Sept/Oct 2022., Kelly

HONDORRIBIA I – We took a half hour public bus ride east to this pristine, charming Basque fishing town. The Marina Neighborhood is where the fishermen lived for many centuries in their colorful painted homes, and you know we got some great seafood pinxtos there! The still-in-tact walled fortress section is a wonder. Walking through the original medieval gate, it’s easy to imagine you’re back in time as you walk the narrow cobblestoned streets, past still-inhabited buildings, charming little squares, and soaring churches. The Plaza de Armas overlooks the city, and is bordered on one side by Charles V’s castle (which now houses the Hotel Parador – I peaked inside and it looks amazing!) We really loved this town which also includes a giant surfing beach which we stumbled upon while we were lost, a harbor, and views across the inlet to France.

HONDORRIBIA II and HENDAYE (France) – We loved Hondorribia so much that when our daughter, Megan, came for a short visit in October we went back to show it to her. Again we explored the incredible fortress town, found several more charming squares that we’d missed the first time, more great pinxtos, and drank some of the local txakoli (a Basque sparkling white wine.) In addition, we hopped on the little ferry that took us across the inlet to the French town of Hendaye. On this portion of the Basque coast we were surprised to find a long sandy beach with great waves all the way down and SO many surfers in the water. We walked along the wide boardwalk and enjoyed watching the experienced surfers, just as much as the first timers! I didn’t expect to see such an amazing surf beach like this in France, but it is apparently where surfing got it’s start in Europe. “A vos planches!” (French for “To your boards!”)