Key Facts about Getaria, Spain

Location

Getaria is a charming Basque coastal village located in the province of Gipuzkoa, in northern Spain’s Basque Country. Nestled between Zarautz and Zumaia, this fishing town sits along the Bay of Biscay, just 25 km west of San Sebastián. With its small harbor, dramatic cliffs, and surrounding vineyards, Getaria perfectly combines maritime heritage and Basque sophistication.

Known for

Getaria is best known as the birthplace of famous fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga and navigator Juan Sebastián Elcano, the first person to circumnavigate the globe. It’s also renowned for its Txakolí wine, grilled seafood, and old harbor charm. The town captures the essence of Basque coastal life — authentic, flavorful, and deeply connected to the sea.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April–June): Perfect weather for wine tours and seaside walks.

• Summer (July–August): Lively atmosphere, festivals, and outdoor dining by the sea.

• Autumn (September–October): Mild climate and grape harvest season for Txakolí wines.

• Winter (November–March): Quiet, picturesque, and ideal for slow travelers seeking calm.

Local Language

Basque (Euskara) and Spanish. English is spoken in tourist areas and restaurants.

Currency

Euro (€).

Getting There

• By car: Around 30 minutes from San Sebastián and 1 hour from Bilbao via the AP-8 motorway.

• By train: Frequent local trains connect Getaria with San Sebastián and Bilbao.

• By bus: Regular services from San Sebastián and Zarautz.

• By air: The nearest airports are San Sebastián Airport (45 minutes) and Bilbao Airport (1 hour).

• By foot: Part of the Camino del Norte, a scenic coastal route of the Camino de Santiago.

Top Attractions

• Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum: A world-class museum dedicated to the legendary fashion designer.

• Getaria Old Town: Cobblestone streets, traditional Basque houses, and ocean-view cafés.

• Port and Waterfront: Watch fishermen bring in the day’s catch or enjoy a meal overlooking the harbor.

• San Salvador Church: A late Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site for its link to Elcano’s voyage.

• Mount San Antón (“The Mouse of Getaria”): A forested hill resembling a mouse — with hiking trails and panoramic views.

• Txakolí Vineyards: Visit nearby wineries for tastings of the region’s signature white wine.

• Beaches (Gaztetape & Malkorbe): Ideal for swimming and relaxing with stunning views.

Local Specialties

• Txakolí wine: Crisp, slightly sparkling white wine unique to the Basque coast.

• Grilled seafood (especially turbot and anchovies): Cooked over open charcoal grills at harborside restaurants.

• Pintxos: Basque-style tapas served in bars throughout town.

• Basque cider and Idiazabal cheese.

• Txangurro (stuffed crab) and bacalao pil-pil (codfish in olive oil and garlic).

Notable Events

• San Salvador Festival (August): The town’s main celebration, honoring its patron saint with parades and music.

• Txakolí Wine Festival (May): Tastings and vineyard tours showcasing Getaria’s most famous export.

• San Sebastián–Getaria Swim (July): A long-distance open-water race across the Bay of Biscay.

• Basque Country Culinary Events (Year-round): Food fairs celebrating local cuisine and sustainability.