Hondarribia in the Basque Country

The town of Hondarribia (known as Fuenterrabia in the basque language) is sited in the eastern side of the Bidasoa river mouth in Spains Basque Country. It is a border town surrounded by city walls with an ancient ‘old quarter’ and a castle, where Napolean stayed during the wars between Spain and France, which dominates the skyline. Extrordinarily, the town can also baost of having a beach and a mountain and also the main regional airport, Gipuzkoa within a short drive away. In Cantabria, it is the last place you pass through before you cross the Spanish border into France.

Hondarribia is a beautiful little town with exquisit views from its promenade across Txingudi bay into France.

The houses in the neighbourhood where many of the fishermen of the town live are brightly painted in many different colours – traditionally using the paint which is left over after painting the fishing boats.

There have been many battles throughout spanish history which have been fought for possesion of this fortified town, notably:

• The battle of Hondarribia, 1521 - after which the city was finally was resotered to Spain in 1524.

• The battle of Hondarribia, 1638 - there were only 300 survivors of this seige, mainly women and children, but still they did not surrender. The Spanish were eventually successful and celebrate the raising of the seige on september 8th each year.

• The battle of Hondarribia, 1792 – during which the French blew up the city walls which were closest to France.

Where Should I go

• Visitors to Hondarribia should make a point of visiting the marina in the picturesque historic quarter with the houses which have their coats of arms on the façade.

• The castle at San Telmo

• Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y Manzano parish church, Gothic 15-16th c.

• Calle Mayor and Plaza de Guipúzcoa (admire the many stately houses).

• There are nearby golf courses, and plenty of opportunities for diving, sailing, surfing and fishing.

Interesting day trips include: 

• Pamplona - Parador Hondarribia is a good place to find accommodations during the Fiesta San Fermin (running of the bulls) when they are nearly impossible to get in Pamplona itself.

• Bilbao - the Guggenheim museum is a "must see."

• Rioja wine country - visit the wineries and vinyards along the Ebro river near Logrono.

• Biarritz and Bayonne - wonderful beaches, casinos and nightlife.