Getaria, a must-see on the Gipuzkoa coast of Getaria

Travel along the Basque coast of Guipuzkoa until you reach Getaria, a charming medieval village that lies between the Cantabrian Sea and Mount San Anton, about thirty kilometers west of San Sebastian. Famous for its magnificent, postcard-perfect landscapes, it has some gastronomic surprises and exciting cultural visits in store for you. Head to Getaria, in the south of the Basque coast!

Photo credit ©Getaria Tourism

Getaria, a natural and green destination

The panorama of the Basque coast is incredible, juggling between the blue of the Cantabrian Sea and the deep green of the mountain vegetation.

Mount San Anton

For the record, Mount San Anton, now connected to the old town, was once an independent island that served as a lookout for whale watching and a natural shelter for flora and fauna. Its unusual mouse-like shape has earned it the nickname "Mouse of Getaria," a detail that is clearly visible from the Zarautz beach promenade or the Zumaia road. A marked blue and white hike runs along spectacular cliffs, allowing you to climb to the top of the mountain from where the view is breathtaking.

The beaches of Getaria

There are two of them located near the urban district:

• Gaztetape Beach, west of Mount San Anton, is sheltered from the wind and ideal for water sports such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. Lifeguarded in summer, it is easily accessible via a staircase or ramp on the right.
• Malkorbe Beach, 420 meters long and located west of the city, promises ideal waves for surfing. Well-equipped and supervised in summer, it is a favorite destination for families and vacationers who can enjoy water sports there.

Don't forget your swimsuits and towels if you go to Getaria!

Getaria, a picturesque medieval historic center

The old town is incredible to explore with its parallel streets and rectangular geometry. Adorable and above all rich in a unique historical heritage, it can be visited alone or with a guide to discover its fabulous preserved treasures:

The remains and ramparts of defensive towers

This medieval village tells a story through its seafront walls that surround Getaria. The old medieval walls were replaced by more solid fortifications over time, especially in the modern era:

• A 17th ^century construction allowed Getaria to protect itself against the French invasion in 1638
• A fortified gate built in 1567 featured two artillery pieces and a bomb-proof vaulted redoubt (it is named Tronpate)
• An artillery platform named Katrapona was built in the early 16th ^century
• A bastion (Baluarte) was built to strengthen the sea defenses of the city and port between 1638 and 1668.

San Salvador Church

This sublime Gothic temple surprises with its imposing nave and its delicate Flamgenian decorations on the upper gallery. Built between the end of the ^15th and the beginning of the ^16th century, it has a bell tower built between the end of the ^16th and the beginning of the ^18th century, and can be visited on a self-guided tour or guided tour. Do not hesitate to participate in religious services to appreciate the grandeur of the San Salvador church, where a few concerts are sometimes organized during the year.

Stone tower houses

This is a legacy of Getaria's medieval past that highlights the wealth of the town at that time. Picturesque and atypical, these houses are located in the old town of Getaria with the Ochoa and Ibanez d'Olano tower houses on the main street, which feature Gothic architecture, like their neighbor, the San Salvador church. The Zarautz tower house reveals a magnificent main facade, while on San Roque Street, the Larrumbide house surprises with its Baroque style in the middle of a group of Gothic-style houses.

The San Juan Sebastián Elcano monument

This monument is a must-see in Getaria, a tribute to the famous Basque navigator who was the first to circumnavigate the world between 1519 and 1522. In 1922, Victorio Macho created this magnificent work of art in the art deco style on an old bastion of the walls of Getaria crowned with a winged victory, like the figures that adorned the prows of ships. Commander of the ship after the death of the Portuguese Magellan during the expedition, he was not the only one to return from the voyage, but accompanied by a valiant crew whose names are inscribed inside the building.

Aldamar Palace

It overlooks the old town of Getaria with its two-tone glazed bricks, openwork eaves and fins typical of the seaside architecture of the late ^19th century. Famous for having been the summer residence of the Marquises of Casa Torres (grandparents of the Belgian Queen Fabiola), it is above all the home of the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum since 2011 in a new annex. This talented couturier from Getaria was the most influential of the 20th ^century, considered the only true couturier by Coco Chanel.

For the record, the Marquises of Casa de Torres were Cristóbal Balenciaga's mentors at the beginning of his career.

The Cristobal Balenciaga Museum

This is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a fashion designer. Spread over 3 large spaces, 4 floors and 6 rooms, it presents more than 1,600 pieces and incredible temporary and permanent exhibitions considered to be the most important fashion collections in the world. Take the time to discover and admire the sublime works of art in this museum which pays tribute to Cristóbal Balenciaga, one of the greatest couturiers in history.

Getaria, a delicious gastronomy to taste

Take a gourmet break after visiting the old town, Getaria is full of good places to enjoy yourself, at any time of day.

The kitchen

Fish is the star of this town on the Cantabrian Sea, an ideal location for cooking ultra-fresh local fish and seafood. Braised turbot, grilled sea bream or anchovies marinated in salt and oil, the recipes are varied, offering you a unique culinary experience in a sea and mountain landscape. Pintxos (small gourmet bites) are perfect to share as an aperitif before ordering a specialty like marmitako, a tuna and potato stew.

The wine

As an aperitif, with a meal, or to accompany a local dessert, we highly recommend a glass of Txakoli ! This fruity and slightly sparkling local white wine is a true delight to enjoy at a bar, in a restaurant, or even directly at the producer's. Some even offer a tour of their vineyard before letting you taste their delicious nectar.

Getaria, a lively town of character in the south of the Basque Country

The Basque events calendar is very full, especially in Getaria, which organizes festive events throughout the year that are loved by travelers and locals alike.

• The Feast of San Anton in January, which coincides with the day of Txakoli
• The feast of San Prudencio on April 28
• Anchovy Day on the ^first Friday of May
• San Isidro festivities in the Meaga neighborhood
• Euskal Jaiak on the last Saturday of May, a folk festival filled with dancing, singing and music
• The Feast of San Juan on June 24
• San Salvador Festivities the week of August 6
• The Elkano landing every 4 years in August
• The Feast of San Martin on November 11

With family, lovers or friends, don't miss an opportunity to have fun!

Now you know all the secrets of Getaria, all you have to do is go there to appreciate all the riches of this city in the south of the Basque Country. Visit the Getaria Tourist Office website to organize your stay.

Did you like our article? Find more in the Experience to Live section. We are also on social media, come and visit the Facebook page of the Guide du Pays Basque, as well as our Instagram account @guidedupaysbasque