It was an important whaling port and is 20 minutes from Spain: the fishing town of just over a thousand inhabitants and without tourists

Halfway between Bidart and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, nestled between cliffs and just 15 kilometers from the border with Spain, lies a small coastal destination. In fact, it barely has more than a thousand inhabitants. An old whaling port in the French Basque Country that has managed to reinvent itself without losing its essence.

Today, white houses with colored beams, the smell of the open sea, the slow pace of a residential town and a surf scene in search of the waves of the Atlantic are mixed in it. All of this, a stone's throw from the most urban vibe of Biarritz, and contrasting a completely opposite personality: more intimate, quieter and with a more old-fashioned vibe.

What to see in Guéthary

Guéthary does not have a long list of monuments and activities to do. The interesting thing is in its tranquility, natural beauty and how it opens to the sea. However, in the center of the town, the Town Hall boasts that neo-Basque, sober and symbolic architecture, which characterizes the careful aesthetics of the French Basque Country and its typical white facades finished with red or green wood details.

Nearby is the fronton, which is not only a sports space, but a local meeting point. Basque pelota games are played there, events are celebrated and meetings are organized that give life to the town even in the off-season.

Going up towards the upper part of the town, the church of Saint-Nicolas appears, built in the 16th century and expanded in the 19th. Its exterior makes it almost unnoticed when you pass by it, but it is the interior that surprises with its overlapping wooden galleries, a very characteristic structure of the temples in this area and an organ that dominates the space from above.

Another essential is the Villa Saraleguinea, currently a museum. Inside, archaeological remains and pieces of art are displayed, in addition to hosting temporary exhibitions that help understand the evolution of the municipality from its maritime past to its cultural present.

The port is probably Guéthary's most iconic image: small, secluded and with a history linked to whaling. Today it is an almost hypnotic place, especially at dusk, when the boats seem to remain suspended between the tide and the setting sun.

Very close is also another of the most special points: the viewpoint on the cliffs, from where you can see the entire coastline. On clear days, the feeling is that of watching the Atlantic open up without limits.

And if you want to add something more niche to the list, there are the Laminak sculptures, inspired by Basque mythology, or the Cenitz area, with its nature reserve and paths by the sea.

Where to eat delicious and cheap in Guéthary

Due to its status as a small town, Guéthary does not have a great gastronomic offer, but it makes up for it with restaurants with identity, product cuisine and that relaxed atmosphere typical of the French Basque Country.

One of its most interesting stops is in the informal proposal of Briketenia, where this gastronomic group with a Michelin star in its main restaurant, offers here a more accessible cuisine in its bistro version: seasonal dishes, well-crafted recipes and a menu that can range from a fish of the day to meats with a Basque background and more contemporary presentations. It is one of those places where you can eat very well without going into haute cuisine, but maintaining a certain gastronomic level.

Near the port is Le Bistrot du Port, a place where you want to sit after walking along the cliffs or descending from the viewpoint, with a cuisine focused on fresh produce and simple dishes. Here the attraction is not only what is served on the plate but also the experience of eating a few meters from the water.

These two most notable options in Guéthary are completed with small bistros and bars spread between the center and the fronton area. More discreet and everyday spaces but with daily menus, portions and home cooking just as good.

What to do around Guéthary: coast, routes and express breaks

One of the great attractions of Guéthary is that it works as a perfect base for moving around the entire Basque-French coast. To the north, Biarritz offers an immediate contrast with its elegant architecture, urban atmosphere and some of the best-known surf spots in Europe.

Towards the south, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is quieter. Its protected bay, promenade and historic center make it an ideal half-day excursion. Very close are also the beaches of Bidart, more open and with different levels of waves, perfect for alternating swimming, walking and contemplating the sea in peace.

For those who prefer to walk, the coastal path, which connects sections of cliffs, is one of the best ways to get to know and understand the area with its continuous views of the ocean, small hidden coves and the constant feeling of being bordering the end of the earth.

For surfers, the Parlementia wave is one of the best-known spots among experienced surfers. A reef wave famous for its long, powerful right, often nicknamed the “Basque Sunset” for its similarity to Hawaii.

You see that Guéthary does not need major tourist attractions because, even so, it plays in another league: that of places that do not try to impress you, but end up doing so naturally. It is a small town, yes, but with a personality that is very difficult to forget.

Cover photo | Terre et Côte Basques

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