Zarautz Holidays: Beach, Basque Palaces and Getting There
Gipuzkoa · Basque Country · Spain · 22,627 residents · on the coast
Zarautz is a coastal town of around 22,600 people in Gipuzkoa, on the Basque Country's shoreline, sitting just 6 metres above sea level. Its long town beach lies less than half a mile from the centre, and within a few minutes' walk you will find a remarkable cluster of old buildings: the Narros palace, the medieval-looking Dorre Luzea, two convents and the bell tower of Santa María la Real. Bilbao airport, with direct flights from the United Kingdom, is under an hour's drive away, and San Sebastián is only 10 miles along the coast. Summers are mild rather than scorching, peaking at about 24°C, and rain is part of the picture in every season.
Why go
- Zarautz beach lies under half a mile from the centre and suits families well.
- Narros palace, Dorre Luzea and two convents all sit within a short stroll of each other.
- Bilbao airport, with direct UK flights, is just 37 miles and under an hour away.
Top sights in Zarautz
Beach, Palaces and Protected Coast
The town's main draw is Zarautz beach, about 0.4 miles from the centre and a natural pick for families. Close behind it in standing is a compact historic quarter: the Convent of the Franciscanos, around 0.2 miles away, and the Narros palace, roughly 0.4 miles from the centre. Nearby you will also find Sanz enea, a palace now used as a library, the tower house of Dorre Luzea, the Photomuseum (a family-friendly museum about 0.4 miles out), Dotorekoa etxea, the town hall and the Convent of Santa Clara, all within a quarter of a mile or so.
For greenery, the Iturraran botanical garden lies about 3 miles away, while two protected areas sit closer: Iñurritza at around 1 mile and Garate-Santa Barbara at about 1.2 miles. Torreoia, a castle site about 0.7 miles out, and the bell tower of the Church of Santa María la Real round off the cultural side.
Tours and tickets for the area can be booked directly from this page, where you will see the current options.
1beach
2monastery
3palace
4botanical gardenIturraran
3 miles from the centre · Photo
5palace
6palace
7museum
8protected areaIñurritza
1 mile from the centre · Photo
10castleTorreoia
1 mile from the centre · Photo
11castleChurch of Santa María la Real bell tower, Zarautz
In the centre · Photo
12palaceDotorekoa etxea
In the centre · Photo
Garate-Santa Barbara
protected area · 1 mile from the centre
Tours & tickets in Zarautz
Guided tours, day trips and tickets in and around Zarautz can be booked in advance, priced in GBP.
See tours & tickets (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)Where to stay in Zarautz
Choosing a Base in Zarautz
Zarautz is a modest-sized town, and almost everything of note lies within half a mile of the centre, so the main choice is between staying close to the beach or among the historic palaces and convents a short walk inland. Either way, the beach and the old buildings are only minutes apart on foot.
If you prefer quieter surroundings, the edges of town towards the Iñurritza protected area or the Garate-Santa Barbara hills put you nearer to nature while keeping the centre within easy reach. This page shows live hotel prices so you can compare what is available for your dates.
Hire a car
The easiest way to reach Zarautz and the villages around it is a hire car from Bilbao (BIO), about 53 min away.
Best time to visit Zarautz
When to Visit Zarautz
- 13°CJan175 mm
- 14°CFeb132 mm
- 17°CMar108 mm
- 17°CApr112 mm
- 19°CMay153 mm
- 22°CJun91 mm
- 24°CJul55 mm
- 24°CAug165 mm
- 23°CSept148 mm
- 22°COct170 mm
- 18°CNov181 mm
- 14°CDec184 mm
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
July is the standout month: it is the warmest, with highs of about 24°C and lows of 17°C, and by far the driest, with around 55mm of rain over 10 days. August matches July for warmth but is much wetter, at roughly 165mm. June and September are pleasant alternatives, with highs of 22°C and 23°C.
This is green Atlantic Spain, so rain falls in every month. The wettest stretch runs from October to January, with December, November and January each bringing upwards of 170mm. March and May have the most rainy days, around 19 each. Winters are mild, with highs of 13°C to 14°C. Pack a waterproof whatever the season.
Full monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 6°C | 175 mm | 5 h |
| Feb | 14°C | 6°C | 132 mm | 6 h |
| Mar | 17°C | 8°C | 108 mm | 8 h |
| Apr | 17°C | 9°C | 112 mm | 9 h |
| May | 19°C | 12°C | 153 mm | 10 h |
| Jun | 22°C | 16°C | 91 mm | 10 h |
| Jul | 24°C | 17°C | 55 mm | 10 h |
| Aug | 24°C | 17°C | 165 mm | 10 h |
| Sept | 23°C | 15°C | 148 mm | 10 h |
| Oct | 22°C | 14°C | 170 mm | 7 h |
| Nov | 18°C | 10°C | 181 mm | 6 h |
| Dec | 14°C | 7°C | 184 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 airport (BIO) is the closest, about 37 miles away and roughly 53 minutes by car, and it has direct flights from the United Kingdom. Santander (SDR) also has direct UK flights and is about 83 miles away, around two hours' drive. Zaragoza (ZAZ), with direct UK flights too, is about 126 miles and some three hours away.
If you would rather bring your own car, Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth to Bilbao in roughly 28 to 32 hours, with the port about 43 miles from Zarautz. Santander, around 83 miles away, has sailings from Portsmouth (about 24 to 32 hours) and Plymouth (about 20 hours). Driving all the way from Calais takes around 13 hours on the road.
By air
- Bilbao (BIO)37 miles, about 53 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Santander (SDR)83 miles, about 1 h 59 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Zaragoza (ZAZ)126 miles, about 2 h 59 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
By car and ferry
Driving from Calais takes roughly 13 h 4 min without stops. Nearest ferry ports: Bilbao (43 miles), Santander (83 miles).
Zarautz is good for
Around Zarautz
Day Trips Along the Basque Coast
Getaria is the closest neighbour, only about 2 miles away, with Orio a similar distance in the other direction at around 2.5 miles. Zumaia, a town of nearly 9,000 people, is about 4 miles along the coast.
Donostia / San Sebastián, the largest city nearby with around 185,000 residents, is just 10 miles away, as is Hernani. Inland, Azpeitia lies about 9 miles off, while Astigarraga and Tolosa are both around 11 miles away, making all of them easy half-day outings.
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Tips from Robin
Practical Tips for Your Stay
Bring rain gear even in high summer: August averages around 165mm of rain, and only July is reliably drier. Plan indoor options such as the Photomuseum for showery days.
With a population of about 22,600 and most sights within half a mile of the centre, Zarautz is easy to explore on foot, so car hire is mainly useful for the botanical garden at Iturraran and trips to neighbouring towns. The town sits barely above sea level, so walks along the front and through the centre are flat and family-friendly.
Questions people ask
How far is Zarautz from Bilbao airport?
Bilbao airport is about 37 miles from Zarautz, a drive of roughly 53 minutes. It has direct flights from the United Kingdom, making it the most convenient gateway. Santander airport is the next option, around 83 miles and two hours away.
Is Zarautz good for a family beach holiday?
Yes. Zarautz beach lies under half a mile from the centre and is well suited to families. The Photomuseum and the Iturraran botanical garden, about 3 miles away, offer extra family outings, and the flat, compact town is easy to walk with children.
What is the weather like in Zarautz in summer?
Summers are mild, with highs around 22°C in June and 24°C in July and August. July is the driest month, with about 55mm of rain over 10 days, while August is noticeably wetter at roughly 165mm, so pack a light waterproof.
Can I take a ferry from the UK to near Zarautz?
Yes. Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth to Bilbao, about 43 miles from Zarautz, in roughly 28 to 32 hours. Santander, around 83 miles away, has crossings from Portsmouth and from Plymouth, the latter taking about 20 hours.
How far is Zarautz from San Sebastián?
Donostia / San Sebastián is only about 10 miles from Zarautz, so it makes an easy day trip. The smaller coastal towns of Getaria and Orio are even closer, each roughly 2 to 2.5 miles away.