Things To Do
in Irún
Irún is a Basque border town perched on the Bidasoa River opposite Hendaye, France, and just inland from the Atlantic coast. Its compact historic center blends medieval charm with a working-town atmosphere and easy riverfront strolls. The town serves as a gateway to the Basque Coast, with pintxos bars, lively markets, and quick day trips to San Sebastián and the French Basque coast.
Visitors enjoy a welcoming, walkable city with seafood markets, Basque culture, and border-crossing flavor at every corner.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Irún's historic center, admiring the stunning architecture of the San Juan Bautista Church. Visit the nearby Plaza de Ensanche, where you can grab a fresh pastry from a local bakery to fuel your exploration. As the morning sun rises, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere created by the local vendors setting up their stalls.
After a delightful lunch at a traditional Basque restaurant, head to the Museo Romano Oiasso to immerse yourself in the rich history of the region. Explore fascinating Roman artifacts and learn about the ancient civilization that once thrived here. As you wander through the museum galleries, take note of the tranquil gardens that offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
As dusk approaches, find a cozy spot at a local tapas bar to sample an array of pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. Pair your food with a glass of local Txakoli, a refreshing white wine, while enjoying the lively atmosphere around you. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk along the banks of the Bidasoa River, where the twinkling lights of Irún reflect beautifully on the water.
Begin your beach day at Playa de Hondarribia, just a short drive from Irún, where you can bask in the sun and listen to the gentle waves. Settle in with a good book or join the locals for a morning swim in the refreshing waters of the Atlantic. The beachside cafés offer delicious breakfasts, so treat yourself to a local delicacy like a Basque cake.
After soaking up the sun, indulge in a seafood lunch at a beachfront restaurant, savoring fresh catches of the day while enjoying panoramic ocean views. Spend your afternoon trying out various water sports, such as paddleboarding or kayaking, to get a little adrenaline rush. As the sun begins to lower, take a leisurely walk along the promenade, taking in the picturesque coastal scenery.
As the evening sets in, find a table at a local seaside restaurant and enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring grilled fish or paella. The sound of the waves and the scent of the sea create a perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. After your meal, take a stroll along the beach, watching the sunset paint the sky in vibrant hues.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🫖Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🧃Bottle of water (1 liter) | $1-2 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction entry | $8-15 |
| 🚆Public transport day pass | $4-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable center with easy access to beaches and cross-border culture
- Excellent Basque cuisine, pintxos, and fresh seafood
- Scenic riverfront, historic old town, and nearby coastal towns for day trips
- Smaller nightlife scene compared to larger Basque cities
- Weather can be rainy and windy, even in summer
- Border towns can be busy on weekends with visitors from France and other regions
- "Kaixo" - Hello
- "Barkatu" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Mesedez" - Please
- "Eskerrik asko" - Thank you
- "Nola zaude?" - How are you?
- "Agur" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Irún
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic border bridge spanning the Bidasoa River, offering dramatic angles for sunrise and river reflections.
Gentle riverfront with boats and soft light—great for golden-hour photography and candid street scenes.
Narrow Basque lanes and colorful facades provide authentic street photography opportunities.
Pastel houses and fishing boats with water reflections—catch it from the riverbank or the border crossing path.
Historic fortress silhouette against the water; ideal for sunset shots after a short cross-river excursion.
Food in Irún
Irún Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small, bite-sized tapas served on crusty bread across pintxo bars; look for combinations with anchovy, peppers, mushrooms, and local cheese.
Must-Try!
A light, slightly sparkling Basque white wine that pairs perfectly with seafood and tapas.
Cod in a rich Vizcaína sauce (pepper, onion, and tomato variety) commonly found in Basque menus.
Hearty tuna and potato stew, a coastal staple especially in cooler months.
Squid cooked in its own ink, a seafood specialty found in many Basque restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic city market where you can sample fresh seafood, cured meats, cheese, and seasonal produce in the morning light.
Cluster of pintxo bars along the main street, ideal for a casual street-food experience with quick, flavorful bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a courteous 'Hola' (Spanish) or 'Kaixo' (Basque). In formal settings, a handshake is common and polite. When asking for service, say 'por favor' and 'gracias' (or Basque equivalents).
Restaurants may pause between courses; expect a relaxed pace. Do not rush conversations or meals; conversation is welcomed but not loud.
While Spanish is widely spoken, Basque (Euskara) is culturally significant; attempting simple Basque phrases is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Irún
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Spain, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated in restaurants and cafes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild to warm days with sea breezes; water activities are popular. Expect weekend crowds near the riverside and coastal towns; carry sun protection and staying hydrated is essential.
Comfortable temperatures with occasional rain showers; lush greenery and harvest flavors in markets. Good for coastal walks with lighter crowds.
Cool, wetter conditions are common; indoor dining and pintxo bars are cozy refuges. Daylight is shorter, so plan late-afternoon activities accordingly.
Milder temperatures and rising greenery; ideal for walking the Senda del Bidasoa and outdoor markets.
Irún at Night
Hiking in Irún
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal-river trail with viewpoints over the river and ocean; moderate effort and excellent photo opportunities.
Scenic hill routes near San Sebastián offering sweeping coastal views and forested paths.
Airports
How to reach Irún by plane.
Closest international-style airport serving the Basque coast; short transfer to Irún and Hondarribia.
French Atlantic coast airport within easy reach for cross-border trips to Irún and the Basque coast.
Larger hub with more international connections; accessible by road or rail to Irún with transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A border-town mix of Basque speakers and Spanish-speaking residents, with a growing number of international visitors year-round.
Many travelers originate from France and other parts of Europe, especially for day trips to Hondarribia and San Sebastián.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional sport widely played and watched in the Basque region; you may see matches in local clubs.
Coastal towns nearby offer surfing lessons and beach-based activities year-round.
Local teams and bars often gather to watch matches; easy social activity for visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Irún.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can mostly navigate by choosing vegetable-forward pintxos, salads, mushrooms, peppers, and potato dishes. Request egg, cheese, or plant-based options, and ask for sauces prepared without meat stock.