Official UK partner to the Paradors, Pousadas, Pestana Hotels & Resorts,
Teritoria, and European Hotels Collection. Keytours International,
formerly Keytel International, your agent in the UK.
10th century castle (4*)
The Parador de Hondarribia, dominating the town from its highest point and overlooking the river border with France, occupies an ancient castle originally built by King Sancho II of Navarre in the 10th century. Behind the thick walls of the castle itself is the magnificent interior of the Parador, with its fine courtyard, beamed ceilings and arches, and its arrays of cannon, lances and armour. This is a most impressive building, yet the atmosphere is comfortable with a distinct sense of elegance. You experience the architecture of the fortress vividly as the stone walls prominently feature throughout the hotel as do the wonderful timber beams, flagstone and timber floors and typical drapes and decoration. The décor of the hotel is impressive and is complemented by floral and natural displays.
From the Parador’s prominent terrace and from some of the bedrooms there are magnificent views across the rooftops and the bay to France and the yachts in Hendaye marina, and the terrace enjoys the most wonderful atmosphere on a warm evening. It is the only Parador that does not have a restaurant but within a stone's throw of the front entrance you will find several lovely bars and restaurants to enjoy. The Parador does have an attractive breakfast room and bar area serving snacks with indoor and outdoor seating.
Keytours Tips:
The Basque town of Hondarribia (known as Fuenterrabia in Spanish) is on a peninsula close to the border with France, between San Sebastian and Biarritz. Its strategic position led to a number of battles for possession of the town in 1521, 1638 and 1792, and this history is reflected in the town walls and the picturesque old quarter. This rustic fisherman’s port brims with character and visitors will encounter a superb array of restaurants serving local catch.
The Parador at Hondarribia within its tranquil surroundings is ideal for those wanting to journey through the heart of Guipúzcoa to explore the quaint, neighbouring fishing villages and beautiful beaches, which run along the northern coast as well as San Sebastian, perhaps Spain's most famous culinary centre.
Hondarribia also provides the perfect stop-off for those embarking on the “Route of St. James” (Camino de Santiago). Nature lovers will also be interested in the Bértiz Nature Reserve with its abundance of flora and fauna, located within easy reach of the Parador.
Breakfast is served from 7.30 to 11.00.
Cafe/bar is open from 11.00 until 22.00 offering bar snacks.
Dominating the town from its highest point, the Parador rises up in the beautiful Plaza de Armas next to the Nuestra Señora del Manzano church, in the old quarter of one of the most stately towns of the Basque Country. Hondarribia (formerly Fuenterrabía) is 18 km from San Sebastián /Donostia either along the main N-1 or the A-8 motorway towards the French border.
Hondarribia's Parador has a small car park directly alongside the wall which has a charge, payable locally. There are also parking spaces in the roads leading up to the Parador with and without charge.
Most noted for its strong cultural identity and language, pintxos and excellent vineyards, the Basque Country as plenty to offer visitors to Spain and its Paradors make the most of both the coastal and natural settings this region has to offer.
