A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Discovering Zestoa: A Hidden Treasure in Bizkaia, Spain

Zestoa is a small town located in the province of Bizkaia, in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, in the north of Spain. Although it is a small town, Zestoa is a place full of charm and historical, cultural and natural wealth that is worth discovering.

Historical and Cultural Heritage

One of the main attractions of Zestoa is its historical and cultural heritage. The Church of San Martín de Tours stands out, a neoclassical style building built in the 18th century. It is also worth visiting the Casa Torre de Lili, an old medieval fortress that has been restored and converted into a local history interpretation center.

In addition, Zestoa is famous for its prehistoric caves, especially the Ekain Cave, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This cave is one of the best examples of Upper Paleolithic rock art in Europe, with paintings and engravings over 14,000 years old.

Nature and Landscapes

Zestoa is surrounded by a natural environment of great beauty. The Urola river crosses the town, creating a river landscape of great attraction. In addition, the town is surrounded by mountains and forests, ideal for hiking and enjoying nature.

One of the most outstanding places is the Pagoeta Natural Park, a protected area of great ecological value, with a great diversity of flora and fauna. The park offers several hiking routes and picnic areas, as well as a nature interpretation center.

Gastronomy

Gastronomy is another of the great attractions of Zestoa. The town is famous for its pastries, especially for its "tejas and cigarrillos", traditional sweets made with almond and sugar. It is also highly recommended to try the Idiazabal cheese, a sheep cheese with Denomination of Origin, and the txakoli, a typical white wine of the region.

Festivals and Events

Zestoa celebrates several festivals and events throughout the year, which are an excellent opportunity to learn about local culture and traditions. The patron saint festivities of San Martín, celebrated in November with various festive events, and the San Isidro Fair, in May, where you can taste local products and enjoy various cultural and sports activities, stand out.

Gastronomic Products of Zestoa

Traditional Pastries

Zestoa is famous for its traditional pastries, especially for its rice cakes and tea pastries. These sweets are handmade following recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. They are a delight for the palate and a perfect gift to take home.
Idiazabal Cheese

In the rural areas of Zestoa, the famous Idiazabal cheese is produced, a sheep cheese with Protected Designation of Origin. This cheese is made with raw milk from latxa and carranzana sheep, and has an intense and slightly spicy flavor. It is a highly appreciated product in Basque cuisine.
Natural Cider

Cider is a very popular drink in the Basque Country and in Zestoa you can find several cider houses where it is produced in a traditional way. Natural cider is made with local apples and is served directly from the barrel, giving it a fresh and slightly acidic taste. It is the perfect drink to accompany a traditional Basque meal.

Outstanding Gastronomic Places in Zestoa

Zestoa, in the province of Bizkaia, is a place full of charm and tradition. Its rich gastronomy can be enjoyed in a variety of restaurants and taverns that offer both traditional Basque dishes and culinary innovations. Below, we present some of the most outstanding:

Zelai Txiki Restaurant

The Zelai Txiki Restaurant is a reference place in Zestoa. Known for its traditional Basque cuisine, it offers a variety of dishes made with seasonal products of the highest quality. Among its specialties are the Biscayan cod, the hake a la koskera and the beef steak. The cozy atmosphere and the friendly treatment of its staff make this place a perfect option to enjoy an unforgettable meal.

Arkupe Tavern

The Arkupe Tavern is a charming place in the heart of Zestoa. This establishment offers a wide variety of pintxos and typical Basque dishes, such as cod omelette, squid in its ink and txangurro a la donostiarra. In addition, its extensive wine list will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of wines from the region.

Etxeberri Grill

The Etxeberri Grill is a must for meat lovers. This grill offers a selection of excellent quality grilled meats, such as beef steak and suckling lamb. In addition, it has a cellar with a wide selection of wines to accompany your dishes. The rustic and cozy atmosphere of the place, along with its excellent service, make the Etxeberri Grill an ideal option for a special meal.

Sporting Activities in Zestoa (Bizkaia)

Hiking

Zestoa offers a large number of hiking routes for all levels. You can explore the Pagoeta Natural Park, with its stunning views and rich biodiversity.

POWER BEAST Magnesio Líquido
Maximiza tu rendimiento y di adiós al sudor con POWER BEAST Magnesio Líquido. Esta tiza líquida es tu compañera ideal para un agarre extremo en actividades como Crossfit, Calistenia, Gym, Halterofilia, Padel, Escalada, y Poledance. Su fórmula única garantiza manos secas y una mejora significativa en tu rendimiento, permitiéndote concentrarte en alcanzar tus metas sin preocuparte por el resbalón. Con 50ML extra para asegurar que nunca te quedes corto, POWER BEAST es la elección de los campeones. ¡Eleva tu juego y asegura tu victoria con POWER BEAST Magnesio Líquido hoy!

Ver en Amazon

Mountain Biking

For cycling enthusiasts, Zestoa offers numerous mountain routes. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the region while facing challenging slopes and rugged terrains.

JANSNO Bicicleta Eléctrica 20" x 4.0 Fat Tire
Descubre el camino menos transitado con la JANSNO Bicicleta Eléctrica 20" x 4.0 Fat Tire, tu pasaporte a la aventura sin límites. Equipada con Shimano 7 velocidades y frenos de disco mecánicos delanteros y traseros, esta bicicleta te ofrece control total y una experiencia de conducción suave en cualquier terreno. Ideal para adultos, su batería extraíble de 48V 14Ah promete una autonomía extendida para que explores más lejos sin preocupaciones. Atrévete a ir más allá; hazte con tu JANSNO hoy y transforma cada salida en una aventura épica.

Ver en Amazon

Canoeing

The Urola River, which passes through Zestoa, is an ideal place for canoeing. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you can enjoy the tranquility of the river and the beautiful landscapes that surround it.

ZStarlite Bomba De Aire Eléctrica Portátil
Infla y desinfla tus equipos de recreación y camping con facilidad usando la Bomba de Aire Eléctrica Portátil ZStarlite. Esta bomba versátil es perfecta para colchones inflables, piscinas, barcos y juguetes hinchables, asegurando que estés siempre listo para la diversión sin el esfuerzo manual. Compatible tanto con 240V AC como con 12V DC, la ZStarlite se adapta a tus necesidades en casa o en movimiento. Viene equipada con 3 accesorios para diferentes válvulas, garantizando un ajuste perfecto y una eficiencia máxima. No dejes que la tarea de inflar disminuya tu ánimo aventurero; lleva contigo la bomba ZStarlite y disfruta del aire libre sin límites.

Ver en Amazon

Climbing

The geography of Zestoa offers numerous opportunities for climbing. Whether you're an experienced climber or just starting out, you'll find routes suitable for your level.

Ver en Amazon

Places near Zestoa

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

San Sebastián

San Sebastian, in the Spanish Basque Country, is famous for its stunning coastline, historic architecture, and vibrant culinary scene, with a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants and pintxos bars, offering delicious local tapas.

Zarautz

Zarautz, in the Basque Country, is a paradise for lovers of surfing and gastronomy. With its extensive beach, txakoli wineries and high-quality restaurants, it offers a unique culinary experience alongside stunning sea views.

Getaria

Getaria, a picturesque Basque fishing village, is famous for its grilled fish restaurants, its txakoli vineyards and its coastal charm. A must-visit destination for lovers of gastronomy and natural beauty.