A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Azpeitia: Discover this charming town in the heart of Guipúzcoa

Azpeitia is a beautiful town located in the province of Guipúzcoa, in the Basque Country. Surrounded by mountains and stunning landscapes, this place offers a perfect combination of history, culture, and nature. If you're looking for a peaceful and authentic destination, Azpeitia is undoubtedly an excellent choice.

The Sanctuary of Loyola

One of the main attractions of Azpeitia is the Sanctuary of Loyola, a place of great religious and spiritual importance. This sanctuary is the birthplace of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. Visitors can explore the Basilica of Loyola, which houses the tomb of Saint Ignatius, as well as the Loyola Museum, where personal objects of the saint are displayed and the story of his life is told.

The Railway Museum

Another place of interest in Azpeitia is the Railway Museum, which offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and evolution of the railway in Spain. The museum has an impressive collection of old locomotives and carriages, as well as interactive exhibits that show what it was like to travel by train in the past. In addition, the museum organizes rides on a historic train, a unique experience that will transport you to another era.

The Old Town

Walking through the old town of Azpeitia is like stepping back in time. Its cobblestone streets, Basque-style houses, and charming squares create a cozy and picturesque atmosphere. Here you will find a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Basque cuisine. Don't miss the opportunity to try typical dishes like pil-pil cod or pintxos, small culinary delights served in local bars.

The Pagoeta Natural Park

Azpeitia is surrounded by nature and the Pagoeta Natural Park is the perfect place to enjoy it. This park offers a wide variety of hiking routes that will take you through lush forests, waterfalls, and viewpoints with panoramic views. You can also visit the Park's Interpretation Center, where you will learn about the flora and fauna of the area, as well as local history and traditions.

The Sanctuary of Arantzazu

A few kilometers from Azpeitia is the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, another place of great religious and cultural importance. This sanctuary, built on top of a mountain, is known for its modern architecture and impressive works of art. In addition to visiting the basilica, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings and explore the trails that surround the sanctuary.

Azpeitia is a destination that perfectly combines history, culture, and nature. If you're looking for an authentic and charming place to visit in the Basque Country, don't hesitate to include Azpeitia in your itinerary. We assure you that you won't regret it.

Gastronomic Products of Azpeitia

• Idiazabal Cheese

  Idiazabal cheese is one of the most outstanding gastronomic products of Azpeitia. It is a cheese made with milk from the Latxa sheep, a native breed of the Basque Country. It has an intense and characteristic flavor, with smoky notes due to its maturation process. It is perfect to taste alone or accompanied by quince.

• Txakoli

  Txakoli is a young and light white wine produced in the Azpeitia region. It is mainly made with the Hondarrabi Zuri grape variety and is characterized by its freshness and balanced acidity. It is perfect to pair with fish and seafood, and is traditionally served in small glasses to enjoy its effervescence.

• Santiago Cake

  The Santiago cake is a traditional dessert of Galician cuisine that can also be found in Azpeitia. It is a cake made with ground almonds, sugar, eggs and lemon zest. It has a soft texture and a sweet and almond flavor. It is perfect to sweeten the palate after a meal.

Sporting Activities in Azpeitia, Spain

Hiking and Trekking

Azpeitia, located in the heart of the Basque Country, offers stunning hiking routes. You can explore the Ernio route, a mountain sacred to the Basques, or the Iñurritza route, which will take you through beautiful forests and meadows.

Cycling

Cycling is very popular in Azpeitia and its surroundings. You can rent a bicycle and explore the city and its surroundings, or if you're more adventurous, you can try the mountain routes.

Canoeing

The Urola river runs through Azpeitia and is a popular place for canoeing. You can rent a kayak and enjoy the natural beauty of the river and its surroundings.

Golf

If you like golf, there are several golf courses in the vicinity of Azpeitia. The closest one is the Real Nuevo Club de Golf de San Sebastian Basozabal, which offers stunning views of the city of San Sebastian and the Cantabrian Sea.

Places near Azpeitia (Spain)

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

Zumaia, a charming coastal village in the Basque Country, captivates visitors with its stunning cliffs and golden sandy beaches. In addition, its delicious Basque cuisine, with dishes such as cod pil-pil and pintxos, will delight food lovers.

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!

Orio, a charming fishing village on the Basque coast, offers visitors a perfect combination of beautiful beaches, picturesque streets and delicious cuisine based on fresh fish and seafood. Discover its charms while enjoying an exquisite meal by the sea.