Basque country - Getaria? - just right or too dull?
 

I've had a look at Maribel's Guide and done a quick search on this site but I was hoping for some first-hand info about Getaria in the Basque Country?

Some background - DH & I (30's/40's) are travelling from Dublin to Bilbao, staying there two nights. Further on we have one week booked in Biarritz and are flying from there for three days in Paris.

So seeing as most of our trip will be spent in cities or large towns we are looking for somewhere between Bilbao and Biarritz for about four days of chill-out time. San Sebastian looks fun but a bit large so we hit on Getaria.

Is it a good place just to sit back, eat, drink and enjoy the view or is four days there just too much?

Any opinions gratefully received

I was in Geteria as a day trip from San Sebastian this past September. It is a very small fishing town (commercial mostly) with several good seafood restaurants. In San Sebastian however it was quite relaxed and upscale. Bilbao didn't thrill me! I too prefer the smaller towns and more "local fare". I stayed at the Niza hotel in S.S. on Maribel's suggestion which was terrific. My room was on the top floor overlooking La Concha (#61). S.S. was more like a lively small town with amazing pinchos. Enjoy the Paseo in the evening along the beautiful Bay and exquisite gardens to Parte Vieja (the Old quarter). La Cuchara de San Telmo isn't the easiest to find but has the best Tapas. The Fois seemed to be the best seller!

Thanks John for that - especially the details on the tapas. We love to eat!

Just a big ditto to what john has told you!

San Sebastián is your *perfect* place for four days of chill out time and glorious eating between Bilbao and Biarritz. Since you've never been to Sanse, you certainly should not miss soaking up its wonderful and unique atmosphere.

As john says, it doesn't seem that large, and it's perfectly walkable. You'll find the seaside promenade along La Concha beach a delight! And everyone walks the beach, up and down, from the far end of La Concha to the far end of Ondarreta.

And eating and drinking (try the txakolí) in the Parte Vieja will delight you. But be sure to sample the really creative pintxos in the Gros quarter too, past the Kursaal Center (El Lagar, Aloña Berri, Bar Bergara, Mil Catas) along with La Cuchara de San Telmo, A Fuego Negro and other more traditional ones in the Old Quarter.

I would stop for lunch and a look around in the fishing village of Getaria, but I would make my 4 day base in Sanse. If you made your base in Getaria, you would want to spend your evenings in Sanse anyway, just for the fun of the pintxos crawls.


Don't know when you're traveling, but the city holds a major international jazz festival in July, always fun.
www.jazzaldia.com

My husband and I will be spending two nights at the new Hotel Iturregi in Getaria, but for a very special celebration, then we'll move on to San Sebastián.

Once again Maribel to the rescue! I've used your guides for Barcelona and Madrid so I'll take your advice about SS.
Thanks again.

You could try Zarautz, very close to Getaria (linked by a very nice 2km promenade by the sea), larger, with a very nice beach front, and somehow a livelier atmosphere.

Ter2000
If you'd like I have a few pictures of Geteria and S.S.
AOL