Located on the Urola Coast, Getaria is a picturesque Basque town renowned for its white wine and seafood. It was founded in the 12th century by King Sancho VI of Navarre and is one of the oldest settlements in the province of Gipuzkoa. Getaria is famously the birthplace of Juan Sebastian Elcano, who was the first man to circumnavigate the world.
Things to do in Getaria
In the heart of Getaria is the Iglesia de San Salvador, a Gothic church that is linked to the town’s harbour via an underground passage. Dating back to the 14th century, it features a trapezoidal layout and a star-vaulted ceiling. Keep an eye out for the gravestone of Juan Sebastian Elcano, who was baptised here.
Fashionistas can visit the Museo Cristobal Balenciaga, which is the world’s first museum dedicated exclusively to a single couturier. It showcases stunning displays of haute couture outfits by Cristobal Balenciaga, who was born in Getaria in 1895. In addition to rotating displays of his collections, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing particular designers or fashion trends.
Dominating Getaria’s headland is Monte San Anton, which is topped by a lighthouse and observation tower. Follow the hiking trail that leads along its densely vegetated slopes to soak up the magnificent views across the Cantabrian Sea. On the western side of the mountain is Gaztetape Beach, a golden sweep of sand where you can go swimming, surfing and fishing.
Getting around Getaria
Getaria is around 30 minutes’ drive from San Sebastian and 45 minutes from San Sebastian Airport, which has flights to destinations across Spain. The much larger Bilbao Airport is an hour away. Regular buses connect to Getaria and the town is small enough to explore on foot.