Parador de Hondarribia 4*

Dominating the town from the highest point, this magnificent castle, now a Parador, is in the old quarter of one of the most stately towns of the Basque country and dates back to the 10th century. Standing next to the Nuestra Señora del Manzano church, its austere exterior belies the elegance and luxury that awaits you within its great stone walls. Bedrooms are light and airy, the inner courtyard is the ideal place to unwind and the views from the terrace across the bay to France are superb. This is the only Parador that does not have its own restaurant but there are several within walking distance as well as bars and cafes. There are also some excellent fish restaurants down by the beach. Hotel parking approx. 20€/night.

Built as a fortified town at the mouth of the river Bidasoa, Hondarribia's old town is surrounded by 15th century walls and is criss-crossed with steep narrow lanes where beautiful old houses and their ornately carved wooden balconies overhang the cobbled streets below. You will also find the huge gothic style Sta Maria church here plus plenty of sunny squares and plazas dotted around where you can sit and relax before exploring the options available for dining. Below the old town is the harbour - La Marina - a great place to take an evening stroll and admire the colourful old fishing houses and boats or have dinner in one of the fine restaurants where locally caught fish and seafood appear on most menus. This is also the place to enjoy the local Tapas or Pintxos as they are known in the Basque country - the Bar Gran Sol which has won many awards for its excellent creative versions is no doubt the most popular place to do this but is by no means the only one worth trying.

Hondarribia also has a long sandy beach (1km) and should you fancy a little excursion across the bay to France, there's a little ferry that runs regularly for just a few euros.