Discover the Charming Border Town with a Stunning Fjord Worth Visiting – International Edition (English)
A fjord in Spain’s Basque region? Majestic and nestled between sandstone cliffs, Pasaia fits the image perfectly. Situated mere kilometers away from San Sebastián, this harbor diligently maintains its legacy, blending natural beauty with cultural richness in seamless unison.
Winding its way between the Ulia and Jaizkibel mountains, the Pasaia - which means “passage” in Basque - river is a breathtaking sight. This former whaling town, heir to a thousand-year-old maritime tradition, is an invitation to explore its picturesque lanes and delightful coastal trails.
Are you planning a visit to the Basque Country? Here are some articles to assist you in preparing for your stay:
- The Basque Region: Top Wintertime Activities
- A (long) weekend in Bilbao: Top activities to enjoy in the heart of Biscaya
- Basque Country: 5 traditional dishes you should taste when exploring the area
- Beautiful Villages of Basque Country: Must-Visit Locations in the Region
Two banks, one shared past.
On the other side of the channel, you can see the two shores of Pasaia, connected by the motoras , traditional shuttles that unceasingly connect these two realms. On one side lies Donibane, centered along a singular cobblestone thoroughfare flanked by fishermen’s homes adorned with colored timber, alongside stately mansions dating back to the 16th century. th and 17 th Centuries ago. Of these, the museum in Victor Hugo's house The individual who resided there in 1843 keeps his legacy alive through recounting "this splendid and delightful location, embodying both jubilation and magnificence, an unparalleled site which ranks among the loveliest I've ever laid eyes upon." Near the waterfront, several structures boldly emerge straight from the ría itself, lending Pasaia a hint of Venice’s architectural heritage.
The sensation of being at a harbor
Across from Pasaia, you'll discover San Pedro, a more frequented town known for its genuine ambiance centered around its fishing harbor. This is where the fascinating Albaola shipyard At the naval center, Basque maritime history comes alive. Inside this cultural hub, craftsmen diligently reconstruct the San Juan—a vessel among the earliest to traverse the Atlantic for Newfoundland before sinking off the coast of Canada in 1563. This ambitious endeavor preserves traditional shipbuilding methods that define the region’s seafaring heritage. Similarly, the cherished drag races hosted nearby draw direct inspiration from the age-old customs of Basque whale hunters.
Between the heavens and the ocean
This remarkable location is even more distinguished by the nearby mountainous terrain. Starting from San Pedro, the shoreline trail meanders upwards towards Faro de la Plata, a lighthouse featuring towers reminiscent of a storybook setting, providing an awe-inspiring vista. San Sebastián and its famous La Concha Beach You can ascend to the summit of Jaizkibel, which stands at the highest point along the Cantabrian coastline, starting from the opposite bank of the river. Hidden behind these sandstone escarpments lie intricate and vibrantly colored rock structures that have a nearly hallucinogenic appearance. These elevated areas were historically utilized as vantage points by whalers, now feature enigmatic megalithic stone circles—a common sight throughout the Basque region. This coastal trail provides seasoned trekkers with an unparalleled journey across untamed heathlands and dramatic cliff faces, punctuated occasionally by secluded bays. All perspectives offer breathtakingly beautiful vistas.
Basque delicacies
The regional dishes highlight the bounty of the ocean using time-honored skills. family-run Casa Camara The restaurant, founded in 1884 at a location dating back to 17th century. th A 100-year-old structure maintains an intriguing tradition: within the center of the eating area, lobsters and crayfish frolic in a live fish tank nourished by the tidal currents from the adjacent estuary. Similarly, various traditional restaurants uphold this custom. For instance, like some renowned old eateries, venerable Txulotxo Celebrate this maritime heritage with iconic dishes such as baked hake known as koxka or the exquisite txangurro (gratinated spider crab). On egin !