Getaria, Spain - Well-Traveled Fella

Visiting Getaria: A Gem on the Basque Coast

This tiny coastal village on the Cantabrian Sea packs a big punch. Aside from its picturesque old town centered around the dramatic Gothic Church of San Salvador, Getaria is renowned for its grilled fish jatetxeak (restaurants) and rolling hills covered in Txakolí vineyards.

Tasting Txakolí: The Signature Wine of Getaria

Txakolí (pronounced cha-ko-LEE) is a refreshingly young and fruity white wine with slight acidity and effervescence, served throughout the Basque region. In Getaria, the vineyards wrap around the hillsides overlooking the ocean. For me, it was love at first sip—there is nothing quite like enjoying a glass of this local wine while looking out at the Cantabrian Sea.

Dining at Elkano: A Michelin-Starred Seafood Experience

The most noteworthy jatetxea in town is Elkano, which first opened its doors in 1964. The restaurant earned a Michelin star in 2014 and has gained the distinction of being one of the best fish restaurants along the Basque Coast.

Elkano was just down the road from Hotel Iturregi where we were staying, so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to dine here. Some highlights from our meal included:

Txangurro: A baked spider crab stew served inside the crab shell (a specialty of the house).
Charcoal-Grilled Red Sea Bream: Freshly caught and prepared with masterful simplicity.

It is a bit pricey, but for a world-class culinary experience in Spain, it is well worth it.

The Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa: A Tribute to Fashion

Getaria is the birthplace of two prominent individuals, the first being Cristóbal Balenciaga, one of the most influential couturiers of the 20th century. Deemed “the architect of haute couture” by Hubert de Givenchy, his legacy is celebrated at the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa.

The museum is a sleek, modern structure connected to the Aldamar Palace, the former residence of the mentors who guided Balenciaga in his early years. It features six galleries dedicated to his iconic collections and rotating fashion exhibitions.

Juan Sebastián de Elcano: The First to Circumnavigate the Globe

The other noteworthy figure from Getaria is Juan Sebastián de Elcano. While history often credits Magellan, it was actually Elcano who completed the first nautical circumnavigation of the globe.

After Magellan was killed in the Philippines in 1521, Elcano took command of the Victoria, leading the ship across the Indian Ocean and back to Spain in 1522. While he doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves, his hometown honors him with monuments and, of course, the namesake Michelin-starred restaurant.

How to Get to Getaria from San Sebastián

Getaria is only 16 miles west of San Sebastián, a journey made even quicker by the AP-8 highway. Sandwiched between two other quintessential Basque Coast villages—Zumaia and Zarautz—these three towns make for a splendid afternoon of vineyard hopping, lounging on the beach, and enjoying the simple pleasures of Euskadi.