Hondarribia Holidays: Castle, Lighthouse and Txingudi Bay
Gipuzkoa · Basque Country · Spain · 16,458 residents · on the coast
Bay of Txingudi
Higer lighthouse
Castle of Carlos V, Hondarribia
Hondarribia town hall
Casa de Juana la Loca, HondarribiaHondarribia is a coastal town of around 16,500 people in Gipuzkoa, right at the edge of the Basque Country where the Bay of Txingudi is shared between Spain and France. Its centre packs a remarkable amount of heritage into a small space: the Castle of Carlos V, the town hall and a run of historic houses such as Casa de Juana la Loca and Palacio Zuloaga all lie within half a mile of one another. Step further out and you reach the town beach, the Castle of San Telmo and Higer lighthouse on the headland. With Bilbao airport about an hour and twenty minutes away by car and San Sebastián just 10 miles off, it suits a fortnight of culture and coast or a relaxed short break.
Why go
- The Castle of Carlos V and a cluster of listed palaces sit within half a mile of each other.
- Higer lighthouse and the Bay of Txingudi bring headland walks and protected nature within two miles.
- Bilbao airport, with direct UK flights, is roughly 80 minutes away by car.
Top sights in Hondarribia
Castles, Palaces and the Coast
Start with the Bay of Txingudi, a protected area shared by France and Spain about 1.1 miles from the centre, and Higer lighthouse, around 1.6 miles out on the headland. Closer in, the Castle of Carlos V is a fortification only 0.4 miles from the heart of town, and the coastal Castle of San Telmo lies about 1.5 miles away. For a longer outing, the Towers of Jaizkibel stand roughly 2.7 miles from Hondarribia.
The historic houses are best taken in on foot: Casa de Juana la Loca (0.4 miles), Palacio Zuloaga and Casa Mugaretenea (both 0.4 miles), and the town hall, Casa Echeveste and Casa de Casadevante (each about 0.5 miles). When you want sand, Playa de Fuenterrabía is about 0.7 miles from the centre, with a second stretch listed as Plage Hondarribia at 0.8 miles.
Tours and tickets for the area can be booked directly on this page, where you will find the current options alongside this guide.
1protected area- 2lighthouse
- 3castle
- 4palace
- 5palace
6palace
7palace
8beachPlaya de Fuenterrabía
1 mile from the centre · Photo
9palace
10castleTowers of Jaizkibel
3 miles from the centre · Photo
11castleCastle of San Telmo, Hondarribia
1 mile from the centre · Photo
Plage Hondarribia
beach · 1 mile from the centre
Tours & tickets in Hondarribia
Guided tours, day trips and tickets in and around Hondarribia can be booked in advance, priced in GBP.
See tours & tickets (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)Where to stay in Hondarribia
Historic Centre or Beach Side
Hondarribia is compact, so the main choice is between the historic core and the seafront. Staying near the Castle of Carlos V puts the palaces and the town hall on your doorstep, all within half a mile, which suits couples and anyone drawn by the culture. The beach side, around three quarters of a mile from the centre, works better for families who want quick access to the sand.
With a population of around 16,500, the town has a quieter feel than San Sebastián, 10 miles away, or neighbouring Irun, just 2 miles off. This page shows live hotel prices so you can compare what is available for your dates.
Hire a car
The easiest way to reach Hondarribia and the villages around it is a hire car from Bilbao (BIO), about 1 h 20 min away.
Best time to visit Hondarribia
When to Visit Hondarribia
- 12°CJan173 mm
- 13°CFeb110 mm
- 16°CMar151 mm
- 17°CApr120 mm
- 18°CMay147 mm
- 22°CJun144 mm
- 24°CJul66 mm
- 24°CAug136 mm
- 23°CSept165 mm
- 22°COct177 mm
- 17°CNov199 mm
- 13°CDec176 mm
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
This is the green, Atlantic side of Spain, and rain is part of the picture all year, with 13 to 21 rainy days in every month. July is the standout: it is the driest month at 66 mm and shares the warmest highs of 24°C with August. June and September are close behind for warmth, with highs of 22°C and 23°C, though September turns wetter.
The wettest stretch runs from autumn into winter, peaking in November at 199 mm. Winters are mild rather than cold, with January highs around 12°C and lows of 5°C. May has the most rainy days, 21, despite highs of 18°C, so pack a waterproof whenever you come. No sea temperature figures are available for the town.
Full monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 5°C | 173 mm | 5 h |
| Feb | 13°C | 5°C | 110 mm | 7 h |
| Mar | 16°C | 7°C | 151 mm | 8 h |
| Apr | 17°C | 8°C | 120 mm | 9 h |
| May | 18°C | 11°C | 147 mm | 11 h |
| Jun | 22°C | 15°C | 144 mm | 10 h |
| Jul | 24°C | 16°C | 66 mm | 11 h |
| Aug | 24°C | 17°C | 136 mm | 10 h |
| Sept | 23°C | 15°C | 165 mm | 10 h |
| Oct | 22°C | 13°C | 177 mm | 7 h |
| Nov | 17°C | 9°C | 199 mm | 6 h |
| Dec | 13°C | 6°C | 176 mm | 5 h |
Averages 2015–2024. Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Getting there from the UK
Flights, Ferries and the Drive
Bilbao (BIO) is the closest airport, about 56 miles away and roughly 80 minutes by car, and it has direct flights from the United Kingdom. Santander (SDR) also has direct UK flights and is around 102 miles away, about two hours 25 minutes by road. Zaragoza (ZAZ), again with direct UK flights, is roughly 124 miles away, close to three hours' drive.
If you would rather bring your own car, Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth to Bilbao in around 28 to 32 hours, and the port is about 62 miles from Hondarribia. Driving the whole way from Calais takes approximately 12 hours 50 minutes behind the wheel, best split over two days.
By air
- Bilbao (BIO)56 miles, about 1 h 20 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Santander (SDR)102 miles, about 2 h 24 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Zaragoza (ZAZ)124 miles, about 2 h 56 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
By car and ferry
Driving from Calais takes roughly 12 h 49 min without stops. Nearest ferry ports: Bilbao (62 miles).
Hondarribia is good for
Around Hondarribia
Day Trips Along the Basque Coast
Irun is barely 2 miles away, and Pasaia sits about 7.5 miles along the coast. Donostia / San Sebastián, the largest city nearby with around 185,000 residents, is roughly 10 miles off, as is Astigarraga, with Hernani about 12 miles away.
Heading further west, the coastal towns of Orio and Zarautz are around 17 and 20 miles from Hondarribia. For a change of region, Elizondo in Navarre lies about 21 miles inland.
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Tips from Robin
Practical Tips Before You Go
Bring layers and a rain jacket in every season: even in July the town averages 13 rainy days, and autumn and winter are markedly wet. Hondarribia sits at just 27 metres above sea level, so the old centre and seafront are easy going on foot.
The Bay of Txingudi straddles the border, so France is right across the water, a useful thought if you are touring by car. As a small town, Hondarribia pairs well with the wider choice of nearby Irun and San Sebastián for evenings out or a change of scene.
Questions people ask
What is the nearest airport to Hondarribia from the UK?
Bilbao (BIO) is the nearest, about 56 miles away and roughly 80 minutes by car, with direct flights from the United Kingdom. Santander and Zaragoza also have direct UK flights but are around two hours 25 minutes and almost three hours' drive away respectively.
Can I take a ferry from the UK to Hondarribia?
Yes, in effect. Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth to Bilbao, a crossing of around 28 to 32 hours. Bilbao port is about 62 miles from Hondarribia, so it makes a sensible option if you want your own car for touring the Basque Country.
When is the best time to visit Hondarribia?
July is the most rewarding month, with highs of 24°C and the lowest rainfall of the year at 66 mm. August is just as warm but wetter. Rain falls on 13 to 21 days every month, so a waterproof is wise whatever the season.
Is Hondarribia good for a day trip to San Sebastián?
Very much so. Donostia / San Sebastián is about 10 miles away, making it an easy outing. Pasaia, around 7.5 miles off, and Zarautz, about 20 miles along the coast, are other straightforward day trips from Hondarribia.
What are the main sights in Hondarribia?
The Castle of Carlos V and historic houses such as Casa de Juana la Loca and Palacio Zuloaga sit within half a mile of the centre. Further out are the Bay of Txingudi, Higer lighthouse, the Castle of San Telmo and the Towers of Jaizkibel.
How long does it take to drive to Hondarribia from Calais?
The drive from Calais takes roughly 12 hours 50 minutes of driving time. Most British travellers split it over two days with an overnight stop in France before crossing into Spain.