Burgos to Hondarribia

 Leave Burgos early and drive to Hondarribia.  Check in at our Parador.

My recommendation for visiting Hondarribia is:

1. Santa María Gate and medieval wall

The Santa María Gate is the main entrance to the walled enclosure of the old town of Hondarribia . We are greeted by a 2.5-meter statue of a lumberjack . The lumberjacks were one of the squads that fought for the liberation of the city in 1638, after a 69-day siege by the French during the Thirty Years' War. Being a natural border with France , it was a strategic location throughout its history, hence its walled construction. The walls date back to 1200.

2. Historic center

The historic center of Hondarribia is beautiful . Wander through its streets and squares, taking your time. It's a nice area to stay and eat. If you'd like to know where we ate and slept, I'll tell you about it in this post "Dinner and Lunch in Hondarribia."

3. The parade ground

The Plaza de Armas is the main square of the walled old town. Here you'll find the tourist office , which offers guided tours at different times and days depending on the season. It's worth visiting because they explain the history of the city and offer a tour of the entire old town.

4. Charles V Castle

The Charles V Castle is located right on the main square and is a must-see if you're not lucky enough to be staying at the Hondarribia Parador . It has a hall with Rubens tapestries that tell the story of Achilles. 

This room can only be visited if you are a guest or if you take the tour. However, you can visit the reception and the cafeteria, which has a terrace with magnificent views.

5. The Church of Santa María de la Asuncion and del Manzano

The Church of Santa María de la Asunción y del Manzano was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Its bell tower can be seen from almost every point in Hondarribia .

6. Marina Neighborhood

Leaving the walled area and approaching the port, we come across the Marina district , a typical fishing district. Today, it's a lively area with bars and restaurants, where you can't miss trying any of the pintxos.

7. Butrón Walk

After lunch, I recommend taking a stroll along the Butrón promenade along the Cantabrian Sea . If you have time, you can cross to Hendaye by boat and spend the afternoon in France.

8. Climb to the viewpoint of Mount Jaizkibel

To see the entire Txingudi Bay , with Hondarribia and Hendaye in the background, the best view is from this viewpoint.