CNN Benefits from Northern Spain Travel Insider Knowledge
Northern Spain Travel: Adding Sophistication to your Adventure Article written by Stephanie Mutsaerts “It’s a tradition that dates back to the 14th century, but what is it really like to experience running with the bulls in Spain? David Culver heads to Pamplona to explore the lure of running with bulls, as well as the controversy around it.” The Whole Story, an Original CNN documentary Northern Spain Travel oversees ground production Northern Spain Travel is proud to have contributed to the CNN documentary on the running of the bulls, which is both informative and entertaining. It is a classic example of journalists maintaining objectivity while allowing viewers to form their own opinions. Beyond the Bulls: Extending Your Adventures in Northern Spain Explore the lure of the running of the bulls with Northern Spain Travel. The main focus of this documentary The documentary by David Culver focuses on presenting an objective view of the culture and traditions of the running of the bulls in the context of the San Fermn Festival. The result is a stunning documentary that delves into the many facets and hot button issues surrounding bull running and bullfighting, allowing viewers to make their own decisions. Culver’s documentary begins by following the lives of North American runners who return year after year to take part not only in the annual running of the bulls, but also in the weeks and days preceding San Fermn. Surprisingly, only 16 people have died while watching the bulls run since records began in 1910. Culver joins a group of runners who are receiving technique and tactics advice from seasoned competitors. As the race day approaches, Culver decides to don the traditional white pants and shirt, as well as the red scarf worn by runners, in order to experience and comprehend the thrill that so many runners seek. The documentary also addresses the contentious issue of bullfighting, which is condemned by animal rights organizations but considered an integral part of heritage and culture in many regions of Spain. Bill Hillmann from North America: An Important Perspective The CNN documentary, in our opinion, provides the best representation of the Pamplona bull runs by providing a comprehensive account of the runs provided by North American runners, one of whom is Dr. Bill Hillmann, a novelist and professor of creative writing at East-West University in Chicago. Bill Hillmann fell in love with the encierro (bull running) and now runs in several other Spanish towns, in addition to San Fermin in Pamplona, and has participated in well over 100 runs. We highly recommend Bill’s books “Mozos” or his most recent novel “Los Pueblos” for advice or inspiration to be a part of a San Fermin adventure. Bill Hillmann does an excellent job of sharing his passions with the rest of the world. Bill Hillmann is giving our Northern Spain Travel guests a private tour of the running of the bulls. A Personal Highlight of the Dangers of Running with the Bulls The Risks of running with the bulls One of the documentary’s personal highlights was seeing Tasio Blazquez, the 22-year-old son of Northern Spain Travel’s founder Steph Mutsaerts in action. Tasio tripped and fell in front of the entire herd on July 8th, the day the bulls from the Cebada Gago ranch ran the course, right where the CNN cameras were filming. Tasio had no idea where the cameras were, and the CNN crew had no idea who Tasio was. He was clearly performing for the cameras, making it a hilarious and awesome moment for his fifteen minutes of fame. Northern Spain Travel founder Steph Mutsaerts recounted the event as follows: “Here’s how the story goes: I wake up to a phone call from Ander Echanove, a Basque/North American runner and novelist, informing me that Tasio had been trampled by the herd but was fine. As I learn more, I realize that the fall occurred precisely where the cameras were installed. I tell CNN producer Natalie, ‘You must have seen my son get trampled today because it was exactly here’ (I point to the location). ‘That was your son?’ Natalie asks, puzzled. We witnessed the entire incident, in which the entire herd jumped over him and he miraculously escaped unharmed. We were going to interview him, but he bolted into the crowd. ‘And this is how Tasio was interviewed and filmed as he described a local runner’s experience running with the bulls.” Northern Spain Travel Gives Thanks: CNN Production Behind the Scenes First and foremost, we’d like to thank Bill Hillmann for recommending us to CNN as the best fixer in the region, with the know-how and contacts required to make this documentary a success. Second, it was a true pleasure to work with the lovely people behind this CNN production, the ‘A’ team, which included producer Natalie Angley, reporter David Culver, and cameramen Jordan Guzzardo, Martin Bourke, and Joe Teahan. David Culver is an incredible journalist, an incredible interviewer, and a kind and sensitive soul. He truly entered our community with an open heart, as evidenced by the film. The Trailer for the CNN San Fermin documentary Northern Spain Travel invites you to experience the allure of running with bulls Sign up for one of our tours to experience San Fermin from the inside. We offer packages that combine some of Spain’s best festivals, museums, gastronomy, and wine experiences. In a San Fermin experience, we highlight the true essence of Spain’s greatest festival of all. San Fermin is a once-in-a-lifetime ‘must’, a true bucket list adventure. Highlights of a sample package San Fermin from the inside. Watch the running of the bulls from the right balcony. Join us to private venues for insider cultural experiences. Day trip to to the wine regions from the historic and modern wineries. Boutique accommodation throughout your journey. Photos by Stephanie Mutsaerts
Kingdom of Navarre Timelapse
Written by Txema Ortiz Photos by Txema Ortiz and Stephanie Mutsaerts The Land of Magic Water Artist Txema Ortiz – A Passion for video timelapses and Navarre What better way to celebrate the winter season in Navarra as with a timelapse journey into a variety of locations in Navarra. Txema Ortiz gives protagonism to water, that precious resource that is increasingly more scarce and difficult to conserve. The sculptor of beautiful landscapes, magical destinations in the Kingdom of Navarre. Learn more about Txema Ortiz Txema one of our local heros from Pamplona, Navarra is passionate the audiovisual world. Although Txema considers himself self-taught, his extensive career in editing and post-production audiovisuals, has led him to specialize in television production and instruction for a multitude of courses related to this world (photography, drone pilot, adobe premiere, adobe after effects, cinema 4d, Davinci resolve, Nuke, illustrator, Photoshop, etc.) I am very interested in discovering new techniques. I am fascinated by infrared photography and ultraviolet photography, which offer a different perspective and atmosphere than normal photography. This kind of photography cover the right and left zones outside the visible spectrum that the human eye cannot see, resulting in images that help create a spectacular natural and complexity outcome. Award-winning Soundtrack The soundtrack is by Peter Nanasi. Peter has been composing and producing music for the media for 12 years. He has done more than 150 projects from clients from 17 countries. He has written music for theater plays, commercials, TV programs, short and feature films are made in his recording studio. Seas of clouds and hobbit-like forests The underwater sequences are fabulous. We love the impressive ‘under the stars’ sequences. The seas of clouds mesmorize the viewer Txema Ortiz, thank you for this delightful virtual journey into the sunsets, lush forests and fabulous soundtrack. How did Txema Ortiz film this? Txema states “More than 8,000 photographs out of a total of 25,000 have been used for this video. I used a variety of photograpic equipment: sony A7III camera, sony A7SIII, and various lenses, slider, tripods and many hours of recording and editing”. Txema Ortiz is from Pamplona, Navarrra and has been designing timelapse videos for the last 9 years. Location of Timelapse Aralar Larra-belagua Arantza Vidangoz Baztan Roncal Bardenas Urbasa Belabarce Pirineos Valle de Arce Urederra Velate Lizarraga Sierra Perdon Forests, waterfalls, gorges, rivers, lakes, caves, mountains, deserts, ravines… Navarra offers incredible natural locations you should visit on your next visit to our land. Written by Stephanie Mutsaerts Photos by Txema Ortiz
8-Day Luxury Walking Tour in Menorca
A Journeys with Soul: Menorca Article written by Stephanie Mutsaerts Northern Spain Travel Presents The 8-Day Walking Menorca Journey Learn more about this tour Journeys with Soul: Menorca A Walking Pilgrimage of Flavor, Silence, and Stone For eight days, Menorca unfolds not as a destination, but as a presence. You walk along its rugged coasts and through ancient pine forests, guided not by a map, but by the sound of wind in fig trees and the scent of wild rosemary. This is a journey for those who travel not to escape, but to encounter — the land, the silence, the self. Explore the lure of Menora with Northern Spain Travel. Menorca: A Hidden Jewel of Tranquil Luxury and Timeless Beauty Far from the bustling crowds of its Balearic sisters, Menorca is a sanctuary for discerning travelers seeking unspoiled nature, refined experiences, and quiet elegance. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island offers a harmonious blend of wild Mediterranean landscapes, ancient history, and sophisticated charm. For hiking enthusiasts, Menorca is a dream. The legendary Camí de Cavalls, a historic coastal path encircling the island, guides you through a kaleidoscope of dramatic cliffs, pine forests, hidden coves, and rolling hills. Each step reveals a new vista — from turquoise waters framed by rugged rock formations to sweeping countryside dotted with wildflowers and ancient stone walls. Whether you’re trekking a gentle inland stretch or exploring cliffside trails with panoramic sea views, the serenity is unmatched. Gastronomy in Menorca is a deeply rooted and elegant affair. The island’s culinary tradition combines rustic authenticity with modern sophistication. Enjoy fresh-caught seafood, artisanal Mahón cheese, and local delicacies such as caldereta de langosta (lobster stew) in refined seaside restaurants or charming rural fincas. Pair every meal with excellent Balearic wines or a crisp gin tonic made with the island’s own Xoriguer gin, a nod to its British heritage. The true luxury of Menorca, however, lies in its peaceful rhythm. There are no loud parties, only sun-drenched days, golden sunsets over silent coves, and star-filled nights. It’s a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and indulge in life’s simple yet profound pleasures — all in an atmosphere of understated elegance. Menorca is not just a destination — it is a retreat for the soul. Day 1: When Arrival Feels Like Belonging Mahón, is the island’s capital, where a soft light kisses honeyed stone walls. A private transfer takes you to a boutique hotel where linen curtains flutter with the sea breeze. The pace is already different here. In the afternoon, a private historian walks you through Mahón — its neoclassical façades, hidden staircases to the water, stories carved into limestone. As the sun drops, a private wine tasting offers the first sip of Menorca’s quiet richness. Whites cooled by sea air, reds rooted in clay. Local cheeses complete the ritual. Local Insight: Mahón’s history as a British stronghold lives in its architecture — and in its gin. Mahón’s history as a British stronghold lives on vividly in its architecture — and unmistakably in its gin. During the 18th century, when the British ruled Menorca, they left behind a distinct legacy: elegant Georgian-style buildings with sash windows and neoclassical facades that still define the town’s charm today. But perhaps the most enduring (and enjoyable) remnant is Xoriguer gin, a spirit crafted using traditional copper stills and infused with juniper berries. Originally created to satisfy the tastes of British sailors, Mahón’s gin has become a beloved symbol of the island’s unique cultural fusion and timeless character. Northern Spain Travel invites you not just to visit, but to experience Menorca — with heart, mind, and palate open. Day 2: Listening to the Wetlands From Cala Mesquida, the Camí de Cavalls leads into the s’Albufera des Grau Natural Park — a protected haven of marshes, cliffs, and hidden birdsong. Your guide moves slowly, letting the silence speak. Booted eagles soar above; lizards skitter below. By midday, you reach the stark elegance of the Favàritx Lighthouse. Here, the sea meets stone in a lunar dream. A picnic lunch tastes of olive oil, fresh bread, and the wild. In the afternoon, the Isabel II Fortress welcomes you with silence and wind — a monument to history and resilience. Northern Spain Travel Tip: Let the breeze at Favàritx guide your thoughts. It’s the kind of place that clears them. This is not a walking tour. It is a pilgrimage of senses. A journey with soul. Day 3: Clay Paths and Cliffside Wonder From the golden sands of Arenal d’en Castell, you trace the island’s northern spine — red earth underfoot, sea-glass waters to your right. The path climbs and curls through pine forests and dry stone terraces, toward Cavallería Beach. Here, you pause. Swim. Breathe. The clay cliffs are good for the skin and better for the soul. Afterward, you’re driven west to Ciutadella — a city of candlelit streets and Moorish echoes. A private walking tour with a local guide brings its stories to life. Evening suggestion: Let Ciutadella’s quiet alleys guide you to a tucked-away seafood tavern. No reservations. Just intuition. Day 4: Red Sands and the Geometry of Stone Today’s trail takes you from Cavallería to Cala del Pilar — one of Menorca’s wildest beaches. Reddish sands. Turquoise water. Silence layered in cicada song. Later, you visit Lithica — a former stone quarry turned labyrinth of art and shadow. You walk among carved geometry, cooled by walls that once held sea fossils. It’s not a monument. It’s a meditation. Local Hero: Margarita, the curator, speaks not of construction but of listening. “The stone knows more than we do,” she says. Evening is yours. Ciutadella waits, with its flickering lamps and open doors. Day 5: Memory Etched in Rock You hike along cliffs toward Cala Morell, where the past is carved into the earth. The Necropolis — a series of ancient burial caves — feels less like a ruin and more like a whisper from another time. Lunch arrives with sea views at a quiet cove. In the afternoon, choose your own experience: an archaeological walk, a tasting of Menorcan preserves and wines, or perhaps stargazing under skies that knew the Phoenicians. Flora Note: In spring, wild orchids line the trail like secrets waiting to bloom. Menorca is a haven for nature lovers, and one of its most enchanting treasures is the abundance of wild orchids that bloom across the island, especially in spring. With over 25 species found in its meadows, forests, and coastal paths, these delicate flowers add a splash of color to the island’s already rich biodiversity. From the striking Bee Orchid to the rare Man Orchid, each species reveals a glimpse into Menorca’s untouched ecological heritage. As part of its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, the island offers a uniquely protected environment where these botanical gems can flourish in serene, natural beauty. Day 6: Of Cheese, Stone, and Silence From Cala Morell, the trail winds toward the rugged west — past stone huts, grazing sheep, and a stillness shaped by wind. Punta Nati Lighthouse stands at the edge, unwavering. Your afternoon unfolds on a family-run estate. Beneath fig trees and tiled roofs, you taste artisan cheeses, sip local wines, and hear the stories of generations tied to this land. Travel Tip: Be sure to check out the circular dry stone constructions, a technique traditional to Menorca and other Mediterranean regions. This specific formation, with its stepped, circular, almost pyramid-like shape and surrounding curved wall, is a modern artistic interpretation or sculptural installation inspired by ancient Talayotic and dry stone architecture. It’s likely part of an interpretive or cultural walking route on the island — perhaps along the Camí de Cavalls, where art and nature often merge. These constructions celebrate Menorca’s UNESCO-recognized dry stone heritage, which uses no mortar and showcases the skill of shaping and balancing local stone. Day 7: Coves of Farewell On your final walk, you follow the island’s southern coast — Cala Macarella, Cala Turqueta, Son Saura. Water like cut glass. Sand fine as flour. Each cove is a farewell in slow motion. You lunch by the sea, your steps now measured not by distance, but by gratitude. Back in Mahón, your last night invites reflection — and perhaps one final toast. Day 8: The Quiet Departure You leave not hurriedly, but softly — with sun on your skin and salt in your hair. The landscapes of Menorca have walked with you. And you, with them. This is not just a holiday.It is a return — to stillness, to taste, to self. Photos by Stephanie Mutsaerts
Best Food Tour in Pamplona – Pintxos, Markets & History (4 Hours)
Discover Pamplona in 4 hours with a top-rated food tour Pintxos, markets, history, and views. Taste Navarra’s best flavors with a local expert guide. Article written by Stephanie Mutsaerts Northern Spain Travel Presents Book your Pamplona food and pintxos tour today and experience the city through its flavors and stories! Learn more about this tour Best food tour in Pamplona A perfect blend of gastronomy, culture, and sightseeing Looking for the best food tour in Pamplona? Taste your way through the historic Old Town with this 4-hour pintxos and culture tour—perfect for food lovers who want to explore Pamplona’s top flavors and landmarks in just one afternoon. Explore the lure of Pamplona with Northern Spain Travel. What’s Included: Pintxos & Wine Tasting at 4 Iconic Bars Savor the best traditional and modern pintxos paired with local wines at four legendary bars in Pamplona’s Old Town. A true taste of Basque and Navarrese cuisine. Guided Visit to Santo Domingo Market Explore Pamplona’s main market with a local expert. Discover fresh produce, regional cheeses, cured meats, and local delicacies. Visit Gourmet Food Shops Step inside authentic Navarrese food shops. Learn about and taste signature products like pacharán, piquillo peppers, artisanal conservas, and wines. Walk Through Pamplona’s Three Medieval Boroughs Uncover the history of Navarrería, San Cernin, and San Nicolás, the original neighborhoods of the city. Full of charm, legends, and local life. Cathedral Quarter & Optional Visit Inside Visit the Cathedral of Santa María la Real and its surroundings. If open, we’ll explore the stunning interior and cloister. City Walls Viewpoint Stop Enjoy panoramic views from a viewpoint overlooking Pamplona’s historic city walls, one of the most complete medieval fortifications in Europe. Why Choose This Pamplona Food Tour? A perfect blend of gastronomy, culture, and sightseeing Small-group experience with a local expert guide Ideal for first-time visitors or those short on time Taste the best of Navarra’s cuisine in just 4 hours Northern Spain Travel invites you not just to visit, but to experience Pamplona— with heart, mind, and palate open. Why Pamplona is a Must-Visit for Food Lovers Pamplona is not only famous for the Running of the Bulls, but also for its rich culinary traditions. Nestled in the heart of Navarra, this city offers a unique blend of Basque and Navarrese flavors, world-class pintxos bars, and vibrant local markets. From aged cheeses and premium wines to farm-fresh vegetables and artisanal meats, Pamplona is a true paradise for foodies. Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, a guided food tour in Pamplona is the best way to discover local ingredients, meet passionate artisans, and experience the authentic taste of northern Spain. Looking for what to do in Pamplona in one day? This food and culture tour is your perfect plan. Explore Pamplona Through Its Food & Stories If you’re searching for the best things to do in Pamplona, a local food tour is a must. Walk through the city’s charming Old Town, taste award-winning pintxos, and learn about Pamplona’s rich medieval history, all in one immersive experience. This tour isn’t just about eating—it’s about connecting with the culture, understanding regional ingredients, and seeing the city from a local’s perspective. With stops at top-rated bars, the central market, and scenic viewpoints, you’ll leave with a full belly and a deeper appreciation for what makes Pamplona truly unique. Perfect for travelers, foodies, and cultural explorers alike! Photos by Stephanie Mutsaerts
Heming-WAY: Luxury Road Trip Tours Through Northern Spain in the Footsteps of Ernest Hemingway
Our Hemingway Road Trip Tour is a purely experiential travel adventure. It is a road trip through Northern Spain full of diverse and local experiences connected to the life and writing of Ernest Hemingway. Heming-WAY: Luxury Road Trip Tours Through Northern Spain in the Footsteps of Ernest Hemingway If you’re dreaming of luxury travel in Northern Spain, there’s no better inspiration than Ernest Hemingway. The Nobel Prize-winning author fell deeply in love with the region’s raw beauty, fine wines, and warm hospitality. Our Heming-WAY Semi-Guided Tour is your invitation to follow in his footsteps on a curated luxury road trip through Spain, exploring the Basque Country, the La Rioja wine region, and Navarra—our jewel in the raw. With private local guides in select destinations, exclusive wine tastings, and boutique stays, this is a luxury tour of Spain with soul. Ready to travel the Heming-WAY?Let us design your luxury tour of Northern Spain, where every glass of Rioja, every sea breeze, and every cobblestone street tells a story worthy of Hemingway himself. Ask us for a paper copy of The Hemingway Traveler Magazine Send us a whatsapp at +34 628 601560 or send us an email at info@northernspaintravel.com Hemingway Traveler Magazine The magazine ‘Hemingway Traveler’ describes the journeys taken by Hemingway in each region, featuring the places known as ‘Hemingway’. It explains the development of the American writer and Nobel Prize winner’s ties to his beloved and admired Navarra, during his stays in Pamplona for San Fermin, Aoiz, Burguete; Orreaga / Roncesvalles, Selva de Irati; Lekunberri, Sunbilla and Tudela. In Gipuzkoa, he visited San Sebastian, Tolosa, Hondarribia, Irun, Txingudi Bay, Zarautz, Zumaia, Loiola, Deba (with its geopark on the Basque Coast), Markina, Etxebarri, Eibar (Armera Industry Museum). In Bizkaia he traveled to Bilbao, Ermua, Gernika, Urdaibai, Mundaka, Bermeo and Orduña. In Álava, Vitoria and Ollauri. In Iparralde he walked through the streets of Hendaia, and in La Rioja his stays are recorded in Logroño, Haro and Calahorra. The magazine presents photographs of all the locations that the writer visited from 1923 to 1960. Along with the images you can read Ernest Hemingway’s phrases highlighting the main characteristics and annual events of those municipalities. Recipes from some of the oldest restaurants in each region is also included – Gipuzkoa, Alameda de Hondarribia (1880); in Navarre, the Benta Miguel, from Ventas de Arraitz (1800); in Bizkaia, Los Fueros de Bilbao (1878); in Álava, El Portalón de Vitoria, which has been a post house and inn since the 15th century; and in La Rioja, Casa Terete, in Haro (1877). That the American writer and Nobel Laureate Ernest Hemingway was in love with Gipuzkoa and its bordering territories is no secret. uniqueness of Ernest Hemingway as the thread of its storyline, connects the links between Euskadi, Iparralde, Navarra and La Rioja through a variety of proposed trips and getaways. The places, people, parties, and customs that the Nobel Prize winner knew in these three neighboring autonomous communities left a strong mark on both his life and his writing. These experiences went beyond those of San Fermin which Ernest Hemingway made famous through the world with his first great novel, published in 1926 ‘The Sun Also Rises’ (titled ‘Fiesta’ in its Spanish version). Where Are We? Hemingway had a gift for finding places with a unique flavour and identity of their own — and our “Heming-WAY” territory is no exception. It spans three distinct cultural communities with more than 3,000 years of history to uncover, nestled in the angle formed by the Bay of Biscay and the Franco-Spanish border. In less than 300 kilometers, you’ll travel through: Two UNESCO biosphere reserves One of Europe’s best-preserved ancient forests A European Cultural Capital and a European Green Capital Some of the world’s most beloved festivals A dazzling variety of landscapes — from Atlantic beaches to vineyard hillsides — plus a culinary scene renowned across the globe. All this lies within a short trip from Europe’s great cities: 6 hours by train from Paris, 4 hours from Barcelona, 3.5 hours from Madrid. Day-by-Day Highlights of the Heming-WAY Tour From the Gipuzkoa Basque Coast to the rolling vineyards of La Rioja and the untamed Pyrenean valleys of Navarra, Hemingway discovered a Spain far from the tourist crowds—a place of deep tradition, authentic flavors, and landscapes that stir the imagination. On this semi-guided luxury tour, you’ll enjoy the freedom of your own pace combined with exclusive experiences only possible through our insider network. Day 1 – Pamplona: Pintxos, History & Private Hemingway Haunts Begin in Pamplona with a private guided walking tour of the charming Old Town, tracing the legendary bull run route, visiting the Cathedral of Santa María la Real, and pausing at Hemingway’s favorite spots. Step inside the historic Café Iruña and a members-only 1920s gastronomy club for a welcome drink, then indulge in gourmet pintxos paired with Basque cider or fine Navarra wine. Northern Spain Travel invites you not just to visit, but to experience the careful craft behind each cut of meat with rich marbling and natural flavor. Semi-guided tours SpainContact us to book your seat on this unforgettable road trip experience. Day 2 – La Rioja: Private Wine Tastings & Gourmet Dining Travel to La Rioja wine country, where Hemingway famously spent days exploring the vineyards. Visit handpicked wineries—some with centuries-old underground cellars—for intimate tastings of Gran Reservas and elegant blends. Savor a Michelin-worthy lunch at top hotels, surrounded by vineyard views. Day 3 – Navarra & the Pyrenees: Rustic Luxury in Wild Landscapes Experience Navarra’s “jewel in the raw” as you follow Hemingway’s fishing trails along the Irati River. Enjoy artisanal sheep cheese and txistorra sausage in the village of Aribe, then dine on freshly caught trout at Hemingway’s favorite hotel in Burguete—still run by the same family who served him nearly a century ago. Day 4 – Basque Country & San Sebastian: Culture, Coast & Culinary Bliss Immerse yourself in Basque traditions before arriving in San Sebastian, one of Europe’s top luxury coastal destinations. Enjoy a private pintxos and wine tour, discovering why this city is a global gastronomic capital. Relax on La Concha Beach or stroll the elegant Belle Époque promenade. Day 5 – Sailing the Basque Coast: A Hemingway-Style Escape Board a privately chartered antique sailboat from the fishing port of Pasajes. Cruise along the emerald Atlantic coastline toward San Sebastian, champagne glass in hand, just as Hemingway would have done. End the day with a curated bar hop to taste the city’s finest pintxos and wines. Why Choose a Semi-Guided Luxury Tour in Spain? Our Heming-WAY experience blends independent travel with exclusive guided moments, giving you the best of both worlds. You enjoy the freedom of a self-paced road trip, while we arrange the luxury stays, insider access, and gourmet experiences that make the journey unforgettable.
The 5 Best Things to Do in Getaria
Here are the five best things to do in Getaria when traveling with Northern Spain Travel: With Northern Spain Travel, every moment in Getaria becomes a curated journey into the heart of Basque beauty and tradition. 1. Begin with a Txakoli Winery Visit Start your day among the lush green hills that surround Getaria. The region’s boutique Txakoli wineries are perched on steep slopes that seem to tumble into the Cantabrian Sea. Here, you’ll enjoy a private vineyard tour, learn about the crisp Basque white wine, and savor a tasting paired with artisan cheeses and fresh seafood—all while soaking in panoramic ocean views. A refreshing and refined beginning to your day. 2. Walk the Historic Town After your tasting, stroll through the charming cobbled streets of Getaria’s old town, where fishermen’s houses, Gothic churches, and inviting plazas tell the story of a community shaped by the sea. The port bustles with life, and boutiques showcase local crafts and flavors. This leisurely walk connects you directly with the soul of the village. 3. Guardians of the Sea: Fisherman’s Experience with Manuela The highlight of any visit is our exclusive experience with Manuela and Claudio, the last family in Getaria still practicing traditional, low-intensity fishing. At the harbor, they’ll share their centuries-old techniques and handmade tools before inviting you into the lonja (fish market) for a pintxo-style tasting. Sample tender octopus, unforgettable anchovies, and ventresca tuna, paired with txakoli and local cheeses. More than a meal, it’s a living lesson in Basque resilience, heritage, and love of the sea. 4. Discover the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum In the afternoon, step into the world of Cristóbal Balenciaga, the legendary couturier born in Getaria. The Balenciaga Museum houses a collection of his timeless haute couture, displayed in a strikingly modern architectural space. Fashion lovers and cultural travelers alike will find inspiration in the elegance and innovation of one of the greatest designers of the 20th century. 5. Sunset Walk on the Ratón de Getaria Conclude your day with a sunset hike on the Ratón de Getaria, the mouse-shaped islet that rises behind the village. The gentle climb offers sweeping views over the vineyards, rooftops, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. At the summit, watch the sun sink into the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson—a perfect, serene finale to a day of Basque luxury. Experience Getaria with Northern Spain Travel From Txakoli tastings with sea views to exclusive encounters with local fishermen, from Balenciaga’s haute couture to sunset panoramas, Getaria offers an unforgettable blend of elegance and authenticity. Who Was Elkano? Getaria is not only famous for its wine, fashion, and fishing traditions—it also gave the world one of history’s greatest explorers: Juan Sebastián Elkano. Born here in 1487, Elkano became the first person to successfully circumnavigate the globe. After Ferdinand Magellan was killed in the Philippines during the famed expedition of 1519–1522, Elkano assumed command of the ship Victoria and led the surviving crew back to Spain, completing the first-ever journey around the world. This monumental feat forever placed Getaria on the global map as the birthplace of one of humanity’s boldest navigators. Today, Elkano’s legacy is honored throughout the town, from statues and monuments to the prestigious Elkano restaurant, one of the most celebrated grills in the world. Dining here is an homage not just to Basque culinary excellence, but also to the adventurous spirit of Getaria’s most famous son.