Getaria
Aldamar Parkea, 6, Getaria, Gipuzkoa
A small fishing village on the Basque coast west of San Sebastián, Getaria has history, cuisine, and culture beyond what its size suggests. The birthplace of explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano and fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, Getaria is also known for its beaches and trails; its grilled fish and pintxos; and its sparkling white wine, txakoli.
The basics
Home to a small but busy port and two picturesque beaches where visitors sunbathe and surf, Getaria has long been shaped by its seaside setting. In 1522, Juan Sebastián Elcano became the first man to circumnavigate the globe, and a statue honoring him still stands in the center of town. Getaria is also considered a capital of grilled fish and seafood (from turbot to clams), and historic parrilla grills can still be seen throughout the village, along with top-notch restaurants and pintxo bars—drawing visitors from across the Basque region and beyond.
Given its proximity to San Sebastián and Bilbao, as well as its accessible scale, Getaria is easy to visit on an independent day out. It’s also included on many tours from San Sebastián.
Things to know before you go
Getaria’s top restaurant, Restaurante Elkano, has a Michelin star and has appeared on the World’s 50 Best List; make a booking far in advance if you’d like to visit.
For a dose of nature, head to Monte San Anton (also known as El Ratón, or The Mouse), a forested mountain on the coast with walking trails and scenic viewpoints.
One of Getaria’s key cultural stops is the Museo Cristóbal Balenciaga, which has a permanent collection of his couture pieces.
How to get there
Getaria is located in the Basque Country’s Gipuzkoa region, some 16 miles (25 kilometers) west of San Sebastián and 52 miles (83 kilometers) east of Bilbao. If traveling by car from either hub, take the AP-8. A number of bus lines also link Getaria with the two cities.
When to get there
Getaria is busiest in the summer months, when the sea is warm enough for swimming, when visitors crowd its pintxo bars, and when the weather is best. To enjoy all that the town has to offer with slightly fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons.
Txakoli wineries
Getaria is surrounded by rolling vineyards and wineries that produce txakoli: a lightly sparkling white wine made from the local Hondarrabi Zuri grape. Many of the wineries are open to the public and host regular tastings; some nearby highlights include Bodega Txakoli Aizpurua and Bodega de Txakoli Txomin Etxaniz.
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