Hondarribia is situated in the Spanish Basque country in the north of Spain.  Not far from the French border, it has a population of 16,000 and is one of the rare locations where Basque language is still commonly spoken.  Hondarribia is very much a town of two parts: the old town and the marina.  The old town, with its vantage point over the harbour is made up of a cornucopia of cobbled streets and medieval buildings; the marina on the other hand is a bright paint box of wooden houses and was formerly home to the town’s fishermen.

Basque food is particularly prominent in Hondarribia and has a strong fishy influence.  Local dishes such as txangurro: a stuffed crab bake; jibiones en su tinta: squid served in its own ink as well as marmitako: a hearty tuna stew are all on offer to be enjoyed in the plentiful local restaurants. 

In terms of things to do in the town, there’s a great range of walks around the old town and marina as well as a challenging climb up the local Mount Jaizkibel.  Or if it’s pure relaxation you’re after, there’s always the beach option.  Alternatively, if you fancy a bit of French, rather than Spanish culture, there’s a fast ferry which runs to Hendaya every half hour or so.  Hendaya is a stylish French seaside resort as well as the country’s most south-westerly town. 

So no matter whether you plump for activity or relaxation, you’d be well advised to have a hire car at your disposal to really make the most of this interesting area.  Having a car will allow you to take the time to go to San Sebastian for example for the day and enjoy the hustle and bustle of this major Spanish city.  A real haven of activity, San Sebastian simply ‘rocks’, day and night.  Set on the beach and rich in culture it is a true treasure of the north of Spain. 

Hondarribia Airport is just over 20km north east of San Sebastian and only a short drive from Hondarribia.  The airport is reasonably small but offers banking services as well as restaurant, café and shop facilities.  When it comes to low cost car hire, Hondarriba Airport brings you all of the major players: National Atesa, Avis, Europcar and Hertz.  That said, you’d be well advised to select and book your hire car before you arrive.