Today we set off in wonderful weather for a bus trip down the coast by the Mar Cantábrico
Read more about this, the Cantabrian Sea, at https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar_Cant%C3%A1brico
We plan to go sixteen kilometres west to Zarauz.
And then walk to Getaria, after some beach time.
We enjoy the walk by the River Unumea to the bus station. Here we are sent back to the street, being unallowed to get the express bus to Bilboa. No explanation is offered and we obey like sheep!
Finally we are on the stopping bus travelling through green hills and river valleys. We pass through Oria
Zarautz is a sprawling, overdeveloped but pleasant enough place. From here on, the Costa Vasca is said to be glorious. It is a rocky and wild coastline, with long stretches of road hugging the edge of the cliffs all the way to Bilbao. The hillsides, particularly around Getaria, are famous for the production of fizzy txakoli wine, which will sample later.
In Zarautz, before the beach we enjoy a beer.
Below is the beach looking towards Getaria. There are tent like beach huts which look as it they are ready for a medieval jousting event.
This view looks back to San Sebastián.
We have two swims each, rather bizarrely enjoying waves, which are not normally our cup of tea.
We begin our walk round the headland stopping at Aiten Exte for lunch. Great food and service.
Pimientos de Guernika
A small crab, whose name I have forgotten
On route to Getaria we pass a small enclosed harbour.
Where some swimming dares are going on
We turn a corner and approach Getaria.
It's hot, so we are very happy to get in the calm Cantabrian sea.
The tiny fishing port of Getari is gorgeous. Founded in 1209, and sheltered by the humpbacked islet of El Ratón, it later became a major whaling centre. These days it’s much more of a resort. Just inland there is a one street casco antiguo with bars, cafés and shops selling local produce. The first man to sail around the world, Juan Sebastián Elcano, was born in Getaria around 1487. His ship was the only one of Magellan’s fleet to make it back home.
The village also boasts the magnificent fourteenth-century church of San Salvador. We climb up to it. It has a sloping floor and a balcony at the back. I have seen this arrangement before in Spain
We wander back to the bus via the narrow streets.
Our lovely hosts arrive with a fan, so kind, and then it's beer o'clock
The HG's salad with bread and Tzakoli slips down well.
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