LEKEITIO

Isuntza Beach is Lekeitio’s main beach. Located right next to the port and the old town, it is perfect for families with children because of its easy access and calm waters.

What makes Isuntza Beach special is that during low tide, it is possible to cross to the island of San Nicolás walking on top of a concrete and rock wall (called “malecón” in Spanish) that is covered by water during high tide. Be careful, because it is quite slippery and can get dangerous.

At one of the ends of Isuntza Beach there is a bar and in that same building, it is possible to rent kayaks. At the beach the following facilities are available: showers, WCs, changing rooms, lifeguards and parking.

With its more than 500 meter length, Karraspio Beach is Lekeitio’s longest beach. Karraspio Beach is very popular but usually not as crowded as Isuntza. Again, during low tide, it is possible to get to the island of San Nicolás, but this time by walking directly on the sand.

There are also some facilities in this beach: showers, WCs, changing rooms, lifeguards and parking.

Located next to the Church of Asunción de Nuestra Señora, Lekeitio’s port is probably the most picturesque corner of town. Although it doesn’t have a large number of big fishing vessels like it used to, it definitely hasn’t lost any of its charm. The mixture of the boats on the water surrounded by skinny houses with colorful balconies and wooden shutters make up the most characteristic image of Lekeitio.

Lekeitio’s port is the perfect place to go for a walk in the evening, enjoy the fresh breeze of the Cantabrian sea and the quaint atmosphere. There are many bars and restaurants with a wide variety of eating options: you can just have some pintxos, sit down to eat a bocadillo or enjoy a banquete of fresh fish.

Right behind the port you will find the old town. These narrow cobblestone streets have a few more shops and restaurants. The main street is called Arranegi Kalea and there are a few smaller side streets off of it as well that may be of some interest.

Further down the Arranegi Kalea is the Arranegiko Zabala Square, where fish has been sold throughout the centuries. The women of the fishermen pick up the fish at the port and bring it to this square (only meters away from the port) to sell it.

Located in a corner of Lekeitio’s old town, the Church of Asunción de Nuestra Señora was built in the second half of the 15^th century on top of the ruins of a roman temple. This large gothic temple is very impressive and something quite unusual to see in such a small town (about 7,000 inhabitants).

Apart from its magnificent presence, other highlights of the Church of Asunción de Nuestra Señora are its eastern facade and the richness of its furniture. The most important element is the grandiose altar-piece, carved in a mixture of hispanic and flemish gothic styles. Finished in 1514, the altar-piece is impressive not only in its details but, again, also in size – it is one of the largest in Spain.

At the northern most point of Lekeitio you will find the Santa Catalina lighthouse. Together with the watchtower (“atalaya” in Spanish), it forms the Interpretation Center for Navigation Technology.

The center aims to keep the fishing tradition alive by allowing visitors to learn about the basics of navigation and its development throughout the centuries. It also offers very nice views of the Basque Coast and, if you have the opportunity, it is a great place to watch the sunset.

The lighthouse is a nice 20 minute walk from the old town (about 1.5 km away). It is open to the public during the weekends.

Another nice easy hike in Lekeitio is the walk to the top of the Lumentza Mount. The hike starts at the Church of Asunción de Nuestra Señora and it takes about 10-15 minutes to get to the top, from which it is possible to enjoy some of the best views of town. Centuries ago, the top of the Lumentza Mount was used as a watch point for whales.

• San Pedros: The celebrations in honor of San Pedro, the patron saint of the fishermen, are some of the biggest in Lekeitio. This long-standing celebration takes place every year between June 29^th and July 1^st. The celebration starts with a mass and a procession with the image of San Pedro. This is followed by the Kaxarranka dance, which a traditional male dancer executes in different points of the town while on top of a chest carried by 8 fishermen. During those days, there are also many more activities such as concerts, sport competitions, etc.
• San Antolines: San Antolín is the patron saint of Lekeitio and the festivities in his honor are celebrated from September 1^st to 8^th. During this feast, there are many activities such as free concerts, Basque sport competitions, dance exhibitions, etc. However, one of the most unique and controversial events is the “Fiesta de los Gansos” (Geese Feast) celebrated usually on September 5^th. This activity has a very long tradition in town (documented since the 5^th century) and consists of tying a goose (used to be alive, but not anymore) from two ropes one at each end of the port. The local young men jump, trying to stay as long as possible hanging while grabbing the goose.