventures and scenic views, Hondarribia has plenty of attractions to keep visitors busy. Here’s a list of the top places to visit in Hondarribia:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Castle of Charles V: Built in the early 16th century, this castle is a must-visit historical landmark that offers stunning views of the town and the sea.
  • Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion: Considered one of the best examples of Basque Gothic architecture, this church dates back to the 15th century and is filled with stunning art and artifacts.
  • Arms Museum: This museum displays a collection of over 5,000 weapons and armor pieces from different eras, providing visitors with a glimpse into the region’s military heritage.
  • Fuenterrabía Museum: Housed in a beautiful 16th-century palace, this museum features a wide range of exhibits on Basque culture and history.

Natural Attractions of Hondarribia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Jaizkibel Mountain: With hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding countryside, Jaizkibel is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Beaches: Hondarribia has several beautiful beaches, including Playa de Hondarribia and Playa de Santiago, where visitors can soak up the sun and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
  • Nature Reserve of Aiako Harria: This nature reserve offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and mountain biking, as well as stunning views of the landscape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hondarribia

Hondarribia is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with trails that offer breathtaking views and an opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the region. Some of the best routes include:

  • Jaizkibel Circular Route: This 14.5-kilometer trail takes hikers through lush forests, rolling hills, and stunning coastal cliffs.
  • Basque Circuit: This 260-kilometer route takes visitors through the French and Spanish Basque Country, offering an opportunity to experience the region’s culture, cuisine, and stunning landscapes.
  • Bidasoa Greenway: This 47-kilometer trail takes visitors on a scenic route along the Bidasoa River, with views of the mountains and the sea.

Best Things to Do in Hondarribia: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there are plenty of other activities and tours to enjoy in Hondarribia. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Food and Drink Tours: Hondarribia is known for its delicious cuisine and top-quality wines, and there are plenty of tours that offer a chance to taste the local specialties.
  • Water Sports: With its close proximity to the sea, Hondarribia is the perfect place for water sports enthusiasts, with options including surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
  • Festivals and Events: Hondarribia hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the famous Hondarribia Blues Festival and the Medieval Market, which offers a glimpse into the town’s rich history.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hondarribia

For visitors who want to see everything that Hondarribia has to offer, here’s a sample week-long itinerary that includes the top attractions, activities, and tours:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Castle of Charles V and Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion.
2 Hike the Jaizkibel Circular Route.
3 Take a food and drink tour of Hondarribia’s best restaurants and bars.
4 Enjoy water sports activities at the beach.
5 Visit the Arms Museum and Fuenterrabía Museum.
6 Explore the town’s charming streets and local shops.
7 Attend a local festival or event, such as the Hondarribia Blues Festival or the Medieval Market.

Food and Drink Scene of Hondarribia

No trip to Hondarribia would be complete without indulging in the town’s famous cuisine and wine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pintxos: These small, delicious bites are a staple of Basque cuisine, with options including grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables.
  • Fish dishes: Hondarribia is known for its fresh fish, and visitors should try dishes such as bacalao al pil pil (cod in garlic and olive oil) and merluza en salsa verde (hake in parsley sauce).
  • Txakoli: This lightly sparkling white wine is a favorite in the Basque Country and pairs perfectly with pintxos.

Local Beverages

  • Sidra: This traditional Basque cider is made by fermenting apples, and is perfect for accompanying pintxos.
  • Kalimotxo: A unique drink made by mixing red wine and cola, this is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Where to Stay in Hondarribia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hondarribia has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the top choices:

  • Hotel Río Bidasoa: This charming hotel has a great location in the heart of Hondarribia and offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of the river.
  • Parador de Hondarribia: Housed in a beautifully restored 10th-century castle, this upscale hotel offers luxury rooms and a pool with views of the sea.
  • Pension Garibai: This budget-friendly guesthouse offers clean and comfortable rooms, as well as a great location near the town’s best restaurants and bars.

What to Buy in Hondarribia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hondarribia has a rich tradition of handicrafts and local products, and visitors can find many unique souvenirs to bring home. These include:

  • Basque berets: This traditional headwear is a symbol of Basque culture, and visitors can find them in many local shops.
  • Handmade pottery: Hondarribia is known for its beautifully crafted pottery, which makes a great souvenir or gift.
  • Txakoli: Visitors can take home a bottle of this delicious white wine as a reminder of their trip to the Basque Country.

Local Culture and Customs of Hondarribia

Hondarribia has a unique culture and heritage, with a strong tradition of Basque language, music, and dance. Visitors should respect local customs and traditions, such as the importance of food and drink in social gatherings, and should take the time to learn about the region’s history and culture.

Best Time to Visit Hondarribia

The best time to visit Hondarribia is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny and there are many festivals and events to enjoy. However, visitors can also enjoy the town’s natural beauty and cultural attractions during the quieter months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hondarribia

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Hondarribia, visitors should follow these do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and wine.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Take in the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables unattended.
  • Ignore warning signs on the beach.
  • Disrespect the local culture and heritage.

Safety and Health

Hondarribia is a safe and healthy destination for visitors, with a low crime rate and high-quality medical facilities. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Hondarribia

  • Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Follow beach safety guidelines and avoid dangerous currents.
  • Carry a copy of your passport and travel documents with you at all times.

Health in Hondarribia

  • Ensure that you have up-to-date vaccinations before travelling to Spain.
  • Use sunscreen to protect against the strong sun.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Getting to Hondarribia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hondarribia is easily accessible by various modes of transport, including:

Airports Near Hondarribia

  • Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne International Airport: This airport is located about 30 km from Hondarribia and offers a range of domestic and international flights.
  • San Sebastian Airport: This airport is located about 2 km from Hondarribia and offers domestic flights within Spain.

Bus Stations Near Hondarribia

  • Hondarribia Bus Station: This bus station has regular services to cities throughout the region.
  • San Sebastian Bus Station: This station offers services to cities throughout Spain and beyond.

Other Options

  • Train: The nearest train station is located in Hendaye, just across the border in France.
  • Car: Visitors can also rent a car to explore the region at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Hondarribia

Hondarribia is a small town that can easily be explored on foot, with many of the top attractions located within easy walking distance of each other. However, visitors can also use public transportation, such as buses and taxis, to get around the town and the surrounding region.

Where to Go Next from Hondarribia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hondarribia is situated in a beautiful region of northern Spain that offers many exciting destinations to explore beyond the town itself. Some popular nearby destinations include:

  • San Sebastian: This beautiful coastal city is located just a few kilometers from Hondarribia and offers stunning beaches, world-class dining, and a lively atmosphere.
  • Bilbao: This cosmopolitan city is located about 120 km from Hondarribia and is home to the famous Guggenheim Museum, as well as many other cultural and historical attractions.
  • Biarritz: This elegant French town is just across the border from Hondarribia and offers beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Conclusion

Hondarribia is a beautiful and fascinating town that offers visitors a wide range of cultural attractions, natural beauty, and exciting activities. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan the perfect trip to Hondarribia and explore all that this vibrant region has to offer.

View of Hondarribia from Hendaye, France, over the bay View of Hondarribia from Hendaye, France, over the bay The main street of Hondarribia, with the Casadevante Palace and the Church The main street of Hondarribia, with the Casadevante Palace and the Church