Getaria (Guetaria) is a picturesque seaside town located on the Basque coast in northern Spain, between Bilbao and San Sebastian. Sitting on a hill surrounded by the ocean on three sides, this charming town has managed to keep the allure of a small fishing village.
There are many beautiful villages and coastal towns in the Basque Country, you may say (and you are right!). So what makes Getaria special and worth visiting if you only have a few days in the region and have to be selective about where to go?
In this guide, we share why Getaria is worth a quick visit, the best things to do in Getaria if you decide to go, and some practical tips for your visit. We also include a map indicating all the main places to see in town. Take a look!
Why Visit Getaria
There are a few things that make Getaria worth a quick visit.
First, it’s a really nice village with a charming old town and stunning scenery – from beautiful beaches and rocky coastlines to steep hills with lush vineyards.
Second, Getaria is the birthplace of Juan Sebastián Elcano, the first man to circumnavigate the globe, and Cristobal Balenciaga, the world-famous haute couture fashion designer.
Last but not least, the town and its surroundings have a lot to offer for food- and wine lovers.
All that said, Getaria is a small town and doesn’t require much time to visit. Most people come here with guided tours (from San Sebastian or Bilbao) that include several places on the same day and only spend a few hours in Getaria. If you are traveling around Basque Country and are looking for interesting places to see, Getaria is well worth it – even if it is just for a few hours.
Now let’s take a look at what there is to see and do in Getaria.
Best Things to Do in Getaria:
1. Explore the Old Town (Casco Viejo)
Start your visit in Getaria’s historic old town, a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets lined with traditional Basque houses.
The main street is called Nagusia Kalea. Here, you will find most restaurants and some shops where you can buy some local products. Be sure to check the parallel streets as well – the town is tiny, so it won’t take much time.
Don’t miss the Gothic-style Church of San Salvador, with impressive architecture and historical significance. What makes this hilltop church unique is that it has several levels and its floor is inclined.
TIP: Since the old town is located on a hill, there are several viewpoints from where you can enjoy nice views of the surroundings and the beaches below.
2. Visit the Balenciaga Museum
Getaria is the birthplace of Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895-1972), one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century.
One of the must-sees in Getaria is the Balenciaga Museum which is dedicated to his life and work. The success story of Balenciaga, the son of a seamstress and a fisherman, is very inspiring!
The Balenciaga Museum has a small collection of his haute couture creations and offers a fascinating insight into the world of high fashion. Whether you are a fashion enthusiast or not, it’s interesting to visit.
Good to know: Despite the size of the building, the exposition isn’t big and you can see everything in about 20-30 minutes. In addition, don’t miss the film at the end (+-20 minutes). All in all, plan to spend about an hour inside. For practical information, see the website of the museum.
3. Visit the Juan Sebastián Elcano Monument
The Monument to Juan Sebastián Elcano is a huge fort-like structure located next to the main road, east of the old town. It pays tribute to Getaria’s most famous son, the navigator Juan Sebastián Elcano.
Elcano led the Magellan expedition which became the first to circumnavigate the Earth in almost three years (1519-1522).
You can also find his statue nearby, but this monument is of a totally different scale.
TIP: You can walk inside the monument and it has several levels. On the back side, you can enjoy some of the nicest views of Getaria (see also the featured image at the top of this article).
4. Hike to El Ratón de Getaria (Mount San Antón)
Mount San Antón is a small hill on a peninsula that juts into the sea to the north of the old town, behind the port. Its shape looks a bit like a mouse so locals call it “El Ratón de Getaria” (the Mouse of Getaria).
If you have extra time, you can hike up to the top, or at least to the lighthouse. In the past, Getaria was a whaling town and locals used to look for whales from here. Nowadays, people come here to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the Basque coast.
Good to know: The trail to the lighthouse starts behind the harbor and is easy to find. You need about 20 minutes to climb to the top of the hill from the harbor, so all in all, count about an hour for a visit.
5. Savor the Local Cuisine
No visit to Getaria would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. For lunch or dinner, head to the traditional asadores (grill houses) to enjoy a meal of freshly grilled fish, such as turbot or sardines, grilled over hot coals.
Some restaurants have terraces with sea views, making your dining experience even more enjoyable.
TIP: Pair your meal with Txakoli wine from one of the nearby vineyards.
For a truly special experience: If you are looking for a more special dining experience, see if you can get a table at Elkano. This traditional restaurant is ranked among the top 50 in the world and has one Michelin star. According to Michelin, their legendary turbot is a must!
Alternatively, check out Kai-Kaipe – it’s one of the best restaurants in Getaria. Of course, there are plenty of other great alternatives (and much more affordable).
If you are in Getaria in the morning as we were and are looking for a nice place for some light breakfast, I can recommend Ogi Berri Kote. It’s a small bakery/cafe in the old town, the pastries are delicious, and they speak English. I indicated all these places on our map further below.
6. Relax on the Beach
Getaria has two lovely beaches – Playa de Gaztetape and Playa de Malkorbe.
Gaztetape on the west side of town has stronger currents and bigger waves and is best suited for surfing and water sports. Malkorbe, to the east, offers calm waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
If you are visiting Getaria in the summer, you can spend a few hours soaking up the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or even snorkeling at Playa de Malkorbe. We didn’t have time for the beach but it looked really nice. We saw a group of people preparing to go snorkeling here – apparently, you can see quite some fish.
7. Walk on the Getaria – Zarautz Promenade
One of the nicest things to do in Getaria – if you have a few hours to spare – is to walk to the nearby town of Zarautz. You could have lunch there and walk back, or take a local bus if you prefer.
A 3.5 km walkway runs parallel to the coastal road and connects Getaria and Zarautz, offering stunning views of the surroundings.
Once you leave the town, this pedestrian promenade is separated from the road, so you don’t have to worry about the passing traffic. It’s also paved and relatively flat. You will see many people jogging here in the morning.
8. Take a Wine Tour
The vineyards surrounding Getaria produce Txakoli, a unique white wine that has been made in the Basque Country for centuries. This wine is made of green grapes, has a crisp taste, and is slightly sparkling – perfect for the summer!
Txakoli from Getaria is considered the best and most exclusive of all txakoli wines.
You can simply taste this wine at one of the local restaurants. It pairs perfectly with the local fish. In addition, several local wineries offer tours and tastings, allowing you to learn about the winemaking process and sample some of the region’s best wines.
TIP: The easiest way to visit the vineyards and indulge in wine tasting is by booking one of the guided tours that include a visit to the local wineries. I found several wine tours that visit this region; most of them start in San Sebastian.
Map of the Best Places to See in Getaria
Getaria is a small town, so you can easily explore without a map and you won’t get lost.
That said, to help you get a better idea of where everything is located, we created this map indicating all the top places mentioned in this article.
What you don’t see on the map is that the old town sits on a hill, so there are lots of stairs to negotiate when sightseeing in Getaria. That said, the main road passes the old town at the top and this is where a bus stop is. If you start there and stay on the hill, it’s much flatter.
The Balenciaga Museum can be reached by an escalator (on the way up only). But if you want to experience the best of Getaria, you can’t really avoid steeper slopes and stairs.
How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.
Some Practical Tips
Getting There: Getaria is easily accessible by car or by bus from, e.g. San Sebastian. If you don’t have a car and have limited time, book a guided tour – that way, you can see a lot more in a day than by using public transport. The scenic drive along the coast is an experience in itself!
Parking: If you are driving to Getaria in the high season, parking might be difficult. We arrived very early in the morning and could easily park at the big parking by the harbor (Getariako Kaia). When we were leaving, we saw many cars parked on the roadside.
Where to stay: Most people visit Getaria for a few hours and stay in San Sebastian or Bilbao. However, if you want to explore the Basque coast at a slower pace, there are some really nice places to stay in and near Getaria. If you have a car, check out the boutique hotels Ameztoi Experience or Hotel Iturregi – the location and the views are stunning! If you rather stay in town close to everything, Hotel Itxas Gain Getaria is one of the best options.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn is the best time to visit Basque Country, with warm weather and less chance for rain. However, July and August are the peak months when it can get really busy by the coast.
Clothing: Dress in layers since the weather can change very quickly. In the summer, prepare for the heat and humidity (still, Basque Country is incomparably cooler than the rest of Spain).
Language: The main languages are Spanish and Euskara (the Basque language). It helps to know a few words, but even in smaller towns, we could get along in English without any problems.
This sums up our guide to Getaria. I hope that it gives you a better idea of what you can expect and inspires you to visit!
For such a small town, Getaria has a lot more to offer than we thought. We were pleasantly surprised by a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and gastronomy. It’s a true hidden gem and I would go back without hesitation.
Have a great trip!
TIP: If you are planning a visit to the Basque Country, take a look at our other guides to some of the nicest places in the area:
- Bilbao – San Sebastian Itinerary for 2 Days
- Best Things to Do in Bilbao
- 1 Day in Bilbao
- Tips for Visiting Gaztelugatxe
More travel inspiration for Spain:
- Top places:
- Barcelona:
- Madrid:
- Seville:
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