Things To Do
in Zarautz
Zarautz is a charming Basque town perched along the Bay of Biscay, famed for its mile-long pristine beach and strong surf culture. It blends traditional Basque heritage with a lively food scene centered on pintxos and txakoli. The old town lanes, scenic coast and nearby Getaria make it a compact base for nature, culture, and sea adventures.
Expect a friendly, family-friendly vibe with excellent seafood, dramatic sunsets, and easy day trips along the Basque coast.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Zarautz and settle into your accommodation, soaking in the beautiful coastal views. After unpacking, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque beachfront promenade. Enjoy a light breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Basque pastries and coffee.
Explore the charming streets of Zarautz, visiting unique shops and boutiques. Take a break at the stunning Playa de Zarautz, where you can sunbathe or try your hand at surfing. Enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant, indulging in fresh seafood and local wines.
As the sun sets, head to a local pintxos bar to experience the vibrant tapas culture. Sample a variety of bite-sized delicacies, pairing them with local wines or cider. Embrace the warm atmosphere and engage in conversations with locals and fellow travelers.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the serene beach of Zarautz. Spend your morning soaking up the sun, swimming in the waves, or trying out surfing lessons. Feel the refreshing sea breeze as you unwind and take in the stunning coastal views.
After some relaxation, enjoy lunch at a beachside chiringuito (beach bar) that serves traditional Basque dishes. You can spend the afternoon walking along the coastal paths, admiring the picturesque cliffs and ocean. Make sure to capture memorable photos as you explore the stunning scenery.
Return to the town and visit one of the local restaurants for dinner, where you can indulge in authentic Basque cuisine. End your evening with a pleasant walk along the beach, marveling at the twinkling lights of the town reflecting on the water. Alternatively, stop by a local bar for live music and vibrant atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $3-5 |
| 🚌Local transport (short ride) | $3-8 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction entrance | $8-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel nightly | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Extensive sandy beach and scenic coastline
- Excellent Basque food and txakoli culture
- Compact town with easy day trips to Getaria and San Sebastián
- Can be crowded in summer
- Weather can be rainy and windy outside peak season
- "Kaixo" - Hello
- "Mesedez" - Please
- "Eskerrik asko" - Thank you
- "Bai" - Yes
- "Ez" - No
Places to Visit in Zarautz
Visit one of these nice places.
Long, golden sandy beach with rolling waves; great for sunrise and sunset seascapes, silhouettes and surfers.
Narrow Basque lanes and pastel façades provide classic street photography opportunities and overtime charm.
Cliffside vantage point offering sweeping coastal views and dramatic horizons.
Terraced hills and vineyard rows along the coast—perfect for landscape photography and golden-hour moods.
Food in Zarautz
Zarautz Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small bites served on bread, typically featuring fish, peppers, or meat; best found along the old town bars.
Must-Try!
Effervescent Basque white wine served chilled; ideal with seafood and pintxos.
A comforting tuna and potato seafood stew, a Basque coastal staple.
Fresh catches grilled simply with olive oil and lemon, often served with roasted peppers and potatoes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market offering fresh fish, produce, cheeses and regional snacks; a great place to sample local flavors in the morning.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly Basque-Spanish mix; politeness is valued in social and dining settings; avoid loud behavior in quieter neighborhoods.
Both Spanish and Basque are common; learning a few Basque or Spanish phrases is appreciated by locals.
Safety
Tipping in Zarautz
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants and bars.
Cash and cards (including contactless) are widely accepted; small eateries may prefer cash or have limited card processing.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Peak beach season with warm days, longer daylight, and vibrant outdoor dining. Expect crowds and lively waterfronts; water temperatures are pleasant for swimming.
Still mild but cooler evenings; fewer tourists; grape harvest and txakoli tastings add seasonal flavor.
Milder than inland Spain but can be wet and windy; great for museum visits, coastal walks on calmer days and fewer crowds.
Pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes, and good conditions for hiking and outdoor photography.
Zarautz at Night
Hiking in Zarautz
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Paved and dirt coastal trail with sea views, fishing villages, and photo opportunities along the cliffside.
Gentle hillside routes through vineyards and small viewpoints overlooking the sea.
Short drives and hikes around nearby hills for panoramic city and ocean views.
Airports
How to reach Zarautz by plane.
Very close to Zarautz (approx. 20-25 minutes by car); primarily domestic and seasonal international routes.
Major international hub about 1 hour by car; many European connections and long-haul options via connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families visit Zarautz for safe beaches, coastal trails, and kid-friendly dining options.
A sizable community of local and visiting surfers attracted by the long beach and surf schools.
Visitors drawn by pintxos, txakoli, and Basque culinary culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The town is renowned for its long beach and consistent waves; suitable for all levels, with local surf schools available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zarautz.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places offer salads, grilled vegetables and plant-based pintxos. Look for vegetable-based montaditos and request no meat or seafood where needed.