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Things to do in Hondarribia

Our most recommended things to do in Hondarribia

From San Sebastian: Hondarribia, San Pedro & San Juan Tour

1. From San Sebastian: Hondarribia, San Pedro & San Juan Tour

Visit some of the most beautiful and charming coastal towns on the Basque coast from San Sebastian. Venture to Hondarribia, San Juan, and San Pedro, take in panormic views from Mount Jaizkibel, and discover the Bay of Pasaia on this tour. Depart San Sebastian and first stop at Hondarribia, a medieval town where the sobriety of its old town contrasts with the joy felt the fishermen's quarter. Then, make your way to Mount Jaizkibel for panoramic views of the area. See the Bidasoa River that separates France and Spain. Finally, make your way to the Bay of Pasaia, with San Juan on one side and San Pedro on the other. Enjoy time exploring these villages before returning to San Sebastian.

From Bilbao: San Sebastian and Biarritz Full Day Tour

2. From Bilbao: San Sebastian and Biarritz Full Day Tour

Delight in the renowned beaches of Biarritz, meander through the narrow streets of Saint Jean De Luz and marvel at the architectural beauty of San Sebastian on this full day tour from Bilbao. Follow the highway towards the east, through stunning natural landscapes, to arrive at Biarritz. Known as the Beach of Kings, it was a magnet for famous and royalty such as Napoleon III, Gary Cooper, and Frank Sinatra, and is still nowadays a very important tourist destination. Stroll through the old port, the Virgin on the Rock, and the scenic streets of this sea-side village. Next, following the panoramic coastal road views, you will continue onto Saint Jean De Luz, a lovely small village located on the French Basque coast. The house of Louis XIV, the Church of Saint Jean Baptist, and charming narrow streets are tourist highlights. Continue the last leg of journey to San Sebastian, the most beautiful city in the Basque Country. Enjoy a guided walking tour into the old historical quarter where some free time for lunch. In the afternoon, you will make a sightseeing tour where you will discover the magnificent views of the Igeldo mount and return back to Bilbao.

From San Sebastián: Basque-France Coastline Private Tour

3. From San Sebastián: Basque-France Coastline Private Tour

Travel the Basque French Coastline, skipping from town to town stopping for the highlights of each township. Spend time exploring each unique feature of beauty that differentiates each township from the next. Visit the town that inspired the writings for Victor Hugo, in Pasajes San Juan. Visit the famous town of Biarritz, known as the pearl of the coast. This tour will make sure to travel along the way through the highlights of Saint Jean de Luz and Hendaya for their French Basque qualities. Find the Basque Spanish influenced settlements as a unique twist from the French.  Experience a turn in time, in Hondarribia a Spanish down known for the best preserved medieval architecture. Visit too the 16th century attributions that have been well preserved as a quaint sight to see. From Jaizibel mountain see the best sights of the region. Looking at both the Spanish countryside in one direction, the French countryside in one direction and the second largest bay in the world open to beautiful Atlantic Sea in the next direction. 

From San Sebastian: Biarritz & French Basque Coast Day Trip

4. From San Sebastian: Biarritz & French Basque Coast Day Trip

Experience the best of the French section of the Basque Coast on this day trip from San Sebastián. Explore Saint Jean de Luz, Biarritz, Hondarribia, and Guethary. Discover quaint fishing villages, Michelin-starred cuisine, and breathtaking views.  After getting picked up from your hotel, travel to the city of Biarritz. Here, learn about the city's history as a surfer mecca and enjoy a walk along the seaside promenade. Stop by Les Halles market to experience the best of French cuisine including its cheeses, its charcuterie, and its bakeries and patisseries. Continue to Guethary and learn why Madonna was so captivated by the charming and peaceful seaside village. Next, head to the birthplace of the macaron, the Maison Adam patisserie in Saint Jean de Luz, and learn about the town's pirate history. Travel along the Route de la Corniche to reach Hondarribia, a city at the forefront of world cuisine. Stop for lunch and choose from pintxos or Michelin-starred dining. On the way back, take in views of the Basque coast and Mount Jaizkibel.

From San Sebastian: Flavors of French Basque Country Tour

5. From San Sebastian: Flavors of French Basque Country Tour

Embark on a guided gastronomic adventure through the French Basque Coast of Iparralde, one of the most picturesque regions on the Atlantic Coast. Explore the seaside villages of Biarritz, Saint Jean de Luz & Guethary and sample its local specialties. Meet your guide in the morning and be introduced to the history of the area. Enjoy a spectacular drive along the corniche basque to Saint Jean de Luz. Start your culinary journey with a visit to the local ‘affineur’, an expert who receives cheese from producers and holds it in their shop until it’s ready to eat. Sample a selection of ‘raised’ by affineur cheeses. Sip French Basque wine from Irulegui. Next up, take a stroll along the streets of the town listening to the thrilling stories of local pirates, corsairs, sailors, and fishermen. Enjoy free time to visit the 13th-century church of St. John the Baptist with its remarkable hull-shaped wood-paneled vault. If you'd like to try local foie gras, be taken to a farm store stocked with this French delicacy.  To complete your trip to Saint Juan de Luz, visit the pastry shop where macarons were first created in 1660. Buy these confections and head to the surfing and food paradise of Biarritz. After having a glimpse of the Biarritz lighthouse, continue to Les Halles neighborhood and its vibrant food market.  Visit the market’s most-loved bar where locals stop for a seafood aperitif while shopping. Explore the area like a local by trying oysters, shrimps, and snails from Arcachon. Pair your meal with a glass of great white wine from Bordeaux.  Then, discover the truffle heaven, a bar specializing in truffle-flavored charcuterie and gourmet products from the region. Next, make some room for pintxos.  From Biarritz, go back to the other side and explore the picturesque fishing village of Hondarribia. Taste some of the best pintxos in an award-winning restaurant. Learn about modern Basque cuisine and discuss the differences between French Basque and Spanish Basque food. At the end of the day, return to San Sebastian with a full belly and lots of memories.

From San Sebastian: Hondarribia Sightseeing and Pintxos

6. From San Sebastian: Hondarribia Sightseeing and Pintxos

Be picked up in San Sebastian and drive down one of the most scenic roads along the Basque Coast. On the way, your guide will explain the history of the area and what to expect throughout the experience. Your first stop is the fishing port of Hondarribia, where you’ll hear about the history of local sailors, pirates, and explorers. Immerse yourself in some of the oldest fishing traditions and find out about some of the favorite seafood delicacies in the region.  Head to the historic part of this fortified town with its narrow streets, flower-draped balconies, and medieval charm. Find out about the hacheros – men with peculiar sheep wool hats – and discover a hidden collection of tapestries by Rubens in the castle of Emperor Charles V. Visit one bar popular with locals. You willl also try some pintxos which were invented in Hondarribia.  Continue to the fisherman village known as the Marina to savor pintxos in another two establishments. Your guide will also give you practical tips on how to enjoy pintxos the way locals do. Each dish will be paired with a regional drink of wine, beer, or apple cider. After the pintxos, you'll have the chance to try a surprise dessert that is loved by locals. At the end of this delicious experience, you will be driven back to San Sebastian.

From Bilbao: San Sebastian and Hondarribia Minibus Tour

7. From Bilbao: San Sebastian and Hondarribia Minibus Tour

This tour is designed to accommodate a larger group of up to 22 people. The first stop is made in the medieval town of Hondarribia, famous for its walls that until the 16th century defended the border with France on many occasions. The neighborhood protected by the walls still retains its medieval spirit. Then we will go to the stately San Sebastián, where we will walk along the majestic bay of La Concha and enjoy the elegant buildings such as the City Hall and the Buen Pastor Cathedral before entering the bustling Old Town full of restaurants famous for their pintxos. The tour is done in bilingual (English and Spanish), so our guide will speak both languages simultaneously.

Bilbao and Basque Country Guided 7-Day Tour from Bilbao

8. Bilbao and Basque Country Guided 7-Day Tour from Bilbao

Explore the Basque Country on a week-long journey to the sites of historical and cultural importance on a trip that includes 4-star accommodation. Using Bilbao as your base, enjoy half-day and full-day excursions to surrounding cities and towns. Travel along the coast to see fishing villages, old ports, and picturesque beaches. Spend time inland visiting mountains, wineries, and remote villages. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Bilbao After arriving in Bilbao, transfer to your hotel. Receive your dossier with information about the Basque Country and the program. Depending upon your time of arrival, there will be free time for exploring on your own. Lodging at the hotel in Bilbao. Day 2: Urdaibai – Bermeo – Gernika - Bilbao Breakfast, Depart for the coast on a half-day excursion, heading along the right bank of the river and by the industrial towns of Barakaldo, Sestao, and Portugalete. Travel past the famous Transporter Bridge of Biscay, through the imposing Castle of Butron, and to the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Visit Mungia, the fishing village of Bermeo, Mundaka and the Urdaibai Reserve of Biosphere, and Gernika. Return to Bilbao and free time for lunch (your guide will recommend you the best options). Later, walking tour of Bilbao, visiting the old quarter and seeing the main squares, churches, and more. Lodging at the hotel. Day 3: Biarritz – San Sebastian Breakfast. Travel to Biarritz and tour the old port, the Virgin on the Rock, and the Beach of Kings. Continue along the coast to Saint Jean De Luz, and then stop in Hondarribia where you have some free time for lunch (your guide will recommend the bets options). In the afternoon, you will arrive in San Sebastian, for a panoramic tour of the city’s mountain and historical quarter, followed by free time. Then return back to Bilbao and accommodation. Day 4: Vitoria – Rioja Breakfast. Travel to Vitoria for a tour of the city and the best preserved Old Town in the Basque Country. Then follow the route toward the wine region, passing by Labastida, to arrive in the medieval village of Laguardia. Enjoy a walking tour and a visit to a traditional Rioja winery. By mid-afternoon you will return back to Bilbao by way of Elciego, where you will see the magnificent architectural work of Frank Gehry at the Marques de Riscal Winery. Accommodation in Bilbao. Day 5: Sanctuary of Loyola – Getaria – Zarautz – San Sebastian Breakfast. Make your way to the Sanctuary of Loyola, then visit Getaria, a charming fishing village and the birthplace of Juan Sebastian Elcano. See Zarautz, home to the longest beach in Basque Country. Then go to San Sebastian for a city tour, followed by a walking tour in the historic center, before returning to Bilbao in the afternoon. Day 6: Elorrio – Oñati – Sanctuary of Arantzazu Breakfast. Spend the day exploring the traditional inner Basque Country. Head toward Durango, located near Gorbea Natural Parka and Urkiola Natural Park. Stop in Elorrio, an area characterized by the abundance and slenderness of its palaces and manor houses of stone and carved stonework. Continue to Oñati, home to the oldest university in the Basque Country. Travel up a road between cliffs to reach the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, where you can tour the grounds and enjoy the view, before returning to Bilbao in the afternoon. Day 7: Bilbao Breakfast. Enjoy free time in the city until it’s time to transfer to the airport, train station, or bus station.

Other Sightseeing Options in Hondarribia

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What people are saying about Hondarribia

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 126 reviews

The excursion is really worth it, especially since Hondarribia is beautiful. Going with a guide is the best, otherwise you lose all the explanations and details, which is what makes you understand everything you see.

This was an amazing experience. Our tour guide Juanlu was very kind and knowledgeable. He made our experience feel authentic and intimate. I highly recommend this tour. You won’t be disappointed.

It was a great hike. I would have avoided two stops: the one in the Spanish town where we had lunch and the last one on the lookout point. More time in Biarritz would have been perfect

Joselu was a great tour guide. We loved hearing about the history of the two towns we visited. It was nice to get away for the day from the crowds of San Sebastián. Recommend it

Iker was really knowledgable and had a good sense of humour :)