Are you in Hondarribia or planning to spend a few vacation days here? If so, you’ll definitely be interested in what we have to share. Here’s a brief guide to the must-see spots when visiting one of the most charming coastal towns of the Basque coast.

History, unique natural landscapes, top Basque gastronomy… Hondarribia is one-of-a-kind, and we invite you to discover its history and heritage from two perspectives: sailing on board our boat and exploring on foot.

From sea to land, every corner of this city has something special to offer. Enjoy a full experience that combines the serenity of the sea and the historic beauty of its streets.

Explore Hondarribia from the Sea: Boat Tour

At Ocean Tours Hondarribia, we offer you the exclusive opportunity to sail into our bay and reach the site of the town’s first historic port, where you will discover how the coast of our beautiful city was shaped. We will skirt the city up to the island where the majestic Mount Jaizkibel meets the sea, offering you unbeatable views and a unique perspective of Hondarribia.

It’s a perfect plan if you want to dive deeper into the history, cultural heritage, special corners, and anecdotes of our coastline. The boat tour includes an audioguide that will accompany you throughout the trip so you won’t miss a single detail.

Ready for the experience? Book your boat tour around Hondarribia here!

Hondarribia

A Walking Journey to the Heart of Hondarribia’s History

No matter how many photos you’ve seen, walking through the cobbled streets of Hondarribia’s old town is a must-do experience. Discover the city’s historical heritage while strolling through one of its most beautiful areas.

The Hondarribia wall is one of the city’s most iconic features. Built in the 16th century to protect the town, it has witnessed countless historical events. The wall surrounds the old town and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surroundings. Along the way, you’ll come across important sites like the Queen’s Bastion and Saint Nicholas Bastion, highlighting Hondarribia’s strategic importance.

During the 1638 siege, the town was under attack for two months by French troops, but thanks to the resilience of its citizens and the strength of the walls, Hondarribia successfully defended itself — a victory celebrated every year with the Hondarribia Alarde.

In the heart of the old town, you’ll find the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Apple Tree. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, it rises majestically on the main street and features Baroque altarpieces and an image of the Virgin of the Apple Tree, the city’s patron saint. Inside, you’ll also find a prized 18th-century organ.

Finally, we recommend stopping at Plaza de Armas, where the Castle of Charles V stands — an impressive building that today operates as a Parador hotel.

 

From the old town, we recommend walking down to La Marina, the fishermen’s neighborhood. You may have seen it in photos, but seeing its colorful wooden balconies and charming houses up close is something else. These houses originally belonged to fishermen who mainly worked with anchovy and tuna fishing. The ground floors were used as workshops to repair nets, while families lived upstairs.

La Marina is a perfect spot to take a break, have a drink, and enjoy the best local gastronomy.

If there’s something that defines Hondarribia, it’s the stunning natural landscape where sea and mountain merge. Mount Jaizkibel offers not only hiking and trekking routes but also spectacular panoramic views of the Txingudi Bay and the Basque coast. On its slopes lies another must-see: the Hermitage of Guadalupe, built in the 16th century and home to the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Hondarribia.

Live a Complete Experience!

Whether sailing its waters or walking its streets, Hondarribia offers you a complete and unforgettable experience. At Ocean Tours, we want to be part of your adventure, giving you the chance to discover the city from every possible perspective.