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Hydrography
Embalse Lareao
Charles V’s castle
A stone’s throw from France, on the very band, is Charles V’s castle, which houses the Parador de Hondarribia. A 10th-century construction used for military defence on the River Bidasoa, which explains the thick walls and the height of the building, where the Catholic Monarchs, the Emperor Charles V, Philip IV and V, and even Velázquez himself stayed. It contains treasures such as the tapestries designed by Rubens on the theme of the History of Achilles.
Important: The historical character of the building makes its pedestrian access present some difficulties. If you have any mobility problems, please contact the Parador, where they will inform you of the best way to access.
The city of Hondarribia is a leading tourist attraction on the Cantabrian coast. The best way to explore is to stroll through its historic quarter from the Santa María Gate to the San Nicolás Gate, discovering its main street, its medieval layout and the rich heritage of churches, houses with balconies and the remains of its walls. It offers a wide range of leisure options, from the tranquillity of the beach to adventure on the mountains.
And if you are a golf lover, you can play golf on any of the two golf courses in the town. Nor should you miss Hondarribia’s cuisine, with its abundance of restaurants and pincho bars that more than match the rest of the province for quality.