Hondarribia

Visit Hondarribia, Aquitaine

Hondarribia is a town just across the border from Saint-Jean-de-Luz into Spain. It is reached by an attractive coastal road via Hendaye. We have included here because it is a popular trip with people visiting the south-west corner of France.

The city has been under siege many times (and always held out), the worst being in 1638. That siege was finished on 8 September, and to this day the date is celebrated in the town by a parade.

Exploring Hondarribia

The city that has grown up around the medieval city of Hondarribia is less exciting, but the 'walled city' in the centre is a fascinating place. Hondarribia has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The fortifications that can now be seen, and many of the buildings, were built during the Renaissance.

I have added quite a few pictures in the galery below - it is hard to describe Hondarribia in words, but essentially it is a walled city that contains street after cobbled street of beautifully preserved and restored houses, all at the foot of an impressive church. Many of the buildings have elaborate wooden or iron balconies, and carved eaves.

After walking around admiring the city you can walk around the outside of the walls, now partly laid out as attractive gardens.

Other information

After you have completed your tour, continue to drive along the coast for a further 15km or so - the scenery is even better than the approach from St-Jean-de-Luz.

Note; the city was known for many years as Fuenterrabia, but reverted to its basque name, Honderribia, in the 1980's. It's French name is Fontarrabie.

We were pleased to stay at this St-Jean-de-Luz apartment during our visit. The Parador in the centre of the town also looked very attractive, if you are wanting to spend the night in Hondarribia.

Photos of Hondarribia (click any picture to start the gallery)

Suggested places to visit near Hondarribia, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Sare 18km; Biarritz 23km; Ainhoa 25km; Anglet 26km; Espelette 28km; Bayonne 29km; Cambo-les-Bains 32km; Itxassou 32km; Capbreton 43km; La Bastide-Clairence 44km; Hossegor 44km; Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 50km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Hondarribia

Hondarribia tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardins de la villa Arnaga - remarkable garden (32km) : Marais d'Orx - site of natural beauty (42km) : Vallée des Aldudes - site of natural beauty (42km) :

French version: see Hondarribia (Francais)