Insider Guide to the Urola Coast of Spain

Located in northern Spain, along the Bay of Biscay and between the popular cities of Bilbao and San Sebastián, the Urola Coast of Basque Country is a breathtaking stretch of shoreline. Spain No shortage of enchanting road tripsThe less traveled path is rewarded by cooler temperatures and fewer people. There are many moments to enjoy in this region: the sweeping views of the crystalline waters hugging the jagged coastlines, the refreshing taste and aroma of local white wine with an effervescent touch, or the expertly grilled fresh fish from the morning’s catch.

When I studied abroad in the Basque Country, I fell in Love with it. Now, I split my time between California and San Sebastián, where I curate small group tours through Travara, you can support the local chefs and artists who make the area so unique. This is the perfect place to go on a roadtrip if you are looking for something different. avoid the tourist crush in larger Spanish cities Take a break from the busy world and enjoy a relaxed, unhurried lifestyle.

The trip includes stops at Orio, Aia Getaria Zarautz Zumaia. It is ideal for foodies as well nature lovers. I tapped my inner circle of resident experts, including chef Gonzalo Domínguez and local culinary expert Maria Cueto. Here are a few of our favorites.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Hotel Ur Bare

Nestled on a hilltop overlooking the beaches of Zarautz. Ur Bare One of the most stylish and luxurious hotels along the Basque Coast. Cueto has recommended this hotel as the best in the area, with its “stunning decor, interior design and chic vibe at the beach.”

Iturregi

Iturregi This luxury farmhouse in Getaria exudes privacy and tranquility. This luxury farmhouse is a popular destination for locals, as well as celebrities like Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth.

Agroturismo Itxaspe

Orio’s center is just a few miles away. Agroturismo Itxaspe is recommended by Domínguez and his friends for its local charm. Itxaspe is a stone farmhouse with a sea view and a few rooms and apartments. This is the ideal place to unwind after a day of sightseeing in Bodega Katxiña.

Zelai Hotel & Talasoterapia

Book a stay in the Flysch Cliffs and enjoy a coffee with a view over Itzurun Beach, Ermita de San Telmo on your left. Zelai Hotel & Talasoterapia. Try the Thalassotherapy circuit, which uses sodium-rich local seawater for rejuvenation.

Akelarre Hotel

This is a great place to begin or end your trip. Akelarre Hotel is technically located on Igeldo, the mountainous area above San Sebastián. This is a luxurious, Relais & Châteaux property where the swanky cocktail terrace, Espazio Oteiza, is one of my favorites for the jaw-dropping coastal views.

The Best Things to do

Enjoy a long lunch with grilled fish.

Ask a Basque Country resident, and they will tell you that the perfect lunch begins with an aperitivoOn a terrace overlooking the sea, vermouth is often served. The star ingredient in Getaria is fish. It’s usually cooked on a grill just outside of the restaurant. You can enjoy each course and the cocktail that follows, usually at sunset.

Spend the day at txakoli’s vineyards.

A vineyard tour is a must in the heart of txakoli’s wine-growing area. In Getaria, both Cueto and Domínguez favor the family-owned Txomin EtxanizIn addition to Rezabal, Gaintza. Ameztoi. This wine is not only easy to drink but will also be a highlight on your trip.

Flysch Cliffs, Ermita de Santa Telmo and more.

Ermita de San Telmo in Zumaia is a 16th Century church perched high on the Flysch Cliffs that were made famous in Game of Thrones. At low tide, on the beach you can see the amazing rock formations which double as an art installation.

Dive into fashion history at the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum.

Born to a seamstress and a fisherman, Cristóbal Balenciaga got his humble start in Getaria and then moved to San Sebastián before becoming a renowned fashion designer. The Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum The museum pays homage to the life of his designs and is well worth a visit.

Dine in a ciderhouse.

The best way to experience Basque culture is by dining in a ciderhouse or sidrería, You can also like us on Facebook Izeta SagardotegiaA local favorite just outside Zarautz. The Iruretagoienas have owned it for five generation, sandwiched between sea and mountains. The restaurant offers communal seating and a traditional menu. There is also plenty of self-service cider in barrels.

Best Restaurants

Aiten Etxe

Cueto recommends Aiten EtxeHotel Ur Bare. “The owners have roots in San Sebastián (where they picked up chef Rebeca Barainka) and upped the cool factor in surf-centric Zarautz,” she says. You can also have drinks on the terrace bar, Tarín, before or after your meal.

Elkano

Getaria, a Michelin-starred restaurant that grills fish on the doorstep of many excellent restaurants, is a Michelin-starred darling. Elkano. Chef Aitor Arregi carries forward the legacy created by his parents. He creates a dining experience which balances traditional cooking methods with modern sophistication and a respect for local, fresh products.

Mayflower

If you’re unable to make a reservation for Elkano in Getaria, Mayflower offers a relaxing grilled-fish lunch. According to Domínguez, “At Mayflower, you can eat well at a reasonable price, and on a nice day, the outdoor terrace that overlooks the port is lovely.”

Asador Bedua 

The Urola River in Zumaia is the perfect place to stay. Asador Bedua This mansion, built in the 7th century, has been used as a restaurant by four generations of the same family. Cueto calls this one of his favorite summer spots. I love the riverside seating and classic meat and fish dishes.

Bodega Katxiña

One of the most beautiful restaurants is Orio. Bodega Katxiña. The restaurant and winery is a lifelong family project. My favorite terrace overlooks the Oria valley and river. Enjoy a bottle txakoli with your lunch and the peaceful views.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the Urola Coast. In the Basque Country it rains nearly all year round, which results in lush and verdant hills. The rain is beginning to ease up in April and May, and spring has finally arrived. The next best time is between September and November.

Even though the Urola Coast is much less crowded than neighboring cities Bilbao or San Sebastián, you will likely stop through one of those cities to start your road trip, and they can get quite crowded in peak summer months.

How to get There

Bilbao Airport is the nearest international airport (BIO). San Sebastián’s regional airport (EAS), located outside the city in Hondarribia, is much smaller and has fewer flight options.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling within Europe, you can take a bus or train into Bilbao or San Sebastián and rent a car. FlixBus, Avanza. Alsa Buses are available in many different sizes and types. Renfe Train service is available.

The Best Towns To Visit

Getaria

A small, underrated fishing village, Getaria is the birthplace of Balenciaga and Juan Sebastián Elcano (who circumnavigated the world with Magellan). Synonymous with txakoli, it’s one of Domínguez’s favorite seaside stops to share with friends and visitors for a grilled fish lunch with a dose of Basque pride and history.

Zarautz

The ‘Known for’ one of the best beaches in SpainZarautz, a town known for its surf and old town, is home to many waterfront restaurants. Basque chef Karlos Arguiñano The family of the man who owns this hotel has been here for generations. They also have multiple restaurants and a beachfront restaurant.

Zumaia

Zumaia, a popular coastal stop along the Camino de Santiago is the starting point of the Basque Coast GeoparkFlysch, a unique coastline of sea-carved cliffs, is a place of incredible biodiversity. A lovely riverfront walkway is also available where you can enjoy drinks and the view.

Orio

Orio, a Basque gem, extends from the coast to the mountains and into a valley with a river at its center. Orio, with its excellent dining options, panoramic views of the valley, and small-village feel is the ideal off-the-beaten path stop.

Aia

Aia has a lot to offer for those who love nature. Home of the Pagoeta Natural ParkExplore the prehistoric ruins of the town, as well as the rural farmhouses, botanical gardens, woodlands, etc. Iturraran Parketxea is a 15th-century farm turned visitor centre. It offers a hike through pine, beech and oak forests.

How to Get Around

From San Sebastián, the local Euskotren You can also find out more about Lurraldebus You can reach Orio and Zarautz by bus. Zumaia and Getaria are also accessible. Several restaurants, wineries and hotels are near train and bus stations, but they may be too distant for some people to walk. Taxis are readily available but I recommend that you explore the region by car to maximize your flexibility.