Attractions and Places To See around Ondarroa - Top 20

Ondarroa offers a beautiful coastal landscape. You can visit Strand van Karraspio, a sandy beach ideal for sea activities, or Arrigorri Beach, connected by a promenade to Saturraran Beach. The town is also situated on the picturesque Artibai River Estuary, and you can explore the Marshes of Aieru or admire the Peña del Fraile rock formation.

Ondarroa boasts a rich history reflected in its architecture. Don't miss the 15th-century Likona Tower, the striking Gothic Andra Mari Church built into the rock, and the Old Guild House with its medieval appearance. The historic center itself is a labyrinth of steep, narrow streets with a distinct seafaring character.

Yes, there are various hiking options around Ondarroa. For experienced hikers, the Old Railway Tunnel route near Deba is classified as difficult but offers beautiful views. For more general hiking, you can find routes like the 'Old Bridge of Ondarroa – View of the Bay of Biscay loop' (moderate) or the 'Ondarroa – Ermita de Santa Kutz loop' (moderate). You can find more details on the Hiking around Ondarroa guide.

Families can enjoy the sandy shores of Strand van Karraspio, which is located in the urban area and has amenities. The Panoramic view of Deva is also considered family-friendly, offering expansive coastal views. Exploring the historic center and watching the activity at the fishing port can also be engaging for all ages.

Ondarroa is known as the 'Venice of the Basque Country' due to its bridges. The modern Itsasaurre Bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is a striking icon. The historic Zubi Zaharra (Old Bridge), rebuilt in 1795, is a significant symbol. Also unique is the Puente de la Playa (Beach Bridge/Swing Bridge), an iron revolving pedestrian bridge from 1927.

For stunning views, head to the Panoramic view of Deva, which offers expansive vistas of Deva and its Santiago beach. You can also climb the steep hill to the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Antigua for magnificent views of the coast, port, and town, or visit the Pixape Viewpoint along the path to the Chapel of La Antigua.

Ondarroa's maritime heritage is central to its identity. Visit the bustling Fishing Port, one of the most important in the Cantabrian Sea, to observe the daily activity. Explore the Old Guild House, which once served the fishermen, and the vibrant market beneath it on the Artibai riverbank, considered one of Ondarroa's most authentic spaces.

Yes, the modern Itsasaurre Bridge, also known as the Calatrava Bridge, is noted as being wheelchair accessible, providing easy access across the Artibai River estuary to the port.

Ondarroa offers various cycling opportunities. You can find moderate MTB trails like the 'Coastal Road Ondarroa–Lekeitio – Karraspio Beach loop' or more challenging ones such as the 'Ondarroa – Old Bridge of Ondarroa loop'. For road cycling, options range from moderate routes like 'Lekeitio Old Town and Basilica – Ondarroa Bay loop' to difficult ones like 'Ondarroa Bay – Zarautz Beach loop'. Explore more on the MTB Trails around Ondarroa guide and Road Cycling Routes around Ondarroa guide.

The Andra Mari Church (Church of Santa María) is an important and striking Gothic religious temple dating back to 1480. It's uniquely built directly into the rock in the upper part of town. Its facades are adorned with plant and animal shapes, and it features twelve figures known as 'kortxeleko mamuak' representing medieval social classes, offering a glimpse into the town's past.

Beyond the town's churches, a short distance from Ondarroa lies the Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza. This ancient collegiate church is a national monument and was an important stop on the Way of St. James, offering a significant historical and spiritual experience.

Ondarroa's historic center is characterized by its steep, narrow streets that wind through the town. It retains a distinct seafaring and medieval character, providing an authentic glimpse into the town's rich past and traditional Basque architecture.