There is no doubt that the Basque Coast is home to some of the most beautiful places in the whole of the Bay of Biscay. A Coast located at the foot of the Pyrenees with cliffs that plunge into the sea, dotted with coves and beautiful pebble and sandy beaches that are home to an exotic vegetation and pass through villages that make you fall in love with their charm.
Today, we would like to share with you, from our point of view, the places on the Basque Coast that you must visit from the sea at least once in your life.
Our top 6 coastal towns to visit by sailboat:
- The Bay of Txingudi
- The Bay of Pasajes
- Getaria and Zumaia (Flysch)
- Bermeo
- Lekeitio
- Zarautz
Visiting the Bay of Txingudi by sailboat
Txingudi Bay
Located between Hondarribia and Hendaye, formerly known as Oiasso, it is one of the bays with the longest history thanks to its strategic position and proximity to France, specifically to the French Basque Country. The discovery of a sunken ship, the first Roman shipwreck in the history of the Basque Country, was noted here.
There are many stories about this peculiar bay, but at first glance, what stands out is its characteristic contrast between sea, mountains, beaches, cliffs, sandbanks, and vegetation.
To the west, Hondarribia, located at the foot of Mount Jaizkibel, the first Pyrenean mountain where the GR11, the 800 km trail that crosses the Pyrenees from Cape Higuer to Cape Creus, begins.
Nestled between mountains and the sea, Hondarribia is a fortified town with a historic center full of irresistible charm. Its colorful facades, flower-filled balconies, and welcoming atmosphere make it a place where time seems to stand still. Arriving by sailboat allows you to enjoy privileged views of Mount Jaizkibel and the Bidasoa estuary. Here, luxury is expressed in serenity: a sunset stroll through the Marina district or a gourmet dinner at one of its fine restaurants embodies refined, exclusive travel.
Higuer Lighthouse (Hondarribia)
To the east, Hendaye (France), with a beach that stretches up to 3 km at low tide. Adjacent is the Abbey Castle (Château d’Abbadie) and the cliffs of La Corniche that connect Hendaye with Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
To the south, 300 million years old, the oldest mountain in the Basque Country: “Peñas de Aia”. And finally, to the north, the immensity of the Cantabrian Sea united with the Atlantic Ocean.
A privileged place with incredible stories that we discovered during the crossings. An obligatory stop if you want to get to know the Basque Country from a different perspective.
The bay of Pasajes
Pasajes Bay
Our second recommendation is to visit the bay of Pasajes (Pasaia) by sailboat. It is the natural harbour par excellence of the Guipuzcoan coast, beyond the port of San Sebastian. Its orography protects it from the scourge of the sea and storms.
The bay of Pasajes is made up of three villages: Pasajes Antxo, Pasajes San Pedro, and Pasajes San Juan, which were later joined by the district of Trintxerpe due to the high demand for labour in the fishing sector. This bay is known for its rowing tradition and the rivalry between San Pedro and San Juan.
Pasajes San Juan Bay
Contemplating the bay from the inside can be a magical activity that is even more magical when you visit it from the sea. Same place, but different perspective. Two cliffs open up a crack that gives access to the bay. A landscape that continues to surprise us every time we see it.
From a sailboat, entering Pasaia Bay feels almost theatrical: two imposing cliffs open to reveal this magical enclave. Here, luxury lies in discovering the unexpected and experiencing the intimacy of a place that seems hidden from the world.
Getaria and the Flysch of Zumaia
Getaria, the birthplace of designer Cristóbal Balenciaga and a land of sailors, is a town that combines authenticity and sophistication. Its medieval houses intermingle with restaurants offering one of the Basque Country’s most celebrated delicacies: grilled fish. Sailing into its harbor and stepping ashore to taste a local txakoli in family-run wineries is an experience that merges luxury tourism in the Basque Country with tradition, naturally and effortlessly.
Getaria Bay
Getaria is a medieval walled town that has traditionally been a fishing village where, for years, whaling played a major role in its economy. To the north of the town, we find the mountain of San Antón, better known for its peculiar shape as the “Ratón de Getaria” (Getaria’s mouse).
Sailing west, we approach the Flysch, located between the towns of Zumaia, Deba, and Mutriku. A unique enclave recognised worldwide that uncovers chapters of history dating back more than 50 million years. It stretches along 13 km of spectacular cliffs that will leave you fascinated. This environment has been featured in several world-famous films and series.
Bermeo: Pure Maritime Essence
Bermeo breathes the sea in every corner. Once a whaling port, it remains one of the most authentic towns on the Basque Coast. From a sailboat, you can see the town embracing the ocean with its colorful houses and lively harbor. Nearby is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, one of northern Spain’s most iconic landscapes. Sailing there at sunrise, with the sun turning the waves golden, is a moment that transcends the everyday.
Lekeitio: The Hidden Jewel
Small but unforgettable, Lekeitio preserves the charm of towns that have resisted mass tourism. Its beaches, ideal for anchoring, and San Nicolás Island, accessible on foot at low tide, offer an intimate and singular experience. Enjoying a drink on board with views of the Santa María Basilica symbolizes true luxury travel: connecting with the essentials in a privileged setting.
Zarautz: Tradition, Surf, and Elegance
Known for its long beach and vibrant surfing scene, Zarautz also showcases sophistication and refinement. Its gastronomic culture reaches exceptional levels, with some of the Basque Country’s finest restaurants. Viewing the bay from a private sailboat and later wandering through its streets and terraces offers the perfect balance of vitality and exclusive experiences.
Spirit Experiences’ Proposal
Exploring the towns of the Basque Coast is more than a simple getaway: it’s an invitation to reconnect with the sea, culture, and yourself. At Spirit Experiences, we design sailing experiences that go beyond standard sailboat rental in the Basque Country. Each itinerary is crafted to create memorable moments: from anchoring in secluded coves to gourmet experiences on board, all with attentive, personalized service.
Luxury, understood as the ability to fully live the moment, finds its perfect stage here. Sailing San Sebastian and the Basque Coast is not just a geographic journey—it’s an emotional voyage, a discovery of beauty that leaves a lasting imprint.
The Basque Coast is full of treasures waiting to be explored: towns with history, traditions kept alive, and seascapes that inspire wonder. From the sea, everything takes on a new dimension. And on that horizon, Spirit Experiences offers the chance to experience true luxury travel: the kind that comes from authenticity, calm, and the inspiration only the sea can provide.
Six crossings of Basque coastal villages that we recommend you discover on a sailing boat to enjoy with all five senses and which, accompanied by their gastronomy, will immerse you in the essence and authenticity of these places that you will not forget.
