Zarautz is a seaside town about 25 km west of San Sebastián, built behind the longest beach in Gipuzkoa. It is where Basques go to surf, swim and stroll the promenade, and it is the start of one of the nicest easy walks on the coast, along the sea to the fishing village of Getaria. It is a good half-day or day trip from San Sebastián, or a cheaper base for the coast in summer.
The beach
Zarautz beach runs for about 2.5 km of golden sand, the largest in the province, according to Tourism Euskadi. It is open to the Atlantic, so the water is cool and there are real waves; swim between the flags when lifeguards are on duty in summer. Behind the beach, the Malecón promenade is traffic-free and lined with sculptures, cafés and bars, the place for an evening walk.
At the eastern end, the Iñurritza biotope protects the largest dune system on the Gipuzkoa coast, with boardwalks through the dunes and the marsh at the mouth of the Iñurritza stream.
Surfing
Zarautz is one of the main surf towns in Spain and has long hosted surf competitions. The long beach break has waves along most of its length, and it suits learners as well as experienced surfers because the peaks spread out the crowd. The seafront is lined with surf schools that rent boards and wetsuits and run lessons for all levels, by the hour or by the week. There are waves all year; autumn usually brings the best of them, while summer is smaller and friendlier for a first lesson. Wetsuits are worth wearing all year.
The walk to Getaria
From the western end of the beach, a paved path runs between the old N-634 road and the sea all the way to Getaria. It is almost flat, with the Atlantic on one side and vineyards of txakoli on the hills above, and on a clear day you can see the "mouse" headland of Getaria ahead of you. Depending on where you start, it is roughly 4 to 6 km each way, so allow about an hour to an hour and a half at an easy pace. The path is not shaded and waves can splash it in a storm, so pick a calm day.
In Getaria, have lunch at one of the harbour grills, then walk back or take the bus. Read our Getaria guide and our page on grilled fish at Elkano and txuleta. Keen walkers can carry on west along the coast to Zumaia and its flysch cliffs.
The town
Away from the sea, Zarautz has a small, pleasant old centre.
- Santa María la Real, the parish church, with its separate bell tower.
- Photomuseum, a museum of photography and cinema; check opening times on the Photomuseum site.
- Narros palace, a stately house beside the beach.
The town is also on the Camino de Santiago's northern route, so you will see pilgrims passing through. In summer, book accommodation early: Zarautz fills with Spanish families.
Eating
The seafront and the streets behind it are full of bars serving pintxos, with plenty of seafood. The best-known name is the hotel-restaurant of TV chef Karlos Arguiñano, right on the beach. For the most famous meals of the area, most people head on to Getaria.
Getting there
- Train: Euskotren trains from San Sebastián's Amara station reach Zarautz in about half an hour. Note that Euskotren and the main Renfe station in San Sebastián are separate. Check times at Euskotren.
- Bus: Lurraldebus buses from the San Sebastián bus station take a similar time and also go on to Getaria and Zumaia. See Lurraldebus.
- Car: about 20 minutes on the motorway, or the slower coastal road.
For arriving in the region from the UK or US, see getting to San Sebastián.
Staying connected
Mobile data lets you check the surf forecast, book a lesson, follow the walk to Getaria on a map and catch the right bus back. A data eSIM for Spain gives you local data from the moment you land, without removing your own SIM; see how to install it.