5 plans to enjoy inland Gipuzkoa
Located just 5 minutes from Donostia-San Sebastian, between the sea and the mountains, sheltered by the Aiako Harria Natural Park, and bathed by the sea of the unique Bay of Pasaia, this region combines tradition and modernity. Here we suggest 5 TOP plans for you to get to know this exceptional territory in depth.
1. Seafaring tradition in Pasaia
In this municipality that surrounds the shore of a bay of calm waters, and sheltered by imposing cliffs, a visit to the traditional tuna boat Mater, a unique museum that offers a wide range of activities related to culture and the marine environment, and to the Albaola Maritime Factory, where you can see the construction of a replica of a 16th century whaler, are a must.
Strolling through the historic quarters of Pasai Donibane and Pasai San Pedro, walking through their unique narrow cobbled streets, built between the mountain and the sea, with their peculiar bridge-houses and historic buildings, will take you back in time.
2. Lezo, a jewel to be discovered
Next to the Bay of Pasaia and at the foot of Mount Jaizkibel... In its historic quarter stands the Basilica of Santo Cristo, famous since ancient times for its beardless Christ. This Renaissance basilica is surrounded by small streets of emblazoned and semi-detached square houses that make up a perfectly preserved and charming historic quarter.
3. Nature in its purest form
One of the closest natural sites to the capital of Gipuzkoa and one that offers an infinite number of options for enjoying nature in all its splendour is the Aiako Harria Natural Park.
From Donostia - San Sebastián begins a 17 km route that is fully adapted for both pedestrians and cyclists, reaching Oiartzun via an urban cycle lane. From Oiartzun we can take the Arditurri Greenway, the old railway line used to transport the ore extracted from the Arditurri mines, in the heart of the Natural Park, to the port of Pasaia.
These mines, already exploited in Roman times, are now open to the public, where you can go deep into the bowels of the mountain and explore its galleries. There are also two other unique museums along the way: Luberri - Geological Interpretation Centre - and Soinuenea Basque Popular Music Centre.
4. The coast of Gipuzkoa
The Fort of San Marcos, crowning the summit of Mount Bizarain in Errenteria, is considered to be the best viewpoint on the entire coast of Gipuzkoa.
This 19th-century Carlist building, which will reopen its doors at Easter, allows you to walk from its deep secret passages to the top of its viewpoint.
You can also take advantage of the journey to visit the centre of Errenteria. Once known as "little Manchester" because of its great industrial tradition, it is home to a historic quarter that has been declared a Monumental Site, with medieval remains and where you can visit Jantziaren Zentroa, a museum that allows you to learn about the evolution of clothing over the centuries and discover the history of fashion and the way of dressing in the Basque Country.
5. Savouring our gastronomy
In Errenteria, Lezo, Oiartzun and Pasaia, as well as tasting, you can also experience our gastronomy by getting your hands dirty with the freshest ingredients from our land and sea. All this thanks to the gastronomic experiences that can be enjoyed in this region: traditional cooking or fish canning workshops, a tasting visit to a duck product workshop or a complete experience where you can learn about the relationship between the sea and cider... All of these experiences will allow you to learn, touch, feel and savour our gastronomy.
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