A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Zarautz: A Tourist Destination to Enjoy Beaches and Gastronomy

Zarautz is a beautiful coastal town located in the province of Guipúzcoa, in the Basque Country, in northern Spain. With its extensive golden sandy beach and unique charm, this destination has become very popular among tourists looking to enjoy the sun, the sea, and delicious Basque cuisine.

Zarautz Beach

Zarautz Beach is one of the main attractions of the town. With over 2 kilometers in length, it is one of the longest beaches on the Basque coast. Its waters are ideal for water sports such as surfing, as it boasts internationally recognized quality waves. Additionally, the beach is equipped with all necessary services to ensure a comfortable stay, including showers, restrooms, and rental of umbrellas and beach chairs.

Seaside Promenade and Old Town

The seaside promenade of Zarautz is perfect for a pleasant stroll by the sea. Along this promenade, you'll find numerous bars, restaurants, and shops where you can enjoy local cuisine and purchase typical products of the area. Furthermore, Zarautz's old town is a charming place to wander through its cobbled streets and discover traditional Basque architecture.

Talai-Mendi Mountain

If you're a nature lover and enjoy hiking, you must visit Talai-Mendi Mountain. From its summit, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Zarautz and its surroundings. Additionally, this mountain offers different hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your preferences and abilities.

Basque Gastronomy

Zarautz is known for its excellent gastronomic offer. In its numerous bars and restaurants, you can taste typical dishes of Basque cuisine, such as bacalao al pil-pil (cod in garlic and olive oil sauce), txuleta (grilled beef chop), or pintxos, small culinary delights served in bars in the area. Don't forget to accompany your meals with a good wine from the region, such as txakoli, a young and fruity white wine.

Events and Festivities

Throughout the year, Zarautz hosts various events and festivities worth enjoying. Highlights include the Semana Grande, celebrated in August with numerous cultural and sports activities, and the Cider Festival, which takes place in October and offers the opportunity to taste Basque cider directly from the kupelas (barrels).

Gastronomic Products of Zarautz

Fresh Fish

Zarautz is famous for its excellent offer of fresh fish. The restaurants and fish stalls at the port offer a wide variety of seafood products, such as sea bass, hake, tuna, and cod. The fish is caught daily and served fresh, ensuring its quality and flavor.
Basque Cuisine

Zarautz is an ideal place to enjoy Basque cuisine. You will be able to taste typical dishes such as pil-pil cod, grilled beef txuleta (steak) and pintxos, small portions of food served in bars that are a delight for the palate.
Cider

Cider is a traditional drink in Zarautz and throughout the Basque region. You can visit the local cider houses and taste the cider directly from the barrel. It's a unique and refreshing experience that you can't miss.

Highlighted gastronomic places of Zarautz

If you are a lover of good food, Zarautz is the perfect place for you. This charming coastal city in the Basque Country has a wide gastronomic offer that combines Basque tradition with modern touches. Below, we present some of the best places to enjoy Zarautz gastronomy:

Karlos Arguiñano Restaurant

Without a doubt, one of the gastronomic references of Zarautz is the Karlos Arguiñano Restaurant. This renowned Basque chef has turned his restaurant into a pilgrimage site for lovers of good cooking. Here you can taste traditional Basque dishes with a touch of innovation, always using fresh and quality products. Don't miss his famous grilled T-bone steak, a real delight.

Aratz Tavern

If you are looking for a place with a lively atmosphere and good prices, the Aratz Tavern is an excellent option. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of pintxos and typical Basque dishes, such as gratinated crab, pil-pil cod and squid in its ink. In addition, its extensive wine list will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of wines from the region.

Alameda Restaurant

Located in the heart of Zarautz, the Alameda Restaurant is known for its traditional Basque cuisine with a touch of sophistication. Here you can enjoy dishes such as Biscayan cod, ox T-bone steak and homemade cheesecake. In addition, its terrace with sea views is the perfect place to enjoy an outdoor meal on sunny days.

Sports Activities in Zarautz, Spain

Surfing

Zarautz is known as the "Queen of the Beaches" and is a popular destination for surfers from around the world. Zarautz beach is famous for its waves, which are ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers.

Golf

The Royal Golf Club of Zarautz is one of the oldest golf courses in Spain. Located in a stunning natural environment, it offers a unique golfing experience with views of the Cantabrian Sea.

Hiking

The surroundings of Zarautz offer numerous hiking routes that allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. You can explore the Pagoeta Natural Park or the Basque Coast Geopark.

Cycling

Zarautz is an excellent starting point for bike routes. You can follow the route of the Camino de Santiago along the coast, or explore the picturesque villages inland.

Places near Zarautz (Spain)

If you are in Zarautz and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Getaria

Getaria, a charming coastal town in the Basque Country, captivates visitors with its beautiful landscape and rich culinary tradition. Known for its delicious dishes of fresh fish and seafood, it is the perfect destination for lovers of good food and stunning views.

Deba

Deba, a charming coastal town in the Basque Country, will captivate you with its natural beauty and delicious cuisine. Enjoy its golden sandy beaches, explore its old town and savor traditional dishes such as txangurro and cod pil-pil. A unique experience for lovers of tourism and good food!

Mutriku

Mutriku, a charming coastal village in the Basque Country, will captivate you with its natural beauty and rich culinary tradition. Enjoy its beaches, its picturesque harbor, and taste delicious dishes of fresh fish in its cozy restaurants. A unique experience for lovers of tourism and good food.