A visit to Hondarribia and Irun: charming medieval market towns!

Fancy a getaway to two charming neighboring towns? Dynamic, modern, and inviting ? Escape for a weekend or a week to Hondarribia and Irun ! They complement each other perfectly: one near the Cantabrian Sea, a vibrant and prosperous fishing port for centuries, with medieval roots still very much alive in the vestiges of its heritage and customs ; the other with Roman influences, beloved hiking trails, surrounded by nature and traditions, modern and bustling with commerce … It is their border location with France that has forged the strong and proud character of these colorful towns, as joyful as the charming cities of the Basque Country can be. Embark on a journey through time and enjoy exceptional cultural, sporting, and culinary experiences: we'll help you organize your stay in Hondarribia and Irun !

Opening and article photos: © www.bidasoaturismo.com

Visit Hondarribia, a proud fortified city with a maritime feel

What makes Hondarribia and Irun so successful? The same ingredients as in the past: a very high quality of life, nestled between the sea and the mountains, with breathtaking and peaceful panoramas. A thriving economy fueled by easy mobility, thanks to a dense road network, a dynamic bus and train service, and efficient maritime navigation.

Hondarribia is a town with its feet in the water : its single 700-meter-long beach, its marina and fishing port —one of the most important on the Basque coast—lie close to the famous Mount Jaizkibel, a hiking hotspot for enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels. At the very top of the 545-meter mountain, which rises from the sea, stands the Sanctuary of Guadalupe, whose first stones date back to the 16th century and which was rebuilt in the 19th. The Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated on September 8th (the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe), the town's patron saint. In her honor, the " alarde " takes place, a grand parade of townspeople who climb up to the hermitage. You too can join this procession year-round; it's about 3 kilometers from the lower part of town to the hermitage (the view is breathtaking!).

Hondarribia is part of the Medieval Towns and Villages Network, which promotes the medieval heritage of several municipalities in Spain and Portugal. Its town center is also a listed Historic Monument. Let yourself be captivated by its past! Stroll through the historic and medieval center ; the town is home to the Castle of Charles V (now a Parador hotel) nestled within the ramparts, remnants of the city's military past (including the Plaza de Armas, the old powder magazine, the bastions, the moat, and the medieval footbridge). The architecture of its well-preserved houses also allows visitors to respectfully admire Hondarribia's antiquity. Once through one of the town gates, entering the heart of the city, visitors are immersed in a timeless atmosphere, where elegant wrought-iron details adorn the facades of the stately, bourgeois houses. The parish church " Nuestra Señorade la Asunción " is like a lighthouse watching over this neighborhood, with its Gothic style and Renaissance-era ornaments.

Hondarribia is also known for its seafront, with its colorful half-timbered houses, typical of the small fishing villages of the Basque Country. It's the place to enjoy the famous Pintxos … true icons of Basque culinary culture (known as Tapas in the rest of Spain). These are small plates piled high on the table, filled with delicious dishes to enjoy with friends, to share, and to nibble on. Hondarribia is the Mecca of Pintxos, and you won't be short of great places to satisfy your cravings! Meat, fish, shellfish, and roasted or marinated vegetables… Desserts too, of course, all presented on beautifully arranged plates, each chef with their own style, a true signature so that everyone can find a Pintxo to their liking. In June, it's the International Medieval Pintxos and Tapas Competition, so it's the perfect time to go bar hopping!

Put on your swimsuits: Hondarribia is a haven for water sports, and with its location between the sea and the mountains, there's plenty to do in such a beautiful playground! Surfing, of course, remains one of the defining characteristics of the Basque Country, but there are also sailing sports and simple boat trips. Go diving in the blue waters, rich in biodiversity, thanks to the quality of the Cantabrian Sea. Embark on a sea kayaking or rowing adventure…

But what is that lighthouse shining in the distance? It's the Higer Lighthouse (the Fig Tree Lighthouse)! It guides ships in the Bay of Biscay and at the mouth of the Bidassoa River, keeping them away from the dangers of the rocky coast. Dating from the late 19th century, its square tower is topped by a gallery and an octagonal tower. From the lighthouse, hiking trails lead to the Fort of Guadalupe, but if you're a true walker at heart, why not join the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) or continue along the GR10 long-distance trail to the Mediterranean coast (over 800 km, after all)?

Another hiking idea: The Talaia Route. A beautiful 21km walk for experienced hikers. From Hondarribia or Cap d'Higer, you follow the ocean towards Cap de Bioznar, with only the sound of waves crashing against the rocks. You then climb to 543m on Mount Jaizkibel, before following the ridge back down, against a backdrop of verdant Basque mountains, towards the stunning bay of Pasaia.

Irun and Hondarribia are home to two routes to Santiago de Compostela, used by pilgrims since antiquity. The Coastal Way is a very old route, which followed the coast before crossing the Jaizkibel mountain range and continuing on. The Inland Way passes through Irun and is used by pilgrims coming from Labourd and France.

Irun, strong, combative and open at the same time: the perfect border town!

Do we too often forget that Irun is a border town, and therefore has witnessed numerous episodes of political and geographical conflict ? These conflicts have shaped its architecture (as evidenced by the Church of Santa Maria del Juncal and the Town Hall) and its open-minded spirit! Irun's first urban structure dates back to the Romans, the Empire having founded the city of Oiasso, whose remains can still be seen in the thermal baths (so dear to the Romans) and at the Santa Elena hermitage, which houses a Roman necropolis. Head to the Oiasso Museum to learn more about the Roman occupation of the Bay of Biscay. Independent and strong, Irun is a city built upon this past. Having been disrupted and destroyed many times, and now a modern gateway that has not forgotten its history, it is an attractive city to visit during a peaceful day stroll.

The beauty of Irun is also expressed in its landscape ; you are at the gateway to the Aiako Harria Natural Park, with its endless beech forests, its pottoks (Basque wild horses), and its biodiversity. This lush mountain will delight wildlife enthusiasts, as will the Txingudi Marshes in the Plaiaundi Ecological Park (visit the Ekoetxea Txingudi Interpretation Centre), with its 3 km of trails to explore in all seasons, to admire the birds that come to feed or nest in the marsh.

Discover the historical and mining heritage site of Irugurutzeta: the Virtual Open Air Museum. This was once one of the most important mining areas in the Bay of Biscay, which operated until the end of World War II, boasting no fewer than nine calcination kilns! The best way to experience it is to take the tourist mine train from the Oiasso Museum to reach these facilities for a visit.

And what about the food? The Roman influence is strong in Irun, even on the plate. In July, stroll through the heart of the city along the Roman Pintxos Route : it's fun, original, and a delight for the palate. Of course, Irun also boasts numerous restaurants and places to find quality food typical of the Basque Country. This brings us to an aspect to consider in your holiday budget : Shopping ! Prepare for an irresistible shopping spree in Irun, as tens of thousands of people flock there every year to find bargains and take advantage of its border location. Four large shopping areas, two wholesale markets, and a lovely weekly market await window-shopping enthusiasts. Prices are sometimes more attractive than in France, which is one of the reasons why many people from across the Basque Country come to Irun for a stroll on Saturdays.

A stay in Irun wouldn't be complete without a visit to the fantastic Oiasso Museum, which, thanks to its exhibits, news, and events, will interest the whole family. Also visit a cider house ; there are many in this region, and Basque cider, Sagarnoa, is nothing like its Breton counterpart. It's less sweet and fruitier, a perfect match for the traditional Basque charcuterie and pintxos that you'll be sure to try in this region!

Are you now really keen to go on holiday to Hondarribia or Irun? You're right! To find accommodation, information on good little restaurants, tourist and cultural sites to visit, don't hesitate to consult the website of the Hondarribia and Irun Tourist Office.

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