Pasai Donibane.
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Setting off from San Sebastián towards Irún, and driving along the N- 1, we find the populous industrial town of Rentería, which is about 7 Km away from San Sebastián. The well-known port of Pasaia is at the mouth of the River Oiartzun, which flows through the town. Turning off the N-1, and driving along the C-510 we arrive in...
Pasai Donibane.
PASAI DONIBANE. One of the three towns which make up the municipality of Pasaia. The other two are Pasai San Pedro and Pasai Antxo, all of them located around the port. In Pasai Donibane, the houses are built along the small fiord etched out by the River Oiartzun, on its way out to the sea. Across the river is Pasai San Pedro, linked by a regular boat service. A stroll through the single, narrow Calle de San Juan, with its bridge houses, leads to the Plaza de Santiago (one of the most typical and charming of the coastal towns) with its characteristic seaport architecture. The Town Hall and a pelota court are situated there. In the centre of the town San Juan Bautista parish church, "Santo Cristo de la Bonanza" hermitage, and the pretty roadside cross "La Piedad", located just across the jetty, are worth a visit.
A beautiful spot next to Santa Ana hermitage Pasai Donibane.
Towering above the houses is Santa Ana hermitage. Interesting and historical palacial houses mark out the way, and among them are the houses of Almirante (Arizabalo), Victor Hugo, Villaviciosa and Platain.
We recommend a short, beautiful stroll towards the mouth of the River Oiartzun, walking along the right bank of the fiord in Pasaia, and then admiring the ruins of Santa Isabel Castle.
The road to Jaizkibel leads to Arritokieta, next to the ruins of Calabursa fort, at the top of the mountain. There is Pasai Donibane's amusement area, which has a pelota court and a sports centre.
Driving back towards Lezo, opposite the power station at the port, the C-1010 starts winding up the foothills of Jaizkibel, the scene of one of the most important fixtures in the car racing calendar: "the Ascent to Jaizkibel".
Jaizkibel summit, bristling with aerials, is 549 m high. An excellent vantage point from which there is a wonderful panoramic view over the coast and the Txingudi Bay, with the beautiful estuary of the River Bidasoa.
The remains of the old San Enrique Fort can also be seen on this summit.
On the way down towards Hondarribia, and close to the provincial state-owned hotel, there is an orientation table and attractive views. Nearby are Iskulin dolmen, and Jaizkibel cromlechs.
Once in the municipality of Hondarribia, and driving down towards the centre, the tower of the Shrine of "Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe" emerges from behind; a sharp bend in a very good position, next to the military installations of Guadalupe Fort, it has a recreation area, a car park, and a open green area. A few kilometres further on is...
HONDARRIBIA. A fortified town located on the left bank of the beautiful Txingudi Bay. On the other side of the mouth of the River Bidasoa, and competing with Hondarribia Beach, is Hendaia Beach, with the twin crags of Ondarraitz in the background.
A military parade in the Plaza de Armas. Hondarribia. (See "Festivities").
The old town centre is completely fortified, and surrounded by parks and gardens. The historic Santa María's Gate opens onto the Calle Mayor, leading to the Palace of Charles V, nowadays a state-owned hotel. There are many fine buildings and spots worth visiting in the centre such as "Nuestra Señora de la Asunción" parish church, the Fortified House of Etxebeste, the already mentioned Charles V State-owned Hotel, the Town Hall, Casadevante Palace, Zuloaga Palace, the "Plaza de Vicario", the "Calle Pampinot", etc. Outside the town centre, La Marina district, with its characteristic streets, its fishermen's houses, and its promenade (a popular place in the summer) deserves a special mention.
Aerial view of Txingudi Bay. Hondarribia.
A relaxing walk along the River Bidasoa leads to the famous Hondarribia Beach. Nearby is the sheltering harbour for fishermen and many pleasure boats. A bit further on, the Frailes Beach, Amuitz Island and San Telmo Castle, close to Cape Higuer with the lighthouse of the same name, complete a landscape of remarkable beauty. It is possible to travel further along as far as Artsu, Zuatxipi and Biosnar coves.
Camping sites: the Faro de Higuer, and Jaizkibel. A golf club and good sports facilities.
In the villages of Akartegi, Montaña and Jaizubia there are some farmsteads of historical values such as Justiz and Artsu; and Santiago Apostol (Santiagotxo) and Saindua hermitages.
A road going through Mendelu district links up with...
IRUN. A border town separated from Hendaia by the River Bidasoa, which before reaching Santiago Bridge, washes the Islands of Galera, Santiago-Aurre, Iku-Kanala, and the historical Los Faisanes Island.
The "Plaza de San Juan" is at the end of the Avenida Colón, the most important part of the town with the splendid building of the Town Hall, and the well-known column of San Juan Arri dating from the XVI century. Nearby is Arbelaitz Palace, and opposite is "Nuestra Señora del Juncal" parish church, which houses the oldest Romanesque statue of the Virgin in Gipuzkoa.
According to leyend, the Virgin appeared in the reeds of a spring not far from the place where the church was built.
On a hill, towards the south-east stands the white Hermitage of San Marcial. There is an area for recreation.
Close to the Plaza de Urdanibia, where a weekly market is held, is Santa Helena (Ama Xantalen) hermitage; the remains of a Roman temple were discoved under its fundations.
In Jaizubia Park we find the remarkable Urdanibia House, with its windmill kept in perfect condition. Beraun House stands beside the parish church.
Daybreak at "Peña de Aia".
A trip to the "Peña de Aia" makes a pleasant journey; it takes us along the route to Meaka district, past the remains of the fountains of Erlaiz and Pagogaña, until we reach Aireko Soroa (areas for recreation, with tables and a fountain), where we find the ruins of the "Englishman's Castle", the starting point of an enjoyable mountain walk. (From here, it is possible to go down and to the next point on the itinerary: Oiartzun).
From Irún, and before we reach the new section of the N-1, and the system of flyovers to the Bilbao-Behobia motorway, the N-1 goes towards Landetxa district. Here you take the C-500 to the town of...
OIARTZUN. The square and the main nucleus are located in Elizalde district, on the slope of Mount Urkabe. But Oiartzun is composed of the districts of Arragua, Arditurri, Altzibar, Ergoien, Gurutze, Iturriotz, Karrika and Ugaldetxo, which are scattered around a magnificent valley through which the river of the same name flows.
Of outstanding interest in Elizalde district are San Esteban parish church, the Town Hall, located in the town square, and Arpidenia and Ibargain Houses. The old Hospital of San Juan Bautista is beside the church.
In Altzibar district there is a fine wayside cross, some unusual bridges across the River Oiartzun, and beautiful houses and farmsteads.
In Ergoien distric we find the old oblond site of Palaziyo, and Olaberria foundry.
Setting off from Gurutze district, you can make a trip to Arkale crags, the location of the remains of Beloaga Castle. Nearby is the farmstead and the Roman tombstone of Anderregi.
In Iturrioz district, the famous old Tower of Iturrioz, the Garbuno farmstead, the fortified house of Makutso, and the interesting wayside cross: Bekosoroko Gurutzea.
In Karrika district the fortified houses of Arraskue and Bidasoro, with their windmill. It is possible to visit the interesting Ozenzio hermitage.
In Ugaldetxo district Torre Garro, Xoraburu and Zuaznabar Houses, and the famous Torres cave.
In Arditurri district, at the foot of the "Peña de Aia", are the galleries of the old Roman mines of Arditurri.
Throughout the municipality, historical traces and remanins can be found, the most important being the megalithic sites of Egiar, Oianleku, Errenga, Arritxieta-Basate, etc., with their well preserved cromlechs.
There are several recreation areas such as Arritxulegi, Pikoketa, Amexti, Oianleku and Aireko Kaxkua; it is possible to tour the area on horseback.
Oiartzun has a racetrack, a pelota court, and sports facilities.
Having first obtained an entry permit from the City Council in San Sebastián, we recommend a visit to the beautiful property of Artikutza, a leafy valley stocked with beech, oak and chestnut trees. The whole impressive and lovely area, dotted with gleaming white farmsteads is worth a visit.
The country road continues along the old route of the old royal path, and from Ugaldetxo district, passing through the industrial estate, ascends to a hill known as Ventas de Astigarraga. Turning left, after a left-hand intersection, in a few kilometres we arrive at Liztorreta Park (an area for recreation), and the famous Aitzbitarte or Landarbaso caves. The dolmenic site of Igoin-Akola is nearby. After a short descent, we come to the town of Astigarraga, which recently became independent of San Sebastián.
ASTIGARRAGA. In the town centre the square, the Town Hall, the ground for stone dragging trials, and "Nuestra Señora de la Asunción" parish church, within the grounds of this ancient palace, should be mentioned.
Located on the slope of Mount Santiago, Santiago Mendi district is worth visiting. A good vantage point across the fertile plain of the Urumea. Further up, at the top of the mountain, is Santiago hermitage.
Astigarraga is well known for its famous cider bars scattered around the municipality, where traditionally, from the middle of January to the middle of April, delicious draught cider can be tasted. Astigarraga is only four or five kilometres away from San Sebastián.
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