Route 1.

ALONG THE COAST OF GIPUZKOA

Itinerary
DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIAN - Igeldo District - ORIO - ZARAUTZ - Meagas District - GETARIA - ZUMAIA - Itziar District - DEBA - MUTRIKU - Saturraran District.

We leave San Sebastián driving through Ondarreta, and take the road to the lighthouse, past Igeldo amusement park on Mount Arrobi. A delighfful journey along a country road that goes through pleasant fields in Igeldo district, where there are many restaurants, cider bars, and wonderful views across Tximistarri, Galea and Agiti coves. The road winds its way down the south-west side of Mendizorrotz summit up to the beautiful beach at Orio.

Mending nets in the fishing port, Orio.

ORIO. Located on the estuary of the River Oria. A fishing port famous for its regattas. A wonderful beach close to the centre of the town. A first-class camping site. Sports facilities. An interesting visit to the old part, to San Nicolás church (through two quaint entrances: Sakila and Salatxo) and to San Juan hermitage, which is close to the beach, and where you arrive after a relaxing walk along the riverside. Taking the N-634 (an A-road), and after reaching Orio height the road goes down to...

ZARAUTZ. Situated on a fertile plain between Mount Santa Bárbara and Mount Talaimendi, it has a popular beach. A visit to the old part with its narrow streets, its typical spots, its attractive palaces and fortified house such as Narros, Torreluzea, Portu (the present Town Hall), Makatza, and Santa María La Real church, close by the old town centre.

Zarautz by night.

Two wonderful vantage points provide a view over the town. To the west, and following the old and still well preserved coastal road through txakoli's grapevines, we come to the first of these: Santa Bárbara hermitage, situated on a cliff. To the east is the second one: Talaimendi hill, which is the location of Zarautz camping site, and the rustic Hermitage of San Martín de Ibaeta.

A wonderful view of the coast, and of the old loading bay in Mollari. There are interesting excursions around the countryside in Elkano, Urteta and Urdaneta districts, where some characteristic farmsteads such as Gurmendi, Agerre and Balentzegi-aundi, can be seen.

In Zarautz there are pelota courts, football grounds, a golf course, a sports centre, sports areas, and the remarkable Vista Alegre Park in Altamira.

Turning left, off the N-634, by the parish church and Narros Palace, we take the C-550 (a country road), and drive towards Meagas district. There is an intersection just before reaching Elkano district. On the right, the road goes up to Garate-Gain height from which an amazing view of Getaria can be seen.

The "Mouse of Getaria" at dawn.

GETARIA. A charming, genuine fishing village. A fishing port. A visit to its old part as well as a stroll through its streets is a must. Places of interest are: San Salvador parish church and its votive offering, "Nuestra Señora de la Piedad" hermitage in the unusual subway of Katrapona, below the church, the Town Hall, Larrumbide House, as well as other houses with family crests.

Monument to Juan Sebastián Elcano, which was originally to have been erected on what used to be called San Antón Island (the mouse of Getaria). Mount San Antón, a public park, was named after the old hermitage located there. In the past, it was a strategic spot for watching whales come in, as well as being a fantastic vantage point over the two beaches in Getaria: Gaztetape and Malkorbe-Aundi.

There are well known restaurants where txakoli, the local wine, can be tested. Sports facilities: a pelota court and a sports centre.

Driving along the N-634, at a place called Butrón-Zulo, next to the windmill, there is the turn-off to the rural districts of San Prudencio and Urkizu. Both places can also be reached from the town by following the cobbled coastal road. A visit to San Prudencio and San Martín de Tours hermitages in Askizu to enjoy the peacefulness of the country-side.

The road along the coast between Getaria and Zumaia.

The N-634 goes through Izustarri and Orruaga (there is a small beach at the low tide) and leads to...

ZUMAIA. Located at the mouth of the River Urola, this town has two beautiful beaches: Santiago, where is the museum of the painter Zuloaga; and Itzurun, a splendid natural spot on one of the many cliffs along the Basque coast. Places of interest are: San Miguel de Artadi, with a view over the fertile plain of the Urola, Oikina, Bedua and its shipyard, and Narrondo.

Zumaia at the mouth of the River Urola.

In the centre of the town, San Pedro church, Santa Maria de Arritokieta hermitage overlooking the town, San Telmo hermitage above Itzurun Beach, and the Discalced Carmelite Convent of San José close to the Town Hall. The stately homes of Olazabal, Torre Ubillos, Foronda and Torreberri are dotted around several streets in the town centre. There is also another museum, Julio Beobide's, in Kresala House.

In a pretty spot near the coast is Punta Mendata, a natural park, where it was at one time intended to build a nuclear power station.

Sports facilities: pelota courts and a sports centre.

Driving along the N-634, we come to Arrona district, which is part of Zumaia, and then the road winds up to a district in Deba...

ITZIAR. Located at the foot of Mount Andutz, close to a large industrial estate. Of interest, Santa Maria de Itziar parish church in Gothic style. There is an annual night pilgrimage from San Sebastián to this church. Our Lady of Itziar is one of the seven Virgins who left the disappeared Hermitage of San Sebastián in Ataun. Tradition says that one of them appeared to a young girl on the place where the temple now stands. An interesting trip along the coast towards Usarra in Itxaspe district. A camping site, and a recreation area.

A visit to the nearby district of Lastur, in a hollow to the south of Itziar, is also worth a visit. In the same area we find the famous Urtiaga cave on the hillside, where San Salvador hermitage is located.

Back on the N-634, we descend a very beautiful road to...

Aereal view of Deba.

DEBA. This is the former town of Monreal de Deba, and is located at the mouth of the River Deba. Santa María La Real church, with its attractive portico, and its very interesting closter, is worth a visit. In its picturesque streets we can also admire the homes of Agirre, Aldazabal, Bañez, Sasiola and Irarrazabal. Nearby, on the old road to Itziar, is San Roque hermitage, with its beautiful wooden portico. Up on the hill is Santa Catalina hermitage, an excellent vantage point.

Deba has many villages and districts scattered among the surrounding mountains; they can be reached by car. The most important are: Itziar, Arriola, Elorriaga, Lastur, Sasiola and Astigarribia, being the latter part of the municipality of Mutriku. Some of them have interesting panoramic views.

Deba offers a fine beach lined by a leafly promenade. Across the mouth of the river is Ondarbeltz Beach, in the borough of Mutriku; and on the rocks of Punta Mendata, in Aitzuri cove, is the unspoilt beach of Zakoneta.

Leaving the town, still driving along the N-634, we turn right, crossing over the railway line of the Basque Railways, and across the bridge over the Riber Deba; then, following the Gl-638 (before C-6212), and driving along the coast, we arrive in...

MUTRIKU. A fishing port located in small cove sheltered from the rough seas of the Bay of Biscay. A stroll through its streets, and a visit to the centre of the town, where we find "Nuestra Señora de la Asuncipón" church, the monument to Churruca in the Plaza Txurruka, the stately homes of "Torre Berriatua", Galdona, Gaztañeta, Montalibet, Olazarra, Zariel or Granada, and the Convent of M.M. Agustinas. Views across the fishing port.

Interesting excursions to Astigarribia district, where we find the remains of an old medieval road, and old jetty, the stately home of Torre, etc.; to Galdonamendi district, a charming place for recreation, where is "Andra Mari de Idurre" farmhouse-hermitage, and to Olatz district located in a place of natural beauty and lovely scenery.

There is a good view of the area from the excellent vantage point of "Santa Cruz del Calvario de Maya" hermitage.

Camping sites: Aitzeta, Santa Elena, Galdona and Saturrarán.

Driving along the road Gl-638, and before reaching the province of Bizcaia, is the beautiful Saturrarán Beach, which is the end of the route. There is a camping site there. Ondarroa, the first town in Bizkaia, is only two kilometres away.

It is only a short drive back to San Sebastián on the Bilbao-Behobia motorway; Itziar height is the nearest access. The route followed by the N-634 is one of special beauty and charming landscapes.