Zarautz is a charming seaside town in the province of Gipuzkoa in the autonomous community of the Basque Country in Spain.
An important evolution of the local economy occurred starting from the second half of the 19th century when Queen Isabella II began to spend periods of rest there during the summer, followed by noble families and personalities.
The Palau de Narros, located in front of the large beach (2.8 km), was the summer resort of Queen Isabel II and Fabiola of Belgium. Zarautz beach is the largest in the Basque Country and one of the longest in the Cantabrian. The area next to the promenade stands out for the presence of small palaces and houses built by the upper bourgeoisie during the 19th century. The town is also known for being one of the most popular spots for surfing, and is one of the headquarters of the World Surf League qualifying series. Year after year, the built-up area and therefore the population is increasing.
Access : Coordinates: 43.283333, -2.166667 /
Highlights :
- Zarautz beach , a surfer’s paradise : Surfing is a widely practiced sport because of the opening of the beach to the high seas. Zarautz hosts a championship registered in the World Circuit. In winter, children’s and youth football teams come here to play football matches.
- The region celebrates many festivals. The most important are the patron saint festivals of San Pelaio (June 25-27), the feasts of the Virgin (August 14-17) and the Basque Festivals (September 9).
- Walk : walk on the Camino del Norte ( a long hike along the northern coast of Spain ) from Zarautz to Deba.
- Top sights in Zarautz : The Narros Palace, located opposite the beach surrounded by an English garden, was a vacation spot for Queen Isabella II. / In the districts of Talamendi, Urteta and Argoain, you can visit buildings of traditional Basque architecture such as the farms of Gurmendi, Agerre and Argoain Haundi. / The Church of Santa Maria la Royale, the Convent of Santa Klara and the Convent of the Franciscan Fathers are the three most important religious buildings in Zarautz, as well as the Church of San Sebastian. / The hermitage of San Martin de Ibaieta, built in the 16th century, / Portu Jauregia, a 16th century building now home to the Town Hall. / The convent and church of the Francscan Fathers, built in 1610 and equipped with an important Basque library / The convent of Sanra Klara from 1611. / The city has many gardens and parks: Vista Alegre parkea, Torre Luzea parkea in the city centre, and the Pagoeta natural park, with a museum and an old disused ironworks. / Makatzaga jauregia, 15th century building with the appearance of a defensive tower house. / Zarauzko dorrea, a tower house from the end of the 15th century / Luzea Tower from the 15th century.
Go next : The Old Town of Getaria, or town center, spreads around the San Anton mountain and peninsula, visible from many corners of the coast of Gipuzkoa.
