Zarautz, Coastal municipality in Urola Kosta, Spain
Zarautz is a coastal municipality in Urola Kosta, Spain, sitting at about 4 meters above sea level along the Gipuzkoan shore. The town has a long sandy beach several kilometers in length, backed by green hills that rise inland from the water.
The settlement received municipal rights in 1237 and developed over the centuries into a regional center of Basque coastal life. The town was shaped by fishing and maritime activity for a long time before evolving into a residential area.
The name comes from Basque roots meaning water and valley, reflecting the area's geography, and visitors hear both Euskara and Spanish spoken in the streets. Many signs and shop fronts display both languages, showing the daily presence of regional identity in this part of Gipuzkoa.
The center is easy to walk through, and the beach is within reach from most streets in town. The surrounding area offers several paths leading into the hills with views over the coast.
The town functions as the capital of Urola Costa comarca, coordinating administrative tasks with surrounding communities like Orio, Aia, Getaria and Zumaia. This role makes it a governing center for the entire coastal region in Gipuzkoa.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
