Holiday apartment in Zarautz: beach, history and coast

Zarautz combines a long history with a distinctive beach and coastal character. The town looks back on 1,200 years of history. Zarautz was once a settlement of whalers and developed into an important tourist destination from the 19th century onwards. The transformation from whaling to tourism links the town’s history with Zarautz’s maritime character. The Luzea Tower, a Gothic tower, stands in the town centre. Zarautz is also home to the Narros Palace, a Renaissance palace, and the Portu Palace, a 16th-century palace. Zarautz also boasts a significant ensemble of monuments. Its buildings range from the Gothic period and the Renaissance through to the 16th century.

Beach, waves and promenade

At 2,500 metres, Zarautz beach is the longest beach in Gipuzkoa. There are waves at the beach all year round, and Zarautz is also home to several surf schools. During a walk along the beachfront promenade, visitors can discover sculptures by various artists and several children’s playgrounds. The beach also has showers, toilets, a lifeguard service, as well as parasols and chairs. Thus, along Zarautz’s coastal stretch, waves and surf schools meet a promenade lined with artworks and playgrounds.

Historic sites and museums

At the Santa María la Real archaeological monument complex, remains of Romanisation and a medieval necropolis can be seen through a glass floor. The Photomuseum is the Basque Museum of Photography and Film. Its chronological tour explores the techniques of photography and film, as well as art. Santa María la Real focuses on Roman and medieval traces, while the Photomuseum presents photography, film and art in chronological order.

Routes through maritime heritage and nature

The Maritime Heritage Trail showcases Zarautz’s seafaring heritage. The trail’s stops include watchtowers and hermitages on elevated sites, the pier, the old harbour and a former mineral loading station. The combination of elevated sites and harbour locations gives the route a maritime setting. The Conjunto Monumental route invites visitors to enjoy a pleasant walk through Zarautz’s history along its monuments. A footpath also leads from Zarautz along the coast beside the sea to Getaria. Guided walks through the Iñurritza biotope are offered in Zarautz. The route to Getaria follows the sea, the Maritime Heritage Trail connects elevated sites with harbour locations, and Conjunto Monumental runs along the monuments.

Vineyards and Txakoli de Getaria

Zarautz is home to vineyards and wineries belonging to the Txakoli de Getaria designation of origin. Winegrowing in Zarautz is linked to this designation of origin and, alongside the coast and maritime heritage, represents another local theme.

Discover more destinations

If you would like to explore other places besides Zarautz, you can find Llodio, Condado De Treviño, Larraul and Abaltzisketa here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Basque Country.