Still undecided on where to spend your holidays? I suggest Lekeitio, a national destination with a seafaring flavor, ideal for improvising and where, moreover, you won’t melt from the heat. More than enough reasons to head to this corner of the north. There is much to see in Lekeitio, but above all much to do, starting with shamelessly flirting with the Cantabrian Sea; you just have to choose how you like to do it best, whether by giving it your body on the beach, winking at it from the heights or caressing it on board a boat.
What to see in Lekeitio
Here are several ideas to discover together not only what to see in Lekeitio, but also to start a love affair with the Cantabrian Sea that you will never forget.
Between the giant cities of Bilbao and San Sebastián, this small fishing village in Biscay awaits you with open arms to discover its glorious past, fall in love with the hospitality of its people, and get hooked on the wild beauty of its Cantabrian coast. Whether you only have a weekend, or you are lucky enough to have a week or a fortnight of holidays, this corner will not disappoint you because there are many things to see in Lekeitio. Here are some plans you shouldn’t miss, but of course, they are not the only ones.
Walk on water to Garraitz Island
Can you imagine being able to walk over the sea to reach an island? In this corner of the Biscayan coast, it is possible to walk to Garraitz Island, also known as San Nicolás, as long as you take the tide schedule into account, as the low tide reveals a breakwater that facilitates access on foot as if it were a walkway.
Today this island, located right in front of Isuntxa beach, is nothing more than a rock covered with pines and shrubs that offers beautiful views of Lekeitio but, centuries ago, it was the place where monks cared for leprosy patients to prevent contagion. Be careful, don’t spend too long exploring the island; remember that if the tide rises, you will be trapped there.
Stroll through the old town of Lekeitio
The charm of Lekeitio is not only by the sea, but also in its narrow streets dotted with palaces and towers that bear witness to the glorious past of this village which, during the 19th century, hosted European kings and aristocrats who came here to spend the summer. But among so many buildings with noble coats of arms, you will also find old fishermen’s houses, especially in Arranegi street which runs parallel to the port.
The best way not to miss anything, and also get closer to its history, is to rent an audio guide for only €3 at the Lekeitio Tourist Office, located in Plaza de la Independencia. Stay alert during your walk to also discover the remains of the medieval wall that are still standing.
Of course, don’t forget one of the most prominent places to see in Lekeitio: the Basilica of the Assumption of Saint Mary. Its imposing silhouette, reminiscent of the Palma de Mallorca Cathedral, seems to keep a close eye on the port. The beauty of its late Gothic style facade hypnotizes anyone who looks at it, but the interior is even more enchanting, featuring its imposing Gothic-Flemish polychrome wooden altarpiece which rivals other important ones such as those of Seville or Toledo Cathedrals.
Relax on its beaches
Put on your best bikini and get ready for one of the best things to do in Lekeitio: relax. I suggest you disconnect on a pleasant summer day bathing in the Cantabrian Sea at the charming Isuntxa beach, located in the center. Being located in the heart of the bay, its waters are very calm, making it ideal for the little ones.
Additionally, Isuntxa has fresh water showers and is accessible for people with reduced mobility. When the tide is low, you can walk across the mouth of the Lea River and reach Karraspio, the neighboring beach belonging to the town of Mendetxa.
If you want to change the view, take the car and follow the coast until you reach Laga beach to be surprised by its intact beauty. In this beautiful golden sandy area, guarded by Cape Ogoño and in the heart of the Urdabai Biosphere Reserve, it is easy to find surfers living alongside bathers. If you are going to spend the day there, keep in mind that the only service is a restaurant, so either book in advance or bring your ready-to-eat salad.
Discover its seafaring essence
Note another of the attractions to see in Lekeitio: its port. A corner that is the soul of this village, a place to savor without haste and admire from different angles and at different times of the day. Only then can you fully enjoy this place where, centuries ago, whale hunters used to stop.
Today, you can still breathe its seafaring essence, the identity mark of Lekeitio, contributed to by the small fishing boats that continue to supply fresh produce to the women who then sell this fish in the same port.
I recommend sitting down for a drink at one of the many terraces along the promenade. If you don’t know which one to choose, let yourself be guided, for example, by the tasty smell of grilled baby squid that will surely lead you to a good destination.
From the port, you can also see the ‘traineras’ departing or arriving. This traditional sport enjoys many followers here, as shown by the members of the Isuntxa rowing club.
Adventure on board a kayak
The more restless won’t get bored because there is much to do in Lekeitio. It has a wide range of activities to add a dose of adventure to your holidays. Take your sailor’s soul for a walk by renting a kayak, whether to go into fresh water through the mouth of the Lea River or to sail on the Cantabrian Sea.
If you choose the latter option, it is worth booking a guided tour with the guys from UR Urdabai because you will learn a lot of interesting things from the instructor and, besides circling Garraitz Island, they can take you to a small hidden cove that, hundreds of years ago, was used as a stone quarry for millwheels. Let’s see if you’re lucky and find the wheel that is still stranded in this corner.
Scan the horizon from the Santa Catalina lighthouse
From the center of Lekeitio, there is a pleasant coastal walk that takes you to the Santa Catalina Lighthouse next to the hermitage of the same name. In addition to being able to have a coffee with luxury sea views, don’t miss the interior of the lighthouse which houses an interpretation center where you can learn, in an entertaining and educational way, about the history of navigation.
If you are looking for something to see in Lekeitio with children, here it is. The little ones will have a great time inside with the simulator that takes you on a virtual boat trip from Lekeitio to Elantxobe.
If you go in the afternoon, stay until the sun goes down because from there you will enjoy an unforgettable sunset in Lekeitio.
What to see near Lekeitio
If you are going to be there for a few days, take the opportunity to explore the surroundings because there is much to see near Lekeitio. A few kilometers away you have small gems such as the village of Elantxobe, (in the photo) an architectural feat built between two cliffs, sheltered by Cape Ogoño.
One of the things you can also do is go to Bermeo to enjoy the boat trip along the Urdabai coast to see those same beautiful landscapes from a different perspective and even discover sea caves that are not accessible from land.
Following that same coast, drive until you reach Laida beach and the marshes of the Urdabai Biosphere Reserve, a perfect place for bird watching.
Very nearby, but inland, you will find the Oma Forest, a creation by artist Agustín Ibarrola who painted the tree trunks with colors and shapes.
Leave plenty of time to calmly enjoy this magical corner, keeping in mind that the only way to reach the forest entrance is on foot, which will take you about 45 minutes. The route starts from the Santimamiñe Caves, an important archaeological site with many cave paintings where it is worth losing yourself for a while.
Important: Currently (April 2022), the Oma forest remains temporarily closed due to a plague affecting the trees. You can check its reopening on the official Oma Forest website
Where to stay in Lekeitio
Less than ten minutes’ walk from the beach and the bustling center, you will find the bucolic Hotel Zubieta surrounded by green pastures, rolling hills, and aromatic eucalyptus. This four-star accommodation, located in the former stables of the 17th-century Zubieta Palace, is the perfect place to disconnect, have a leisurely breakfast in the sun in its delightful garden, relax with a drink by the fireplace in its indoor lounge or, in summer, freshen up in its swimming pool.
Everything here is aimed at making you feel luxurious, from its charming staff who go out of their way to help and will give you tips on what to see in Lekeitio, to its careful decoration where no detail is missing. Furthermore, if you like to travel with your bike, or want to rent one to explore the area, you should know that this is a truly bike-friendly hotel.
What to eat in Lekeitio
It’s no secret that the gastronomy of northern Spain is finger-licking good, so prepare your stomach for all the delicacies this corner of the north has to offer. Because while there is much to see in Lekeitio, there is also much to eat. Start, for example, with some anchovies or some typical txipis (baby squid) grilled as they are prepared at the Erkiaga tavern, on the corner of Plaza de la Independencia.
Continue with the delights provided by the sea and surrender to the powerful flavor of cod ‘al pil-pil’ accompanied, of course, by a txakoli white wine. To finish, try the Goxua, the traditional dessert of the area made from pastry cream, whipped cream, and sponge cake (in the photo).
