Wine tours from San Sebastian

Did you know that you can explore different wine regions from the city of San Sebastián?

The Basque Country and Navarre have different climates. In the north, the climate is Atlantic, and on the other side of the Basque mountains, it is Mediterranean and continental.

The Mediterranean climate in southern Navarre, the Basque Country, and La Rioja is ideal for red wines, primarily Tempranillo and Garnacha. Good white wines are also produced from the Viura, Tempranillo Blanco, and other varieties. In the north, in the Atlantic region, the white Hondarribixuri grape is grown to produce Txakoli.

Wine tours from San Sebastian 1

Rioja wine region

Located in north-central Spain, Rioja is the country’s most famous and prestigious wine region. It was the first to be awarded the highest quality tier, DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada). Its identity is defined by a unique marriage of Spanish terroir and traditional French winemaking techniques, many of which were imported from Bordeaux in the 19th century.

The Three Sub-Regions

Rioja is not a monolith; it is divided into three zones, each shaped by different climates and soils:

  • Rioja Alta: Located at higher altitudes with a cooler, Atlantic-influenced climate. Known for producing elegant, acidic wines with great aging potential.

  • Rioja Alavesa: Technically part of the Basque Country. It shares the Atlantic influence of Alta but has very chalky, clay-limestone soils, yielding wines with bright fruit and finesse.

  • Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja): The easternmost part, which is warmer and more Mediterranean. This region produces riper, more powerful wines with higher alcohol levels, often featuring the Garnacha grape.

Wine tours from San Sebastian 2

Guetaria & Hondarribia wine region

While Rioja is the king of Spanish reds, Txakoli (pronounced cha-ko-LEE) is the undisputed crown jewel of the Basque coast. It is a vibrant, high-acid, and slightly effervescent white wine that perfectly captures the “green” and salty Atlantic character of the region.

The towns of Getaria and Hondarribia both fall under the same legal designation—DO Getariako Txakolina—but they offer slightly different vibes and historical significance.

Getaria is the traditional powerhouse of Txakoli. If you see a bottle of Txakoli in a shop, it likely comes from here.

  • The Landscape: Vineyards are planted on steep, emerald-green hills that overlook the Bay of Biscay. The vines are often grown on high trellises (parras) to allow air to circulate and prevent rot in the humid climate.

  • The Style: Txakoli from Getaria is famous for its natural carbonation. During fermentation, some CO2 is trapped in the wine.

  • The Pour: Traditionally, it is poured from a height into a flat-bottomed glass (vessel) to “break” the bubbles and aerate the wine, though modern producers are moving toward standard wine glasses to preserve the delicate aromas.

Wine tours from San Sebastian 3

Navarra wine region

Just east of Rioja lies Navarra, a region that was once famous almost exclusively for its bright, strawberry-scented rosés. Today, however, it has reinvented itself as one of Spain’s most diverse and experimental wine zones, bridging the gap between traditional Spanish styles and international influences.

The Famous “Rosado” (Rosé)

Navarra is arguably the rosé capital of Spain. Unlike many modern pale Provencal rosés, the Navarra Rosado is traditionally made using the Saignée (Sangrado) method:

  • Instead of pressing grapes immediately, the juice “bleeds” off the skins naturally under its own weight.

  • This results in a deeper pink color and a much more intense, “gastronomic” flavor profile—think ripe raspberries and wild strawberries that can stand up to hearty food.The “Garnacha” Revival

    While the region planted a lot of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the 1990s, the current trend in 2026 is a return to Old Vine Garnacha.

    The “Garnacha” Revival

    While the region planted a lot of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the 1990s, the current trend in 2026 is a return to Old Vine Garnacha.

    • Winemakers are reclaiming abandoned vineyards in the northern hills.

    • These wines are a far cry from the heavy, jammy reds of the past; they are translucent, floral, and spicy, often compared to fine Pinot Noir or wines from the Northern Rhône.

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Things to do from San Sebastian

Things to do from San Sebastián if you are just for a few days and need to choose the best tours, here’s a brief overview from our perspective of the tours you shouldn’t miss when visiting this part of the world. We’re in the Basque Country in northern Spain. The food and drink here are excellent, but we also have plenty of interesting places worth visiting. We have spectacular natural scenery, surrounded by mountains and facing the sea. We have history, we have nature, we have culture, and we also have a rich culinary tradition.

Since you’re in San Sebastián, which is considered one of the world’s culinary capitals, I have to recommend food tours—but also include visits to villages and places of historical and tourist interest.

Things to do from San Sebastian 1:

San Sebastian city tour + pintxos (basque tapas) in the old town.

For travelers who are only in town for 1 or 2 days and want to see the most beautiful and interesting sights, this tour comes highly recommended, as it kills two birds with one stone. We can explore the city by private vehicle and also on foot. Always tailored to the client’s needs. After touring the city, we’ll focus on the cuisine in the Old Town, where some of the city’s most iconic bars are located. We’ll sample the most special pintxos at each spot and also have the chance to taste some of Spain’s best-known wines, such as Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Of course, we’ll also enjoy our local white wine called Txakoli. We guarantee that you’ll be completely satisfied after this tour. If not, we’ll give you your money back.

Pintxos tour and the city

city tour + pintxo tour

Things to do from san sebastian 2:

Rioja wine tour from San Sebastian

On this tour, we explore the regions of La Rioja where some of the finest wines are produced. La Rioja is also rich in historical heritage, featuring UNESCO-listed sites such as monasteries and churches. It is also part of the Camino de Santiago, making it a unique destination well worth visiting. Plus, it boasts world-renowned wines and exceptional cuisine. The most typical grape variety in this region is Tempranillo, although Garnacha is also very popular. White wines of excellent quality are also produced here, which often surprises visitors. Varieties include Tempranillo Blanco, Viura, Malvasia, and Maturana. La Rioja is home to world-renowned large producers, but also to small producers who have wine in their blood, and on these tours we’ll have time to explore the different styles of wine. By the end of this tour, your body and mind will be so satisfied with the experience that you’ll surely celebrate with a nap on the way back to San Sebastián.

Rioja wine tour

Things to do from san sebastian

Things to do from san sebastian 3:

French Basque Coast- Biarritz

What can I say that hasn’t already been said about the French Basque Coast? Strolling along this stretch of coastline is like walking through a never-ending postcard. Not only because of its natural beauty, beaches, and mountains, but also because of its charming little villages and local cuisine. It’s a place for everyone, and it’s perfect for those seeking adventure! You can surf on its beaches, but if you prefer, you can also enjoy peaceful walks. All in all, it’s a place worth exploring—and why not spend a vacation there?

French Basque Country tour

things to do from san sebastian

Things to do from san sebastian 4:

Outdoors and Cider house restaurant

This is one of my favorite things to do. I always say that if you come to San Sebastián, you absolutely must eat at a traditional cider house. These are the Basque farms in the countryside where cider has been produced for centuries. In these kind of restaurants, the atmosphere is very casual, and you can drink directly from the cider barrels if you like. It’s a place where you can always find a spot to sit and enjoy the local food. The traditional menu starts with a cider tasting straight from the tank. This is followed by a pintxo—in this case, a chistorrita. Once seated at the table, you’re served the special cod omelet, fried fish with green peppers and onions, followed by a grilled beef ribeye. For dessert, local cheese and quince paste with walnuts. It’s simply the perfect menu for drinking plenty of cider!

At San Sebastian Trips, we like to combine this tour with an outdoor activity. We usually go on a hike to a prominent mountain in the area where the views are excellent—it’s also a natural park. Other times, we combine it with a trout fishing trip on the river, which makes for a perfect day. As I always say, this is a must-do.

San Sebastian mountains and cider house restaurant

Things to do from san sebastian

Things to do from san sebastian 5:

Txakoli wine tour and the costal towns

The small towns of Zumaia, Guetaria, and Zarauz stand out along this stretch of coastline. This part of the coast in the San Sebastián region is well known for its white wine, which we call Txakoli. It is made from the Hondarribi Zuri white grape variety.
It’s also world-renowned for the quality of its waterfront restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and fish prepared in the traditional style—grilled over charcoal. My favorite restaurant is Elkano in Guetaria, though all the restaurants in the area specialize in seafood and are excellent.
We can combine this tour with a visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao or simply focus on this part of the coast to explore it more thoroughly; we can even take a short hike along the cliffs of Zumaia. The cliffs of Zumaia are part of a geological park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Their rocks contain strata from a deep sea that existed some 120 million years ago and hold geological information about the history of our planet that is extensively studied by scientists from around the world. In addition, the famous series *Game of Thrones* was filmed here.

Here are some ideas to help you decide which one interests you the most. We’d be happy to help you plan your trip to the Basque Country.

Agur!

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Hike & cider house restaurant

If you are in the Basque Country and want to do authentic things, if you want to have a unique experience, combine a hike & cider house restaurant is one of those experiences you can´t miss. It is a perfect plan for a group of friends looking for some fun while enjoying the local cuisine and culture in the Basque Country.

Cider house

The cider houses here in the San Sebastian region are very popular places where you can eat the typical cider house menu. All this accompanied by as much cider as you want, straight from the barrels or, if you prefer, from the bottle. Cider is a very natural drink that is perfect for accompanying hearty meals. The history of cider is very interesting, as it was the traditional drink of the area. In northern Spain, the climate is not suitable for wine production, but it is suitable for cider. That is why it has always been consumed in these areas, especially in the San Sebastian region.

 

wine tours from san sebastian

Returning to the cider house menu, I would like to explain it a little. The menu consists of local products such as fish, large grilled beef stake, and for dessert, local cheese with walnuts and quince. It is a simple but very complete menu. It is also served with a little green salad from here. Vegetables are also important!

Horses near san sebastian

Hike

In short, it is a very popular plan for us Basques. This experience is perfect if you can combine it with some exercise in the mountains. At San Sebastian Trips, we like to offer the possibility of including a pleasant hike in one of the mountains in our area. Above all, we like to climb the Peñas de Aia mountain, considered the first mountain in the Pyrenees from San Sebastian, right on the border with France. The views are spectacular, and you can also observe the local wildlife, such as wild horses (pottok), sheep, and other beautiful animals in our environment. We have to versions of this hike, light version and tuff version. Choose your version!

 

 

 

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Travel consultancy in The Basque Country & Rioja

We are proud to present our clients with a new travel advisory service for the Basque Country and Rioja. We want to offer something more, to provide a more comprehensive service to our clients, who in many cases need help with a range of issues such as transportation, hotels, restaurants, and experiences. We see this service as a new way of adding value for both end clients and travel agencies abroad.

With 12 years of experience, we can provide travelers with valuable information and help them plan an unforgettable vacation. We can design customized itineraries, always with professional guides who fully understand our customers’ needs.

Having a consultation service is a guarantee of success for your vacation. The first advantage is that you will save time and money. On the other hand, you will be able to manage your trip independently and avoid crowded places. Finally, you will get recommendations tailored just for you. In short, it’s a win-win!

We will share all our tips and recommendations with you and are open to any questions you may have. Consultations will be conducted via video call, Zoom, or Google Meet.

Travel consultancy in the Basque Country & Rioja

Please let us know how we can help you with your trip to the Basque Country!

 

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West of the Basque Country

Cantabria

Cantabria is located on the northern coast of Spain, bathed by the Cantabrian Sea and bordered by Asturias, Castile and León, and the Basque Country. It has a mountainous terrain with the Picos de Europa in the southwest, green valleys, and scenic beaches. The climate is oceanic, with abundant rainfall and mild temperatures.

Its capital is Santander, a city located within a large natural bay that was a tourist destination for Spanish royalty during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Ebro River, the longest river in Spain, originates in the mountains of Cantabria and flows to the Mediterranean Sea, passing through the Basque Country, Navarre, La Rioja, Aragon, and Catalonia before reaching the sea.

It is a land of green, mountainous landscapes and has two natural parks of interest in its interior: the Picos de Europa National Park and the Cabarceno Park.

Historical curiosities

The Altamira Caves: Known as the “Sistine Chapel of cave art,” they contain prehistoric paintings dating back more than 15,000 years. It is a unique place in the world where part of human history is undoubtedly written.

The origin of the Cantabrians comes from the pre-Roman people of the Cantabrians, famous for their resistance against the Roman Empire. Later, Cantabria became part of the Kingdom of Asturias and was one of the bases of the Christian kingdom that resisted the Muslim invasion after the Battle of Covadonga.

In the 19th century, Santander became a summer destination for Spanish royalty, especially during the reign of Alfonso XIII.

Gastronomy

Cantabria combines the best of the sea and the mountains:
Seafood, meat, cheese… I know that you like European cheese so i mention some of them such as Tresviso cheese or Picón Bejes-Tresviso (blue cheese).
They also produce high-quality white and red wines that are well worth mentioning. Surrounded by mountains and located next to the sea, Cantabria has a variety of microclimates, which is ideal for growing different types of grapes.

https://www.winetwotrip.com/bodegas

Historical sites

There are some historical sites that are worth mentioning, such as:

The Monastery of Liebana, one of the five holy sites of Christianity, along with Jerusalem, Rome, Santiago, and Cravaca. This monastery houses the largest surviving fragment of the cross of Christ (Lignum Crucis).

The Altamira Caves (Santillana del Mar), declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, house cave paintings that are 15,000 years old.

Santillana del Mar is notable for its Romanesque architecture from the Middle Ages, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. A good example of this architecture is the Romanesque collegiate church of Santillana del Mar, although the town as a whole has a large number of buildings of interest and is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain.

Palacio de la Magdalena, the summer residence of the kings of Spain. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the Magdalena peninsula overlooking the sea and is a historical and cultural symbol of Santander.

As you can see Cantabria is a region of Spain that is well worth visiting. If you decide to do so, I recommend the company https://www.winetwotrip.com/  which is a pioneer in this sector and has always developed its tourist offerings with love and admiration for its own land.

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Closest airports to San Sebastian

How to get to San Sebastian from the airport?

San Sebastian is located in the Basque Country in northern Spain. It is only 20 km from the French border. Within a radius of 100km we have 3 airports to choose from. Two of the airports are in Spain. The international airport of Bilbao and the small airport of San Sebastian. A third airport with international connections is in Biarritz France. We can say that it is a region that is very well connected to the world by land, sea, and air.

Closest airports to San Sebastian

San Sebastian airport

San Sebastian airport is located in the neighboring town of Fuenterrabia, only 20 km from San Sebastian. Right in the border with France. The French town with which it borders is Hendaye.
It is a very small airport with connections with Madrid, Barcelona, Canary islands and London. Once you landed everything is very simple because as soon as you land you are at the cab rank. If you are a large group of people I recommend organizing a transport. I recommend organizing transportation, especially during busy times, as I have received complaints from many customers about the lack of taxis. Apart from know this situation is going to change because reciently UBER landed in San Sebastian and the Basque Country.  You can also choose to take a public bus or a private tour.

Biarritz airport

Biarritz airport is a bit further away but only 50 km from San Sebastian. It is also a small airport but with connections to other European countries such as England, France or Germany. It is a very good option to take into account.
From Biarritz airport to San Sebastian you have different options, from French cabs to hourly buses. On the other hand I also recommend to organize transportation especially for large families and large groups of friends. They also have Uber now. Road transfer is highly recommended as Biarritz and San Sebastian are connected by a wonderful highway. So your options are taxis, Ubers, buses and private tours.

Bilbao airport

It is the farthest airport of all and is located 100 km from San Sebastian. It is a larger airport and you have the possibility to fly from other parts of Spain as well as from other parts of Europe.
From Bilbao airport to San Sebastian you have different options such as Uber, taxis, public buses, and private tours. There is a bus from the airport to San Sebastian every 30 minutes. It is a very comfortable and efficient bus. If it is a large group of people I recommend buying tickets in advance although as I said they leave every half hour. There is also the option of taking a taxi, which are plentiful at this airport, more than in San Sebastian.

https://www.checkmybus.es/bilbao-aeropuerto/san-sebastian

Do you want to combine your pick up at the airport with one of our tours?

This alternative is highly recommended because depending on the airport from which we pick you up you have different tours options. The tour and transfer option is very appealing because you are guaranteed premium service and at the same time you can take a private tour and enjoy an unforgettable experience. You will finally arrive at your destination with your spirit filled.

Tour options from the airport in Bilbao:

Guggenheim museum and the coastal villages

Txakoli wine tour and the seafaring culture

Tour options from The airport in San Sebastian:

San Sebastian mountains and cider house restaurant

San Sebastian City tour and pintxos

Tour options from the airport in Biarritz:

Biarritz and the French Basque Coast

San Sebastian city tour and pintxos.

If you need help with your trip https://www.kayak.es/flights and you are planning other tours check this out https://www.kayak.es/San-Sebasti%C3%A1n.28513.guide

 

See you soon!!

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Elvers dish tradition in the Basque Country

Elvers fish tradition is part of the Basque gastronomy

In the Basque Country, especially in the region of San Sebastian, this dish is very traditional during the winter. Very traditional in the past during the Christmas season and especially during the feast of San Sebastian.
The elvers are the young eels that enters the rivers of Europe to grow and fatten. As soon as they reach the estuaries and rivers they are fished. Nowadays it is a very regulated and controlled fishery to guarantee the continuity of the species. The fishing quota is very limited, that’s why the price of a kilo of elvers is over 900€ in fishmongers.
The dish of elvers has gone from being a traditional cheap dish to an exclusive dish for rich people. In addition, they are also demanded by Asian countries that pay a lot of money to fatten them and market them in their countries.

Elvers fish

Eels life cycle

The eel life cycle is very curious, it can be said that it is the opposite of the salmon life cycle. The eel is born in the form of larvae or plankton in the Sargasso Sea, near the Caribbean, then these plankton eels are carried to the European rivers by the Gulf Stream. Once they reach the mainland, they begin to swim up the rivers to develop and grow. When they have reached the size and weight of an adult eel they return to the sea, specifically to the Sargasso Sea to breed and finally to die. Then the offspring are born and return to Europe to continue their cycle. Isn’t it amazing!

Elvers fish dish cooking

The cooking method is very simple. The first and most important thing is to have a clay pot for cooking, some clay plates for serving and some wooden forks. Any good self-respecting chef should require these utensils before preparing the elvers.

Cooking the elvers is simple although if they are alive they should be killed with an infusion of tobacco diluted in a little water. Once they are dead, they are cooked little by little with a strainer and hot water. They are only cooked for a few seconds so the best way to do it is with a strainer.
Once they are cooked, add olive oil, garlic and some cayenne. The oil is heated little by little with the garlic and the cayennes. When the garlic is golden brown in the earthenware casserole, add the elvers. They are given a few turns so that they cook a little with the rest of ingredients and they are left to rest a little out of the fire. And that’s it! That’s all!
Now we only have to go to the store to buy them!

 

Very traditional during the San Sebastian day in January 20th

La tamborrada festival in San Sebastian

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Young wines in Rioja

Carbonic maceration wines

Carbonic maceration wines are young wines in Rioja with primary aromas, red wines in which floral aromas and fresh, crisp fruit predominate, sweet wines with a creamy touch, which should be consumed during their first year to enjoy all their aromatic explosiveness. For its production, fermentation is generated within the grape berry itself and the best known regions in which this traditional winemaking system is still maintained are Rioja, with the wine of the year, Toro, as well as the Italian novellos and the famous beaujolais nouveau.

Carbonic maceration is a process that occurs during fermentation and that, instead of destemming the grapes to extract their juices, uses whole bunches of grapes in an airtight tank whose atmosphere has no oxygen, but only carbon dioxide. Thus, the grape berries begin intracellular fermentation inside the tank and once they reach 2% alcohol, the grape skins break down and release their juices. Thanks to the presence of the native yeasts that the grapes already bring with them and from the vineyard, when they come into contact with the sugar in the juices, the alcoholic fermentation that had already started inside the berry continues.
This form of extraction is very subtle, so the wines have a light but vibrant color, a very marked fruity expression, few tannins, and a very pleasant palate.

Grape varieties

It is generally used in varieties such as, Pinot Noir, Carignan, Malbec, Syrah, Tempranillo and Mouvèdre. Although in the United States and Chile, this technique has been used to produce juicy Zinfandel, País, Cinsault and even Carmenère.
Thanks to this method, some wines have aromas of banana, chewing gum, raspberries, strawberries or cinnamon. It is not that the grapes have these aromas, but that the carbonic maceration produces chemical compounds with these aromas. And, in addition, it makes wines with low acidity.

As you can imagine, in the past, wines were made in this way. The whole bunch was harvested with the green part and fermented in this way. It was in the 19th century when this technique was well described and documented in the book Vinification by Carbonic Maceration written by the winemakers Michel Flanzy and his son Claude.

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Guns and shotguns building tradition in the Basque Country

Brief introduction

The first recorded record of the manufacture of fire arms in Eibar and the Basque lands dates from 1482. The document mentions a batch of two lombards manufactured in Eibar by order of the Duke of Medina Sidonia. As an anecdote it remains to say that the transfer of these cannons from Eibar to the mouth of the Deba, was made by means of eighty pairs of oxen. This data is significant since it shows that the production of guns was prior to this date.

XVII CENTURIE

Throughout the 17th century the industry grew considerably. The wars and the orders of the nobles made the arm artisans work non-stop. In 1735, the Royal Guipuzcoan Company of Caracas intervened in the armory sector and took over the responsibility of this industry with respect to its production and its guild system, established centuries before. Cashiers, key-ringers, cannoneers and riggers represented the four guilds that formed the backbone of this production. They were under the tutelage of the Company, which on the one hand fixed all the prices and wages (sometimes without being well accepted) but with the salaries assured .

Modern times

However, there came a time when the Company could not support the weight of the guilds and went bankrupt and was taken over by the Philippine Company. Although the latter’s attempts at the beginning were efficient, it did not take long to reach the same end as its predecessor and it was in 1865 when the guilds definitively disappeared, giving way to the capitalist system. In addition, manufacturing techniques were revolutionized due to technological advances and new percussion systems appeared. The flintlock was replaced by the piston, the appearance of smokeless gunpowder allowed the development of semi-automatic and automatic mechanisms that revolutionized the armory, and thus repeating weapons became widespread after the invention of the revolver.

This step is crucial since for the first time the workshops owned by the entrepreneurs and the market competition between them appear. Thus, the firms “Orbea Hermanos”, “Larrañaga”, “Anitua y Charola”, “Gárate y Anitua”… appear in Eibar. In Placencia-Soraluze “Euscalduna” is one of the most outstanding.

In an electoral census of the beginning of the 20th century these data are observed: Eibar had 1,149 gunsmiths; Placencia-Soraluze with 257 and Elgoibar with 103.

The free market was gradually imposed and some manufacturers began to offer more advantageous prices for the government, which had repercussions on themselves. And it was in 1900 when Eibar stood out among the rest of the towns and its industrial career rose vertiginously.

 

As we can see in the following data, the manufacture of guns skyrockets:

in 1887, 130,000 pieces were manufactured.
in 1900, 200,000 pieces
in 1908, 484,000 pieces

First world war

The First World War (1914-1919) brought a large number of orders and at its end Eibar experienced one of the strongest crises. Stored stocks that could not be sold, American tariffs that prevented the exportation of Eibar arms to the United States and the non-officiality in the testing of our arms compared to other European countries, made the sale more and more difficult, creating a great competition in the markets.

This situation led to the search for new elements taking advantage of the armorer’s technology. This is the period of the reconversion. Thus, companies such as “Gárate, Anitua y Cía”, “Beistegui Hermanos” and “Orbea Hermanos”, went from manufacturing short arms to the production of bicycles. Other companies such as “Alfa” preferred to adjust to the sewing machine and “Olave, Solozabal y Cía” turned to office material. It can be said that this is the maximum example of survival and industrial transformation that this locality has given in the face of adversities.

The diversification of products produced from the 50’s onwards are the reference of the enterprising and dynamic character of Eibar.

On the other hand, this industry has suffered several crises from which it has always been decimated but not annihilated. Towards the 80’s, the iron and steel crisis that hit the whole sector also had a negative effect on the arms industry. Some of the companies unified to form a reconverted group, but that failed and a decade later the period of recovery and reestablishment began.

Today

Today this sector is very small in number, although its production includes luxury hunting weapons. The pieces manufactured annually are scarce but their quality is excellent.

It is noteworthy that even after five centuries have passed since the first news of manufacture, the handmade gun production system remains almost intact if it were not for the mechanization phases. The rest is still made by hand, with each individual respecting his or her specialty as a cannoneer, breech maker, tipper and assembler.

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Woodpigeons hunting at Etxalar

Woodpigeons hunting in the heart of the Basque Country, on the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains

Every fall, whenever the wind blows from the north or east, the sky of Etxalar witnesses the passing of thousands of pigeons. More than 600 years ago, a shepherd got into the habit of throwing stones at them. Seeing that they descended, a bishop encouraged him to place nets to catch them. And so was born the “pigeon netting”, a unique form of hunting, unique in Spain.

Throughout its history it has had luxury spectators such as the Emperor Napoleon III or the Kings Alfonso XII and XIII. Know a day, it has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.

With paddles resembling hawks, pennants, turtles and nets, this is how the traditional pigeon hunting with nets is carried out in Etxalar.

The hunter on the lookout tower gives the warning. He has sighted doves. He makes the signal with the pennant. The “paleteros” then throw the paddles to make the pigeon flock descend and direct them towards the nets and… when the pigeons are low, they throw the net. That is why in Etxalar the pigeons are not counted by units, but by dozens.

During the hunting season, guided visits are made to the dovecotes to see “in situ” this ancestral and peculiar way of hunting. This tradition can also be seen on Dovecote Day, an open day in which the people of Etxalar show their most precious tradition.

Treaty of Lizaieta

Every year, at the end of September, the Treaty of Lizaieta is commemorated. The countdown to the hunting season begins.

The Treaty of Lizaieta dates back to 1856, but had three documented milestones in 1959, 1984 and 1990.

It was on September 4, 2011 when the mayors of Etxalar and Sara recovered that Treaty of understanding. Since then, every year, when October approaches, they renew the signature with a party on the hill of Lizaieta. A day of twinning between both localities that allows to preserve this ancestral hunting practice.

 

Of course the wild pigeon is hunted for its meat. It is one of the best birds to eat both in sauce and grilled over charcoal. It is a reddish meat with a lot of flavor since this bird only feeds on natural products such as acorns or corn.

I invite you to try it if you come to the Basque Country in autumn.

 

 

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