Visit Ondarroa: A large fishing port and a less touristy town

Ondarroa is a little off the beaten track, because before being a place for vacationers, it is first and foremost a large fishing port. Fishing means good fish and seafood lovers will enjoy going to feast at the simple but gourmet table of a good little restaurant in Ondarroa! Shall we go?

Photos from the report: Basque Country Guide

Walking in Ondarroa

Park outside the city (we parked at the Zaldubide Parking). You can visit the city by scooter, skateboard or roller skates, that's what we did! A good part is flat and if you want to venture into the high streets, just bring a pair of shoes with you. There is a walk suitable for vehicles along the Artibai, the local river. Head towards the center quietly enjoying the landscape! The old stone bridge dates from 1795, it is built on the site of another very old drawbridge which allowed access to the city. Walking along the river, you will see in the distance, high up, the sanctuary of Antigua, which offers religious celebrations on Saturdays, it is a calm and meditative place.

We are in Biscay, one of the last coastal towns before Guipuzcoa. Here there is a slightly different atmosphere from other coastal towns, as it is less geared towards tourism. We liked this authentic atmosphere, where you can feel that many locals enjoy the gentle way of life in the town without the tourist crowd disrupting their daily lives.

The old town is the sloping part, it is built on a very steep hill and you will see beautiful heritage there: The Likona Tower (16th century), the Santa Maria church (15th century), the old town hall. At sea level, is the port of Ondarroa, it is at the mouth with the Artibai river and you will find its new bridge very design and modern (very white compared to the rest of the city!!). It is the largest fishing port in the Gulf! You can walk there, taking care not to disturb the work of the fishermen because it is a place teeming with activity. At the very end, a very beautiful view of Ondarroa awaits you.

There is a beach in Ondarroa where you can take a dip in the Cantabrian Sea, and also a short distance away is the town of Mutriku and its famous Saturraran beach.

What to do in Ondarroa

• The patron saint's festival in Ondarroa is the Andramaxak festival in mid-August
• Not far away, visit the town of Mutriku, also built on a hill, it enjoys a different, more seaside atmosphere.
• To learn more about the unique geological formations in Ondarroa, the Flysch, read our article!

We wish you a wonderful holiday in Biscay!

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