Blue Escape
Guéthary, a Basque village near the campsite
From our campsite in the Basque Country, Guéthary (Getaria in Basque) can be reached in just a few minutes. This pretty village stretches over 142 hectares between Bidart and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, close to Biarritz.
The smallest village on the Basque Coast, Guéthary has managed to preserve its authenticity while becoming a popular seaside resort. Every year, tourism in Guéthary attracts lovers of the ocean, Basque traditions and the local art of living.
Here we fished for whales
La fière Guéthary facing the sea and 5 min from the campsite
This commune bears many traces of its history in its streets and buildings. A former whaling port since the Middle Ages, then a tuna and sardine fishing port, Guéthary turned to tourism in 1864 with the arrival of the train and the fashion for sea bathing launched by Empress Eugénie. You’ll enjoy strolling through the town, noting the evolution of its architecture, from the church built in the XVIᵉ century to the neo-Basque villas designed by renowned architects.
The fronton, the beating heart of the village
Guéthary’s Basque soul is best felt on the Place du Fronton, next to the beautiful town hall. It’s the heart of the village’s lively community life.
Localfestivals, pelota games, shows and concerts of Basque song follow one another throughout the year. The fêtes de Guéthary, held on the last weekend of August, bring together locals and visitors to enjoy festive meals, Basque dances and traditional entertainment.
To discover Guéthary and its traditions, attend the Basque pelota games organized every Wednesday evening in July and August by the Olharroa club. It’s a great opportunity to see how fast the pelota flows and to share a convivial moment with the locals.
Heritage and architecture
On the heights of the village, theSaint-Nicolas church is well worth a visit. Built in the XVIᵉ century and listed as a historic monument, it is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors.
Behind its apparent austerity, the building is home to beautiful 17thᵉ century statues and an ex-voto in the shape of a three-masted ship, testimony to the village’s maritime vocation. The distinctive layout of Basque churches can be seen here: raised choir and altar, dominated by wooden galleries surrounding the nave.
A visit to Guéthary also means admiring its neo-Basque architecture. Classified as a Site Patrimonial Remarquable, the village carefully preserves its architectural values. The Villa Saraleguinea, one of its most majestic mansions, is home to the Guéthary Museum of Contemporary Art.
The museum features works by sculptor Georges-Clément de Swiecinski (1878-1958), remains of a Gallo-Roman salting plant, and manuscripts by poet Paul-Jean Toulet. From May to October, temporary exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography feature contemporary artists.
not to be missed
The Port and the Terrace
Don’t miss a stroll around the small fishing port of Guéthary. Although it’s the smallest on the Basque Coast, it has retained all its old-world charm. Twenty or so colorful boats, securely moored to the 29 rings of the slipway, await the right moment for a trip out to sea.
At the entrance to the port, the “Annie” boat will tell you all about its secrets and the history of the whale hunters. Terraces of bars and restaurants tease the seafront: Guéthary is a great place to stop for a drink or a meal overlooking the ocean. Guéthary’s ” Terrace ” is a must for those contemplating the open sea.
This promontory in the center of the village offers an exceptional view of the ocean and the Basque coastline. In the shade of the tamarisk trees, you can watch the surfers on the famous Parlementia wave, one of the world’s most famous surf spots. The panorama stretches from the village’s natural beaches to the capes of the Spanish Basque Country.
Beaches and nature
Guéthary boasts four beaches that have retained their wild and tranquil spirit: small, sheltered coves, pebble and sandy beaches. Parlementia beach attracts seasoned surfers who come to challenge the famous “avalanche”, while families enjoy the calmer waters of the port.
For hiking enthusiasts, the coastal path (25 km between Bidart and Hendaye) passes through the village. From the Parlementia promenade, it runs along the harbor to the Alcyons jetty, then up the cliff to the Cenitz hill.
This natural area, protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral, offers a breathtaking view over the Bay of Biscay. A footpath leads up to the summit, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the Pyrenees.
food and drink
Gastronomy and art of living
Tourism in Guéthary also means eating well. The village’s tapas bars and restaurants offer quality cuisine, from seafood to Basque specialties. Le Briketenia, a Michelin-starred family affair, makes the most of local produce.
Every Sunday morning, the Guéthary market brings together producers and designers on Place Camille Jullian and Place Lannes.
An opportunity to stock up on local produce: sheep’s cheese, charcuterie, chocolate, wine, sagarno (Basque cider) or patxaran (traditional digestif). The Yaoya grocery store sells organic vegetables from Alatz, a local market gardener, all year round.
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