Today it’s a government-run hotel, but for over 1000 years this castle hosted knights and kings. Its position atop the old town hill gave it a commanding view over the strategic Bidasoa estuary, which has long marked the Spain–France border. Poke your head into the reception lobby to admire the medieval decor.
Castillo de Carlos V
Hondarribia
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
21.28 MILES
Although Getaria is mainly about sun, sand and seafood, don't miss a visit to the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa. Local boy Cristóbal became a giant in the…
10.61 MILES
Fulfilling almost every idea of how a perfect city beach should be formed, Playa de la Concha (and its westerly extension, Playa de Ondarreta) is easily…
10.5 MILES
Fear for your life as huge sharks bear down behind glass panes, or gaze at otherworldly jellyfish. The highlights of a visit to the city's excellent…
9.61 MILES
Stretching 800m in front of Gros, from the Kursaal to Monte Ulía, 'Zurri', as it's known locally, has some excellent waves that draw surfers from near and…
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6.7 MILES
The plain façade of France’s largest and finest Basque church conceals a splendid interior with a magnificent Baroque altarpiece. It was in front of this…
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18.08 MILES
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Musée Basque et de l'Histoire de Bayonne
18.25 MILES
If you're still getting to grips with the complex culture and history of the Basque region, this excellent ethnographic museum is a great place to start…
9.81 MILES
Designed by Rafael Moneo and opened in 1999, the Kursaal is one of the city's most striking buildings. Consisting of two cubes made of translucent glass…
Nearby Hondarribia attractions
0.01 MILES
Magnificent square Plaza de Armas transports you back to the Middle Ages, particularly with the Castillo de Carlos V lording over the cobblestones.
2. Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción
0.03 MILES
Construction of the Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción began in the 15th century, but works weren't completed until the 18th. This has left it with…
0.05 MILES
Hondarribia's walled historic centre, much of which dates to the 15th and 16th centuries, is an atmospheric grid of graceful plazas, cobbled lanes, and…
0.07 MILES
One of the most scenic squares in the old town, the Plaza de Gipuzkoa is ringed by atmospheric stone and timber houses from centuries past.
0.32 MILES
The main drag of Hondarribia's La Marina district, Calle San Pedro is a quaint pedestrian-only strip flanked by traditional fishers’ houses, with facades…
0.84 MILES
Just across the river from Hondarribia lies the pretty French town of Hendaye, linked by a regular passenger ferry. Apart from nibbling on perfectly flaky…
1.09 MILES
Hondarribia's sheltered beach is lined with bars and restaurants, and offers calm swimming waters. When the swell is running, there's a long right-hand…
1.51 MILES
It's a hefty hike from Hondarribia – a 4km walk uphill – but the Ermita de Guadalupe is well worth the effort it takes to reach it (you can also drive)…