Zarauz Travel Guide (Basque Country/Northern Spain/Spain/Iberia/Europe)

Introduction to Zarauz

Zarauz is a small and charming coastal town located in Basque Country, in the Northern part of Spain. It is known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, local cuisine, and rich history. The town offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and it is a great place to explore the natural beauty and traditions of the Basque culture.

List of Places to Visit in Zarauz

Zarauz has plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best places to visit in Zarauz:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Jesuit College of Zarauz: A beautiful building built in the early 20th century, which is now a private school. The college has a stunning chapel that visitors can explore.
Art and History Museum of Zarauz: This museum houses an impressive collection of local art and artifacts, which tell the story of Zarauz’s history and culture.
Church of Santa Maria: This beautiful church was built in the 16th century and has a stunning Gothic architecture. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in religious history and architecture.

Natural Attractions of Zarauz: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Zarauz Beach: The beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and it offers stunning views of the Bay of Biscay. It is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Paseo Maritimo: This promenade is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the beautiful views of the ocean.
Mount Talai Mendi: This mountain offers several hiking and biking trails, and it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Zarauz

Zarauz offers plenty of hiking and biking trails for visitors to explore. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes of Zarauz:

Coastal Trail: This trail runs along the coastline from Zarauz to Getaria, and it offers stunning views of the Bay of Biscay.
Mount Ernio Trail: This trail offers a challenging hike to the summit of Mount Ernio, where visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Pasaia Bay Trail: This trail runs along the bay and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding areas.

Best Things to Do in Zarauz: Activities and Tours

Zarauz has plenty of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Zarauz:

Surfing Lessons: Zarauz is one of the best locations for surfing in Spain, and visitors can take surfing lessons from local instructors.
Kayaking Tours: Visitors can explore the Bay of Biscay on a kayaking tour, taking in the stunning views and enjoying the peace and tranquility of the sea.
Local Food and Wine Tours: Visitors can explore the local cuisine of Zarauz on a food and wine tour, tasting the traditional dishes and wines of the Basque region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Zarauz

Here is an itinerary for a week-long trip to Zarauz:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Arrival in Zarauz, explore local markets, and enjoy a beach day.
Day 2	Visit the Art and History Museum of Zarauz and take a walking tour
Day 3	Surfing lesson in the morning and hike the Pasaia Bay Trail
Day 4	Kayaking tour of the bay and the coastline
Day 5	Visit Mount Talai Mendi and take a leisurely bike ride
Day 6	Food and wine tour of the local area and shopping for souvenirs
Day 7	Departure from Zarauz

Food and Drink Scene of Zarauz

Zarauz has a vibrant food and drink scene, and there are plenty of local dishes and drinks to try. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Pintxos: Pintxos are traditional Basque snacks, usually served with bread, and they come in many varieties, including meat, fish, and vegetarian options.
Marmitako: A traditional Basque dish made with tuna, potatoes, onions, and peppers.
Txakoli: A local white wine that is light, fruity, and refreshing.

Local Beverages

Sidra: A traditional Basque cider that is slightly sour and refreshing.
Patxaran: A sweet liqueur made from sloe berries, anise, and vanilla.

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

Zarauz has plenty of accommodation options for visitors, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay in Zarauz:

Hotel Zarauz: A luxurious hotel located just a few steps from the beach, offering stunning sea views, a spa, and a restaurant.
Camping Zarauz: A budget-friendly option for those who enjoy camping, offering pitches and apartments, located just a 5-minute walk from the beach.
Pension Txiki Polit: A cozy guest house located in the old town of Zarauz, offering comfortable rooms and a great breakfast.

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

Zarauz has plenty of souvenirs and local products to bring home. Here are some of the best items to buy in Zarauz:

Basque beret: A traditional woolen cap that is a symbol of the Basque culture.
Txakoli wine: Local white wine that is light and refreshing, perfect for summer days.
Pintxos cookbook: A cookbook that features traditional Basque snacks and recipes.

Local Culture and Customs of Zarauz

Zarauz is a town deeply rooted in Basque culture and traditions. Visitors can experience the rich and unique culture of the Basque people, known for their love of music, dance, and local cuisine. The Basque language is still widely spoken in Zarauz, and visitors can hear it as a part of the local culture.

Best Time to Visit Zarauz

The best time to visit Zarauz is during the summer months, from June to September when the weather is warm, and the beaches are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The town is vibrant and lively during the summer months, and there are plenty of festivals and cultural events to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Zarauz

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Zarauz:

Do:

Do try the local cuisine and wine.
Do explore the natural beauty of the area.
Do respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

Don’t litter on the streets or beaches.
Don’t wear revealing clothing on the streets or beaches.
Don’t ignore the rules and regulations of local attractions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Zarauz

Zarauz is a safe town, and visitors can explore it without any major concerns, but visitors should always take precautions while traveling in a foreign country, including:

Keep your belongings safe and secure.
Be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in crowded areas.
Follow the safety instructions if you are participating in any outdoor activities.

Health in Zarauz

Zarauz has excellent healthcare facilities, and visitors can receive medical help from public and private hospitals. Visitors should always take precautions while traveling, including:

Bring any necessary medication and prescriptions with you.
Use sunscreen and proper clothing to avoid sunburn.
Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration.

Getting to Zarauz: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Zarauz

The nearest airport to Zarauz is San Sebastian Airport, only 35 kilometers away from the town. Another option is Bilbao Airport located about 100 kilometers away from the town.

Bus Stations Near Zarauz

Zarauz has a bus station, and buses run regularly to San Sebastian and Bilbao.

Other Options

Another option to get to Zarauz is by the train. The Zarauz railway station is located in the town center, and it has regular trains to San Sebastian and Bilbao.

How to Get Around in Zarauz

Visitors can get around Zarauz on foot, bicycle, or city bus.

Where to Go Next from Zarauz: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions from Zarauz:

San Sebastian: A beautiful city known for its beaches, architecture, and food, located just 20 kilometers away to the east of Zarauz.
Bilbao: A vibrant city famous for its Guggenheim Museum, colorful culture, and cuisine, located about 100 kilometers to the west of Zarauz.

Conclusion

Zarauz is a beautiful coastal town in Basque Country, Spain, offering visitors a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its stunning beaches, outdoor activities, local cuisine, and rich history, Zarauz is a great place to explore the natural beauty and traditions of the Basque culture. This ultimate travel guide has highlighted the best places to visit, activities, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more. Plan your trip to Zarauz now and enjoy the best the town has to offer.

Zarauz Image Gallery

Zarautz sea view

Zarautz Statue

Karlos Arguiñano restaurant