The Parador of Hondarribia is near the
French border just a short distance from
San Sebastian, and within easy visiting
distance of Bilbao and the wonderful Guggenheim
museum.
Parador Hondarribia is a 10th century
castle built by the King of Navarre in
the early days of the Christian re-conquest.
The powerful Caliph, Al-Mansur, was a
constant threat to the area in the those
times, but King Sancho Abarca and the
castle at Hondarribia were spared because
the King had given one of his daughters
in marriage to the Caliph - there have
always been advantages to "keeping it
all in the family!"
The castle was remodeled in the 16th
century by Emperor Charles the Fifth.
Napoleon stayed here for some time during
the wars between Spain and France and
many other notable figures in the history
of Spain and Europe have stayed here as
well.
The Parador of Hondarribia is situated
on the banks of the Bidasoa estuary and
provides beautiful views out to the sea.
This is every bit the castle people imagine
castles to be with its monolithic stone
walls (still pockmarked by cannon-fire
from old wars), and interior decorations
of medieval armor, weaponry and tapestries.
The Parador contains many charming nooks
and corners perfect for quiet sitting,
reading and intimate conversation.
Interesting nearby excursions from Parador
Hondarribia:
- The fishermen's area of the waterfront,
and the La Marina quarter.
- The wonderful castle at San Telmo.
- Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y Manzano
parish church, Gothic 15-16th c.
- Calle Mayor and Plaza de Guipúzcoa
(admire the many stately houses).
- There are nearby golf courses, and
plenty of opportunities for diving, sailing,
surfing and fishing.
Interesting day trips include:
- Pamplona - Parador Hondarribia is a
good place to find accommodations during
the Fiesta San Fermin (running of the
bulls) when they are nearly impossible
to get in Pamplona itself.
- Bilbao - the Guggenheim museum is a
"must see."
- Rioja wine country - visit the wineries
and vinyards along the Ebro river near
Logrono.
- Biarritz and Bayonne - wonderful beaches,
casinos and nightlife.
The Hondarribia Parador does not have
a restaurant, but there are fine restaurants
within a short distance, and the cuisine
of this area of Spain is renowned. A well,
the fascinating city of San Sebastian
is only a few miles away, and it has some
of the finest restaurants in all of Spain.
The Parador does serve a buffet breakfast
in a wonderful little dining room overlooking
the water.
For intrepid travelers visiting north
central Spain or Southwestern France -
the Parador of Hondarribia makes a historically
fascinating and culturally interesting
place to stay for a night - or for a week
of nights!
This article was posted on November
24, 2005
