St.JAMES WAY, Basque WHALERS and HONDARRIBIA - Private Cultural Adventure

We will pick you up in the morning and walk to Gros district. From Sagües you’ll start the hike of Mount Ulia that forms a part of the coastal version of pilgrimage called by Spaniards ‘camino de Santiago’ or St. James Way in English.

This path is locally known as ‘Ruta del Faro de la Plata’ because it pases next to the bulit in 1855 lighthouse (sp. faro) located at the entrance to the port of Pasajes. You will walk along rocky coast passing spectacular coves, rugged cliffs and artistically shaped sandstone rock formations. Mount Ulia was an important migratory whales lookout in 16th and 17th century and it’s a perfect place to learn about the significant role of ocean in the life of Basques.

The coastal path will finally take us to the village of San Pedro. It’s time to visit Albaola - the sea factory of the Basques. Museum and a shipyard where the local engineers and carpenters are building from scratch a replica of 16th century whaling ship using exclusively traditional techniques!

From San Pedro we will embark on a tiny boat which will take us to the twin village - San Juan located on the other side of the channel. You will immerse yourself in a sleepy atmosphere of this medieval fishing village and enjoy a 3-course traditional Basque lunch with a bottle of local wine! Topa (cheers)!

Having discovered colorful stories of Basque sailors, pirates and whalers you will be chauffeured to Hondarribia. We will drive along a scenic Mount Jaizkibel road. The 457 m high Jaizkibel mountain is considered one of the major areas of biodiversity in the Cantabrian Coast and the view from its top are just breathtaking!

Hondarribia! It’s high time to discover this picturesque town located right on the border with France. You will visit the fortified part of Hondarribia. Its narrow streets, flowers draped from the balconies and medieval charm creates an extraordinary atmosphere and cultural context. We will also take time to discover a hidden collection of tapestries by Rubens in the castle of Emperor Charles V.

Next up, you will continue towards the fishermen’s village called Marina, where the elderly congregate on benches along packed with bustling pintxo bars San Pedro Street. Colorful buildings located along this promenade used to be old fish markets and fishermen’s huts.