Next to the Cantabrian coast in Guipúzcoa, in the region of what it is known as the French Basque Country, we find the last spots on the western part of the Pyrenees: the Jaizkibel Mountain Range. This mount is located some kilometres away from the Parador de Hondarribia and you should consider the fact of visiting it. Do you want to know more about it?

Parador de Hondarribia

The Jaizkibel Mountain is considered the highest peak next to the Cantabrian coast and the second highest mountain range in Spain. You can see this mount from far away in contrast with the sea.

The Route of the Towers in the Mount Jaizkibel includes walking for 22 kilometres, from the village of Hondarribia, where our Parador de Hondarribia is, to the village of Pasaia. You can either divide it or go straight away, that is why we suggest you to dedicate a whole day to it.

The Route will start in Hondarribia and the first place you should stop by is the Fuerte de Guadalupe, located in the peak of Guadalupe. This fortress is dated back in the late XIX century and has a polygonal shape. It was used as a defence structure.

You will keep on walking and will find the first two Towers on the way. They do not conserve all the structure, but the beauty of the ruins they present is undeniable. You can visualize what these towers were in the past, strategic construction up in the mount to protect from attacks.

After these two towers you will get two the Fuerte de San Enrique, what was a fortress from the year 1876, with a characteristic irregular pentagonal shape. This spot is the top of the mount, the highest point of the route. Some ruins of what was one of the most important strategist spots of the region during the Carlists Wars. This place is located around 530 metres above sea level. The views at this place are just amazing!

Then the route will let you come across the three next towers and the Fuerte de Lord John Hay, estimated to be built in the year 1875 by the liberal troops in the Carlists Wars.This will be the last stop before Pasaia Donibane, the finish line of the Route of the Towers.

They way will amaze you because of the historic background, the natural environment and the feeling of freedom and succeed of walking in pure nature. Once you get to the end of this intense route, you can come back to Hondarribia by taking the E20 bus to Donosti-Hondarribia (it usually leaves every 30 minutes and the ticket costs around 1.65€*) and in 13 stops, at the Ama stop, you get off. It will take you less than 30 minutes and so you will be already back to the Parador de Hondarribia.

This route will let you discover the art of nature and the beauty of the spectacular views the Mount offers you. A rocky landscape creating cliffs and geologic treasures in combination with beautiful hidden beaches. Some of the best sunsets can be enjoyed here, with the sun hiding behind the sea and the light pointing at the beautiful rocky landscape. So Inspiring!

The Jaizkibel Mountain range is also a place of interest because of being in the middle of the Coast Way of Saint James, so you may find some pilgrims on their ways.

Parador de Hondarribia

Our Parador de Hondarribia is a Castle from the X century with delightful views to the coast. Hondaribia is the maritime village where this hotel is located, and it is a great location for taking a relaxing break and enjoy a medieval atmosphere in the north of Spain. It's perfect for you to rest after such a walk!

Going to the Jaizkibel Mountain range is the perfect plan to spend the day, breath some pure fresh air and enjoy the magnificent views these places give you. Book now at the Parador de Hondarribia and take your comfortable clothes to have some fun while discovering some of the best northern landscapes in Spain!

Book now at the Parador de Hondarribia

How to get to Hondarribia:

• Closest airport: 

Aeropuerto de San Sebastián (2.3 km)

Aeropuerto de Bilbao (120 km)

• By car:

From San Sebastián - Donosti: Take AP-8 for 20 kilometres

From Bilbao: Take AP-8 for 120 kilometres

• By bus:

From San Sebastián: Take the bus E21 t P. Gipuzkoa to Donostia-Hondarribiaaireportua. Get off after 7 stops in Ama (30 minutes)

From Bilbao: At Termibus Bilbao take the bus Do01 Donostia - Bilbao to Bilbao and get off at SS-Estacio (2 stops; around 1 hour). At Antso 26 change to bus E28 to Hondaribi-Irun-Donostiaibaeta and get off after 13 stops in Ama  (30 minutes)

*The price list may vary depending on the Bus company