The border jewel facing France
Hondarribia
Why Hondarribia?
Hondarribia, set on the French border, blends a medieval walled quarter with a lively fishing harbour where fresh seafood meets the smoke of charcoal grills! Colourful timbered houses, sea breezes and Basque flavours turn the town into a place where history and appetite live side by side. Basque flavours shape the town’s character, yet the frontier adds a quiet thrill: take a small boat across to France for a quick bite, then return to Spain with the sea breeze still on your palate!
Main Attractions
City Walls
The imposing city walls of Hondarribia still rise with the spirit of the Middle Ages! Once built to defend the land, they now stand as an open gateway for travellers, letting the stones themselves whisper the long history they have silently guarded.
Saint Mary Gate
Saint Mary Gate was once the main entrance to Hondarribia’s walls. Beside it stands the hatxero statue, the axe-bearing guard of the town’s past. Walk through the arch and you enter the old walled streets, where history and daily Basque life still meet.
Saint Mary Church
Saint Mary Church stands on the upper side of Hondarribia’s old town, a 15th-century Gothic temple once linked to the defensive walls. Built over fragments of the medieval walls, Its stone vaults and tower reflect the town’s past as a fortified frontier!
Old Town
The Old Town is a quarter of cobbled streets, timber-framed houses and bright balconies in Basque colours, where pintxo bars fill the lanes with daily life! A short climb reveals sea views, stone ramparts and a town where history and street life meet!
Emperor Charles' Castle
The Castle of Charles V rises above the old town, a fortress built to defend the Spanish border. Its thick stone walls and square plan still show its military past! From the ramparts, the view opens towards the estuary and the French shore beyond!
Seafront Promenade
Hondarribia’s seafront promenade follows the calm bay facing France, lined with boats, cafés and terraces by the water. It offers an easy walk, with seafood bars and beautiful views of the harbour on one side and the Pyrenees in the distance on the other!
Old Fishing Quarter
This waterfront district is well known for its typical Basque white houses, adorned with bright wooden balconies! The whole area is full of seafood bars and pintxo taverns that keep the link between the harbour and daily life, showing the town’s coastal side!
Local Cuisine (Fish Soup)
In Hondarribia, the local fish soup is a signature dish of the town, made with a rich stock and pieces of charcoal-grilled seafood! Served steaming hot in seaside taverns, it is one of the most memorable tastes of Basque coastal cooking you can enjoy!
Ferry to France
From Hondarribia’s harbour, a short ferry ride will take you across the bay to the charming town of Hendaye, in French soil! Let us enjoy the change of atmosphere, and then sail back to Spain! It's a simple crossing that feels like a tiny two-country getaway!
French Snack
After the ferry crossing to Hendaye and a brief walk, we will pause at a French café for a light treat! Savour a croissant, a pastry or a sweet you like! Best enjoyed with a drink of your choice! A simple way to enjoy a touch of France before sailing back to Spain!
What's included?
The prices shown below for this optional tour include all of the following expenses!
Optional Tour Price
- Enjoy excellent value for money!
- 1 名様 €500
- 2 名様 €1000
- 3 名様 €1500
- 4 名様 €2000
- 5 名様 €2500
- 6 名様 €3000
- 7 名様 €3500
- 8 名様 €4000
- 9 名様 €4500