A fjord in Spain’s Basque region? With its grand sea inlet cutting through sandstone cliffs, Pasaia surely fits the image. Situated mere kilometers away from San Sebastián, this harbor diligently maintains its legacy, blending nature and culture seamlessly.
Winding its way between the Ulia and Jaizkibel mountains, the Pasaia - which means “passage” in Basque - river is a breathtaking sight. This former whaling town, heir to a thousand-year-old maritime tradition, is an invitation to explore its picturesque lanes and delightful coastal trails.
Are you thinking about visiting the Basque Country? Here are some articles to assist you in getting ready for your stay:
- Basque Region: Top Wintertime Activities
- A (long) weekend in Bilbao: Top activities to enjoy in the heart of Biscaya
- Basque Country: 5 Must-Try Culinary Specialties When Visiting the Region
- Beautiful Villages of Basque Country: Must-see Locations in the Region
Two banks, one shared past.
On the other side of the channel, you can see the two shores of Pasaia, connected by the motoras , traditional shuttles that endlessly connect these two realms. One side features Donibane, which centers around a solitary cobblestone thoroughfare adorned with fishermen’s homes constructed of painted timber, alongside stately mansions dating back to the 16th century. th and 17 th Among these, the centuries-old museum in Victor Hugo's house The individual who resided there in 1843 keeps alive his recollection and wonderment for "this splendid and delightful location, embodying both joy and magnificence, an unparalleled site that ranks among the loveliest I've ever encountered." Near the waterfront, several structures audaciously extend directly from the rÃa, lending Pasaia a hint of Venice’s heritage.
The sensation of being at a harbor
Across from Pasaia, you'll discover San Pedro, a more frequented town known for its genuine ambiance centered around its fishing harbor. This is where the fascinating Albaola shipyard At the naval center, Basque maritime history comes alive. Inside this cultural hub, craftsmen diligently reconstruct the San Juan—a vessel among the earliest to traverse the Atlantic for Newfoundland before sinking off the coast of Canada in 1563. This ambitious endeavor preserves traditional shipbuilding methods that define the region’s seafaring heritage. Similarly, these cherished drag races mirror the activities once practiced by ancient Basque whale hunters who roamed these waters.
Between the heavens and the ocean
This outstanding location is complemented by the nearby mountains. Starting from San Pedro, the seaside trail leads uphill to Faro de la Plata, a lighthouse featuring towers reminiscent of a storybook, providing a stunning vista. San Sebastian and its iconic Concha Bay You can ascend to the peak of Jaizkibel, which stands at the highest point along the Cantabrian coast, starting from the opposite bank of the river. Hidden behind these sandstone cliffs lie intricate and vividly colored rock formations that have an almost hallucinatory quality. These elevated areas were formerly utilized as observation points by whalers, and they now feature enigmatic megalithic stone circles—a common sight throughout the Basque region. This coastal trail provides seasoned trekkers with an extraordinary journey across untamed heathlands and sheer cliff faces dotted occasionally with hidden coves. The vistas from every angle are breathtakingly beautiful.
Basque delicacies
The regional dishes highlight the bounty of the ocean using time-honored skills. family-run Casa Camara The restaurant was founded in 1884 at a location dating back to 1790. th A 100-year-old structure maintains an intriguing tradition: within the eating area, lobsters and crawfish navigate a live fish tank nourished by the undercurrents of the adjacent rÃa (an inlet formed where a river meets the sea). Similarly, various traditional eateries like this one continue to uphold their legacy. venerable Txulotxo Celebrate this maritime tradition with iconic dishes such as baked hake in tomato sauce or the exquisite spider crab gratiné. On egin !
Post a Comment