Camping at the Gateway to Spain

Beautiful, elegant, charming, stately… There’s no shortage of superlatives to describe San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque), considered by many to be the tourist capital of the Basque Country. Located about 30 kilometers from the campsite, the city boasts one of the world’s most beautiful bays, La Concha, and three urban beaches: La Concha, Zurriola, and Ondarreta. Surrounded by mountains and viewpoints — Igeldo, Urgull, Ulia, and Santa Clara Island — San Sebastián offers exceptional panoramic views of the ocean and the Pyrenees.

The city center is home to characteristic monuments such as the Victoria Eugenia Theater, the Hotel Maria Cristina, the Town Hall, and the Buen Pastor Cathedral. Over the centuries, San Sebastián has preserved its romantic aura inherited from the Belle Époque, when the European aristocracy stayed there every summer. Ancient monuments coexist with modern architectural proposals, such as the Kursaal Congress Center, designed by Rafael Moneo, or Eduardo Chillida’s famous Wind Comb (Peine del Viento), an icon of the city.

The Old Town (Parte Vieja) is the beating heart of San Sebastián. Its pedestrian streets are packed with pintxo bars where you can sample prestigious Basque gastronomy. It’s no coincidence that San Sebastián is the city with the most Michelin stars per square metre in the world! Traditional markets offer the region’s finest raw materials. The people of San Sebastián have remained faithful to their popular traditions: the tamborrada (drum parade), the Santo Tomás market and the train regattas set the pace for life in the city.

Hondarribia (Fontarrabie in French, Fuenterrabia in Spanish) is one of the most picturesque villages in the Spanish Basque Country. Located opposite Hendaye (Hendaye), on the left bank of the Bidassoa estuary, it is accessible in a few minutes by car, on foot, or by sea shuttle from Hendaye marina (a crossing of about 5 minutes).

Dominated by the mouth of the Bidassoa, the city was built as a strategic stronghold. Its very well-preserved ramparts, its medieval houses with colorful facades and flowered balconies, and the very sober Castle of Charles V — now a Parador Nacional — make Hondarribia an essential stop for visiting Spain from the French Basque Country. The Santa Maria Gate, the main entrance to the city, leads to the heart of the historic center where the Santa Marta de la Asuncion y del Manzano church and the Plaza de Armas, lined with stately homes, stand.

The La Marina district, the former fishermen’s quarter, has preserved its small Basque houses with freshly repainted half-timbering. This is where pintxos bars and lively terraces are concentrated. At the end of the day, during the paseo, the terraces are full and the atmosphere is festive.

Hondarribia beach, 800 meters long, is particularly popular with families for its calm waters and facilities (lifeguards, showers, changing rooms). A seafront promenade connects the beach to the fishing and yachting port.

Irun, located on the Franco-Spanish border, is the first Spanish city encountered when crossing the Bidassoa. Less touristy than its neighbors, it nevertheless offers beautiful discoveries for history and nature lovers. The city center houses the Nuestra Senora del Juncal church and San Juan Harria square, where local festivals take place. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails that wind around the Txingudi Bay, a nature reserve shared between Hendaye, Irun, and Hondarribia.

There are many activities to do in Spain from the Itsas Mendi campsite:

Taste pintxos: the tapas bars of San Sebastián and Hondarribia are renowned for the quality of their pintxos, these generous appetizers that accompany a glass of txakoli (local white wine) or Basque cider.

Swim on the beaches: La Concha in San Sebastián, Hondarribia beach, or the wild coves of the coast offer ideal swimming conditions. Stroll through the historic centers: cobbled streets, colorful facades, Gothic churches, and lively squares invite you to wander.

Hiking: the Chemin de la Baie trail connects Hendaye to Hondarribia over 14 km, offering breathtaking views of the Bidassoa estuary.

Attend traditional festivals: the Alarde de Hondarribia (September 8), the Tamborrada de San Sebastian (January 20), and numerous local festivals punctuate the year.

Go shopping: the boutiques of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and San Sebastián offer local products, clothing, and Basque crafts.

Tourism in Spain from the French Basque Country promises exotic days just a few minutes from the campsite. Enjoy your getaway!