Things to do and see in Hondarribia

Located in the province of Gipuzkoa, Hondarribia is a “sea and mountain” town. Between the bay of Txingudi and the Jaizkibel Mountains, Hondarribia is a popular holiday destination for Spanish and French tourists. Visitors can enjoy one of the most special enclaves in the country. Gastronomy, culture, relaxation, nature and the sea are just some of the features that make Hondarribia one of the best destinations in the Basque Country. We invite you to discover all there is to see in Hondarribia.

Although small in size, Hondarribia surprises with the number of interesting places that amaze those who walk its cobbled streets. The gate of Santa María, the Plaza de Armas, the city walls, the beach… In addition to all the beautiful corners of its narrow streets. And when you think you’ve seen it all, its bars with delicious pintxos will continue to surprise you. Read on and discover with us the beautiful seaside town of Hondarribia.

What are the best places to see in Hondarribia?

Hondarribia’s Wall, vestiges of the Middle Ages

Hondarribia was founded in 1203. As proof of this medieval past, the remains of the wall that protected the old town until the 18th century still stands, along with some of its bastions. It is interesting to visit the walls from the outside, walking along the old moat and coming across the bastions that are still standing today. These are the bastions of San Nicolás, San Felipe, Santiago and Reina, the latter of which was reconstructed in the 20th century, allowing us to better appreciate this jewel of medieval architecture.

Santa Maria Gate

The Gate of Santa María is one of those iconic places that you cannot miss on your trip to Hondarribia. It is one of the two main entrances from the wall to the old town and the best way to start your tour of Hondarribia. Of its old structure with a drawbridge, today a beautiful arch with the city’s coat of arms still stands. In front of the gate, the statue of Hatxero, the soldier who used to open the way for the troops, invites us to pass through.

Kale Nagusia

The Kale Nagusia is the Basque name given to the town’s main streets. The Kale Nagusia is certainly one of the most beautiful streets in the whole city and marks the route to the other points of interest in Hondarribia. It starts at the Santa María Gate and a stroll along it is a real delight, with its stone houses and flowered balconies.

Plaza de Armas

Walking along the Kale Nagusia you will reach Hondarribia’s Plaza de Armas, one of the main squares in the city. It is notable for its beautiful houses with colourful balconies, as well as having the old Castle of Charles V. It has now been converted into the Hondarribia Parador, one of the best places to stay in the whole city. With the imposing castle at the top, the Plaza de Armas is the ideal setting for the second weekend in June which celebrates the Hondarribia Medieval Fair. With crafts, workshops, activities, competitions, exhibitions… it brings the town back to its origins.

Church of Santa María de la Asunción

Next to the Plaza de Armas is the Church of Santa María de la Asunción y del Manzano, an emblem of the city and one of the most beautiful and impressive buildings in Hondarribia. Walking along the Kale Nagasia you can spot it among the colourful buildings, as it was built on top of the city wall and is located in the highest part of Hondarribia. It is a Gothic church, built between the 15th and 16th centuries, but has features of other architectural styles, such as a Baroque bell tower.

Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter, completely free to use, easy and practical. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most by adding them to your route map.

La Marina neighbourhood

Halfway between the beach and the old town is the fishing quarter of Hondarribia, one of the most beautiful in the city, as well as the liveliest. With its white houses with coloured balconies and a multitude of squares and terraces, the Marina neighbourhood will be one of your favourite places to stroll around in Hondarribia.

Hondarribia beach

Next to the marina in the beautiful bay of Txingudi is Hondarribia’s beach, with 700 metres of golden sand. Hondarribia beach is one of the main attractions of the city especially in the summer months. Locals and tourists flock to it to enjoy the sun and the waves on hot days.

The beach has services such as toilets, changing rooms, showers, beach bars… and everything you need to spend a fantastic day at the beach.

Discover more beaches in the Basque Country in Best beaches in the Basque Country, Spain

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Things to do around Hondarribia?

San Sebastian, a city to see very close to Hondarribia

Also known as Donostia, San Sebastian is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, and only 23km from Hondarribia. Its beautiful seafront promenade, La Concha Beach, its Belle Époque buildings that take your mind back to Paris… this city is one of the best places to visit near Hondarribia.

The cosmopolitan atmosphere, great cultural activities and fantastic geographical location between the sea and the mountains are just some of the features that make San Sebastian a unique place. The Nautical Club, the most important Spanish work of Modern Architecture, and recently declared an “Asset of Cultural Interest” with the category of “Monument“, is a must on your walk around Donostia. You should also take a stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Miramar Palace, a late 19th-century construction reminiscent of English country mansions and the summer residence of Queen María Cristina, Alfonso XIII and Juan Carlos de Borbón. And, of course, you can’t miss the Old Town, the historic centre of the city and the neighbourhood where you will get to know the true essence of San Sebastian.

Find out more in our post Things to do in San Sebastian Spain

Hendaye, a little piece of France 10 minutes from Hondarribia

Separated by the bay of Txingudi, French Hendaye and Hondarribia are only a 10-minute boat ride away, for just €1.90.

As in Hondarribia, one of the main attractions of Hendaye is its Ondarraitz beach. It has 3 km of fine golden sand and a beautiful promenade, the Boulevard de la Mer. Other must-see sights in this town include Plaza de la República, the Church of San Vicente and the Abbey Castle. However, one of the best things to see in Hendaye are definitely the fantastic views of Hondarribia.

What to do in Hondarribia in one day?

Hondarribia’s historic quarter is small and can be explored in a single day at a leisurely pace. All the places mentioned above are within walking distance of each other. This makes Hondarribia the perfect destination to forget your phone and wander through the cobbled streets of the city. During your walk you will come across the Gate of Santa María, the Calle Mayor (Kale Nagusia), the Church of Santa María de la Asunción, the Plaza de Armas… After the tour of the centre, we invite you to go to the beautiful Barrio de la Marina and continue walking to the marina and, finally, to Hondarribia Beach.

Where and what to eat in Hondarribia?

The ideal geographical location of the Basque Country is reflected not only in its dreamy destinations, but also through its varied gastronomy. Both the sea and the mountains are present in many of the traditional Basque dishes, giving rise to a diverse and very tasty cuisine. And as small as it may seem, all of this is manifested in the pintxo, a cultural institution to be enjoyed in Hondarribia. Some of the best places to go for pintxos in Hondarribia are:

• Bar Gran Sol: recommended by the Michelin guide, Bar Gran Sol is a classic in Hondarribia. When you arrive you will see a bar and a full terrace, which suggests that it is one of the best places in Hondarribia. On their website they define their cuisine as “a gastronomic feast” and no wonder, as their miniature cuisine surprises even the most refined palates. Pintxos: from €1.30 to €5.90.
• Ardoka Vinoteka: Hondarribia’s only wine bar also has some of the best pintxos in town. A modern and elegant atmosphere with quality pintxos and the most exquisite wine. Pintxos: from €1.90 to €8.

And although the pintxo should not be underestimated, it is also worth mentioning the haute cuisine restaurant:

• Restaurant Alameda: With one Michelin star, its slogan “Bidasoa cuisine” says it all. The Alameda restaurant is committed to local, seasonal and quality produce. They have two tasting menus, one for €96 and the other for €135 with dishes such as Sopa Ttoro (fisherman’s soup), grilled asparagus and toasted hazelnut or Gillardeau oyster with txakoli, among many other delicacies.

Where to stay in Hondarribia?

We suggest that, especially if you are travelling in high season, you book well in advance. Hondarribia is a popular holiday destination and most accommodation is not available several months in advance. So, if you want to find a wider range of prices and accommodation, start your search as soon as possible.

• Parador de Hondarribia: In the heart of the Plaza de Armas, 7 minutes from the beach in an impressive 10th century castle overlooking the estuary of the Bidasoa River, the Parador de Hondarribia is one of the best accommodations in town. With 4 stars and in contrast to the impressive medieval architecture of the building, the Parador offers modern, well-equipped rooms and a delicious buffet breakfast included in the price. Price per night: 110-340€ depending on the season.
• Sercotel Jauregui: The 3-star Sercotel Jauregui hotel offers comfortable and modern rooms just a 5-minute walk from the beach in the beautiful Barrio de la Marina. It has a fantastic restaurant serving local cuisine. Average price per night: 89-139€ depending on the season.
• Airbnb: Of course, you can always choose to stay in an Airbnb. You can choose between a whole flat, a private room or even a shared room, depending on your interests and budget. This is a good option to stay in the Marina neighbourhood, where there is plenty on offer. Average price per night on Airbnb in high season: 120€.

What should I bear in mind before travelling to Hondarribia?

• Don’t forget to pack an umbrella or waterproof jacket. It rains regularly throughout the year in the Basque Country.
• If you are travelling in summer, in addition to summer clothes and sunscreen, take something warmer for the evenings. Temperatures cool down.
• Book well in advance if you are travelling in high season.
• Take advantage of the short distances to travel to other cities in the Basque Country.
• Take care of the beaches and the environment: throw your rubbish in the bin.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Hondarribia?

Sign up or download the Passporter App and discover all its useful features.

• Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
• Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
• Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.

If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Hondarribia