For many, September is synonymous with back to school, a return to routine, a return to diet, and ultimately the end of summer and the holidays. However, for National Geographic Travel We can still take advantage of the last days of the summer season a little more. and make one last escape before fully immersing yourself in the real grind.

We love the north and, to escape the heat waves that plagued us this summer, we went to Cudillero in July and Comillas in August. This month, the travel magazine again focuses on this geographical area of ​​the peninsula and suggests another small town located in the Cantabrian Sea as an ideal place to visit: Hondarribia.

Hondarribia, located just over 20 kilometers from the capital of Guipuzcoa, is one of the most visited towns in this area of ​​the Basque coast. And this does not surprise us, because in addition to Historical meaning which, as evidenced by the buildings and walls of the old town with its colorful, postcard-worthy fishermen’s houses, is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the Basque Country.

5 reasons to visit Hondarribia in September

1. Because walking on cobbled streets inside the wall is a real journey into the Middle Ages. Hondarribia has plazas, historical buildings and balconies full of flowers that will make you fall in love.
2. To enjoy last rays of summer sun on Hondarribia Beach and in the surrounding area.
3. Because here you can enjoy best basque pintxos in the Marina area and fall in love with the delicious tradition of Hamaiketako.
4. Mount Jaizkibel one of the most impressive mountains in Guipuzcoa yy serves as a starting point for exploring the most beautiful 20 km of coastline in the Basque Country.
5. Because the 8 September Celebrated Virgin of Guadalupepatron of the city.

What to see in Hondarribia

Walled old city

Intersection St Mary’s Gateone of two entrances inside the wall leads to the very heart of Hondarribia.

In front of the limestone gate brought from Mount Jaizkibel, visitors are greeted by the “Hatchero” (the warrior who opened the way for the troops).

Once inside, Hondarribia unfolds along the main street of Cale Nagusia, a cobbled passage from which all the alleys that make up the city begin. Through these alleys we find some of the most important historical buildings of the city, among which town hall baroque style, Guevara’s house of thieves made of vitrified blue brick, House of Iriarte with a special wooden frame, Zuloaga Palace wave House Casadevante.

On the same street there is an impressive Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion y del Manzano, a temple in Gothic style with Renaissance elements, built between the 15th and 16th centuries on a section of the medieval wall. There is also Egiluz Palacecommonly known as “Casa de Juana la Loca” because, according to legend, the future Queen of Castile and Philip the Fair stayed here during their journey from Flanders to Castile before being proclaimed crown princes.

In addition, this picturesque medieval city offers everyone who visits it, numerous craft shops, small art galleries, restaurants, taverns and squares with typical Basque charm..

However, the most desirable image of Hondarribia is perceived with Main squarefrom where visitors can view both the old castle of Charles V, converted into Hondarribia Paradorlike the beautiful houses with bright wooden balconies and flowers on San Nicolas Street.

La Marina: pintxos and fishermen’s houses

If you go down from the Plaza de Armas to the lower part of the city, you will reach the marina. nerve center of Hondarribia. This is an old fishing area where we can see typical houses with white walls and balconies, windows and shutters painted in red, green and blue. Tradition has it that fishermen used leftover paint from boats to enliven the facades of their houses – a detail for which the Marina area was classified as Historical and artistic monument.

In this area of ​​the city you can see lots of atmosphere and it’s the best place if you want to go shopping or hang out at the bars and restaurants this will please anyone looking for the famous pintxos.

And if you continue walking a little further along the pier, you will reach the port, and at the mouth of the Bidasoa River there will be a magnificent view of the French town. Hendaye.

One step away from France

Another attraction of Hondarribia is what it offers ideal opportunity to cross the border and visit Hendaye. Moreover, crossing the port means seeing a different side of Hondarribia, and it offers one of the best views to appreciate the medieval foundations that make up the place.

In addition, a few kilometers walk from the port is one of the most distinctive historical enclaves on the peninsula: Pheasant Island. It is a river island whose sovereignty is shared by France and Spain, and the administration changes every six months, with the exception of a memorable day, when the island belongs to both sides.

Mount Jaizkibel

For climbers, Hondarribia is also an excellent option, as it is located at the foot of the famous Mount Jaizkibel, a beautiful mountain 543 meters high above the sea, the second highest coastal mountain in Spain. and there are rocks here that will take your breath away.

He an ideal place for hikers, cyclists and anyone who loves to be surrounded by nature. In addition, the territory contains civil and military construction sites, such as Sanctuary of GuadalupelFive towers of the last Carlist war and two military forts. which are worth visiting.

And if you manage to reach the top of the mountain, the reward will not disappoint, because there is an incredible panoramic view of the Bay of Biscay, overlooking the bays of Chingudi, Hondarribia, Hendaye and Irun, as well as the rest of the French coastline. Don’t you feel like hitting yourself? Don’t worry, at the base of the mountain are some of the best rock beaches in the area, such as Friars Beachwaves Jaizkibel Bathsand several freshwater pools a few meters from the waves, ideal for a refreshing swim.