Hondarribia, Administrative division in Gipuzkoa Province, Spain
Description
Hondarribia occupies the northern tip of Gipuzkoa Province, where the Bidasoa River meets the sea and forms the frontier with France across the bay. The town rises on low hills overlooking Txingudi Bay, with a walled medieval center at the highest point and newer districts spreading along the waterfront and inland valleys.
History
Alfonso VIII of Castile granted town privileges in 1203, turning the settlement into a fortified frontier post facing France. Over the following centuries the place endured repeated sieges and rebuilding campaigns, with the current walls and gates taking their final form during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Culture
The name combines the Basque words for sand and ford, recalling a time when travelers crossed the river at a shallow point near the estuary. Today the bilingual character shapes the entire public space, with every street sign and official notice appearing in both Basque and Spanish side by side.
Practical
Access to the walled quarter passes through stone gateways, and the narrow streets inside are best explored on foot with sturdy shoes for the cobbled surfaces. Summer weekends bring crowds from mid‑morning onward, while off‑season visits offer quieter walks and clearer views of the architecture.
Did you know?
The fortification walls encircle the old quarter without interruption, incorporating watchtowers and passageways from the 16th and 17th centuries that remain open to walkers. Visitors can follow sections of the rampart and look over rooftops toward the water, experiencing firsthand the military logic that shaped the layout.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Bidasoaldea).
The Spanish Basque Country is explored through its three provinces: Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, and Alava. Each has its own identity, between sea and mountains, city and countryside. This collection shows places that tell the story and daily life of this region, from the Atlantic coast to the inland valleys....
Camino del Norte
2.7 km
Playa de Hondarribia
2 km
Castle of Carlos V, Hondarribia
124 m
Puerta De Santa Maria
69 m
Sanctuary of Virgen de Guadalupe, Hondarribia
2.4 km
Fuerte de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
2.3 km
Nuestra Señora del Juncal
2.5 km
Museo Romano Oiasso
2.5 km
Higer lighthouse
3.3 km
Walls and gates in Hondarribia
235 m
Arbelaitz Palace
2.6 km
Plaiaundi
1.7 km
Santiago Bridge, Irun-Hendaye
1.6 km
International Bridge
1.5 km
Castle of San Telmo, Hondarribia
3 km
Plage Hondarribia
2 km
Town hall of Hondarribia
9 m
Urdanibia jauregia
3.5 km
Real Golf Club de San Sebastián
3.9 km
Asturiaga
3.2 km
San Juan Harri
2.7 km
Hermitage of Santa Elena, Irun
3 km
FICOBA
1.8 km
Town hall of Irun
2.8 km
Palacio Zuloaga
41 m
Casa Echeveste (Hotel Obispo)
63 m
Irun Public Library
2.7 km
Euskotren bridge over the Bidasoa
1.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes