Lekeitio

Lekeitio is a coastal town on the Bay of Biscay with an active fishing harbor on one side and Isuntza beach on the other. The town center lies between these two waterfront areas, featuring a Gothic basilica and narrow streets that slope toward the water.

Founded in 1326, the town grew from a small fishing settlement into a maritime hub through construction of the Gothic Basilica of Santa María. This port has served fishing families for centuries and remains central to local life and identity.

The streets reveal daily harbor life, where fishermen repair nets along the waterfront and local restaurants serve fresh seafood caught from these waters. The community maintains its maritime identity through generations, visible in the customs and crafts that shape how residents use their waterfront.

San Nicolas Island is reachable by walking across a natural sandbar during low tide, so timing your visit around tide schedules is essential. Check local tide charts before heading out to plan when you can safely walk across the exposed seabed.

The Armintxe Cave, discovered in 2016, displays 15-meter-long prehistoric etchings including the first lion figures ever found in Basque Country caves. These surprising stone lions are over 40,000 years old and reveal artistic connections not typically found in this part of Europe.

Location: Lea-Artibai

Inception: 1326

Capital city: Lekeitio

Elevation above the sea: 0 m

Part of: Mancomunidade de Municipios de Lea Artibai, UEMA - Udalerri Euskaldunen Mankumunitatea

Shares border with: Ispaster, Mendexa

Address: 48280 Lekeitio, Biscay, Spain

Website: http://lekeitio.com

GPS coordinates: 43.36371,-2.50600

Latest update: December 20, 2025 13:08