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Hondarribia

San Pedro Kalea, Hondarribia, Euskadi

Description

Hondarribia or Fuenterrabía is a town situated at the border with France, across the Bidassoa river and Txingudi Bay from the seaside resort of Hendaye. It is popular for its old fishermen's quarter with houses painted in traditional Basque colours and restaurants serving both cooked dishes and pintxos. About 5mins walk away (to the south) is the old quarter with the remnants of the medieval wall, the church of Santa María de la Asunción, the Zuloaga Palace (now housing the library) and the Castillo de Carlos V repurposed as a Parador (luxury hotel).

Access & Transport

The town is directly north of Irun with its train station linked to both the Spanish and the French railways and it is 20km northeast of San Sebastian. The San Sebastian airport is located within Hondarribia municipality. There is a regular boat shuttle between the port and the Hendaye Marina; the crossing only lasts 5mins and frequency depends on the season.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest timing your visit to enjoy a dinner there or an ice cream (in the summer). It is best combined with a ride / drive /hike up the Jaizkibel for stunning views across the French coastline.

Meta review

The town makes some appearances in travel magazine and blogs, highlighting the photogenic rows of traditional houses and restaurant with their painted wood beams. Online reviewers point out that restaurant prices have run away on the main square and that beyond a few cute streets there isn't much to see. The church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion gets some positive comments for its stained-glass windows.

Environmental & Social

Most activities in town have a low carbon footprint. Tourism provides some economic benefits but has triggered an increasing commercialization

Conclusion

Hondarribia makes for a good afternoon/evening out for those based in San Sebastian or the French Basque Country and looking for a seaside setting with a dash of colour, old buildings, and a good range of pintxos bars/restaurants.

Key positive

Quaint streets and restaurants

Key negative

No standout sight

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:2h 15m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningNo

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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