Things To Do
in Castro-Urdiales

Crispy fried squid rings—an essential tapa found at most bars along the harbor and in the old town.

Must-Try!

Fresh sardines simply seasoned and grilled over coals; commonly available in beachside restaurants and traditional eateries.

A mixed seafood platter featuring crab, prawns, mussels and clams — great for sharing at marisquerías around the port.

A hearty northern Spain bean-and-meat stew served in colder months at many local restaurants.

Small harbour fish stalls where fishermen sell the morning catch; ask the vendors for the freshest shellfish and seasonal fish.

Occasional markets and stalls in the old town selling pintxos, empanadas and local cheeses—perfect for sampling on the go.

A friendly 'hola' and a handshake or two cheek kisses among acquaintances is standard; be polite and greet shopkeepers on entering small businesses.

Meals are later than in some countries—lunch around 1:30-3:30pm and dinner from 9pm onward in summer. Many establishments close midday for siesta-style breaks.

Be respectful in religious sites (modest dress) and avoid loud behavior in residential streets, especially at night.

Spanish is the main language; a few locals speak Basque or English—using basic Spanish phrases is appreciated.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, leaving 5-10% for good service is common; rounding up or leaving small change for bar service is normal.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops; carry some cash for small bars, markets and remote vendors. ATMs are available in town.

Warm, pleasant temperatures (20-28C) with long daylight hours; beaches are busy and restaurants stay open late. Expect higher prices and more crowds—book accommodation in advance.

Mild temperatures and increasing rainfall; beautiful autumnal light for photography and fewer tourists. Good season for hiking and seafood as restaurants return to regular hours.

Cool, wet and windy at times (5-12C); quieter town with low-season prices but limited services on some days. Bring rain gear and warm layers; wild storms produce dramatic sea views.

Mild temperatures, blooming countryside and pleasant hiking conditions; fewer crowds than summer and a lively local festival calendar in some weeks.

A network of coastal trails with cliff-top views, military ruins and lookout points; varied difficulty and spectacular vistas over the Cantabrian Sea.

Easy coastal promenades linking beaches and viewpoints—great for relaxed walks, running and photography.

A famous islet with a scenic stairway and chapel accessed by a footbridge—about a 30–40 minute drive; the hike and viewpoint are very photogenic and popular with visitors.

Gentle walks along the estuary for birdwatching and observing local fishing activity; suitable for all levels.

The closest major airport (about 30-50 km by road depending on route); frequent car, bus and train connections to Castro-Urdiales make it the most convenient gateway.

Regional airport around 70-90 km away; useful for domestic flights and offers bus or car connections. Travel time is longer than from Bilbao but it's an alternative option.

Vegetarian options are available but limited compared to seafood; look for vegetable stews, salads, tortilla española and cheese plates. Inform staff — many places will prepare vegetable pintxos or adapt dishes on request.

Vegan choices are fewer in traditional eateries; larger cafés and newer restaurants may offer vegan salads, soups and tapas—carry a phrase card explaining dietary needs in Spanish.

Gluten-free options are becoming more common; ask about cross-contamination in fried dishes like rabas. Many restaurants will accommodate if informed.

Seafood is ubiquitous—always state allergies clearly (in Spanish if possible) and confirm with kitchen staff before ordering.