For those that you know me for a while, you probably know that I have a fascination with fishermen. I’m from the Basque Country in the North of Spain, where we have a rich history connected to the sea.
If you've enjoyed my list of 10 things to do in Bilbao (by a local), get ready for the next chapter of our Basque journey! In this post, I'll be sharing recommendations of a charming village that holds a special place in my heart - a place that saw me grow up each summer and continues to be my escape whenever I want to disconnect and enjoy a slower pace of life: Lekeitio.
With its “Slow City” label and coastal authenticity, Lekeitio is one of my major sources of inspiration.
10 MUST-DO PLANS IN LEKEITIO
- Visit the Gothic church, built in the second half of the 15th century, nestled between the sea and the mountains.
- Explore Isuntza Beach and walk to Karraspio Beach. If the tide is high, you can take the upper street and cross a stone bridge with stunning views. If the tide is low, you're in luck! You can visit Garraitz Island, a historically rich island accessible by walking through a stone causeway that becomes visible only when the tide is low.
- Walk from the town hall square to the breakwater. I recommend exploring the port area and stopping at Arranegi, a square with a picturesque fountain that brings me back childhood memories. Here, fishmongers used to clean the fish just brought by sailors to sell them on the street. It’s from 1888, and if you zoom in, you’ll see fishermen on a boat trying to catch a whale. Luckily they don’t do this anymore, but Lekeitio has a story with whales. I love that this piece of story still remains as a water fountain, so I decided to turn this memory into a painting on paper. Want to see it?
- Around noon, sit at one of the port terraces to enjoy a drink and eat rabas or pintxos.
- Enjoy the famous Basque cuisine at Restaurant Egaña. I know, you just had some pintxos, but if you want to immerse yourself in the Basque culture, you won't ever say no to food ;)
- Visit the Santa Catalina Lighthouse. Located in a beautiful corner, it is the first visitable lighthouse in the Basque Country, where you can discover the fascinating world of lighthouses and the importance of navigation techniques. By the way, there's a bar next to the lighthouse where you can enjoy a snack and watch the sunset. Now is the time to relish the views! If the day is clear, from here, you'll be able to see the San Sebastián coast and even France!
- Try the artisan ice creams at Heladería López. My favorite flavor is rice pudding, with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon! It is a delicious dessert made with rice, milk, sugar, and often flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, or other spices.
- Have a night-drink at San Juan bar: Just opened during summer with amazing views of Lekeitio island.
- Have dinner at El Korral de la Patxeka, my favorite pizzeria in the world!
- Enjoy a drink at Shuka, a charming cocktail bar in front of Lekeitio's town hall. If you're lucky, there might be live music.
Hope you've enjoyed the post, or at least got an idea of how I spend most of my summers when not traveling. If you happen to visit Lekeitio, I'd love to see a photo of you at the Arranegi fountain!
Want more? Discover lively characters inspired by people from coastal villages as Lekeitio here.
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