Barrika-Spain | Stunning Basque Bay of Biscay Sights.

Barrika is a very scenic town of Spain representing a more than ideal destination to enjoy stunning Basque Bay of Biscay sights on a very attractive coastline of the Northern Iberian Peninsula a short distance from Bilbo, the denomination in Euskera language of Bilbao located just 22, 0 kilometres away immediately leaving its Ria, that large inlet which took the name of that big city of the province of Vizcaya the most populated municipality of the autonomous community of Euskadi.

That centre of approximately 1500, 0 inhabitants enclosed between a hilly territory and that huge captivating gulf is formed by two main neighbourhoods called Elexalde and Goierri and it is part of the Comarca de Uribe a sort of sub-county boasting an impressive coastline over 6,0 kilometres long undoubtedly a great attraction of that splendid territory in which peace and tranquillity are among other special highlights.

Barrika is located very close to an appealing promontory on which is situated the town of Algorta and the Real Sociedad de Golf de Neguri and that is an excellent incentive to practise that sport in a magnificent natural environment highlighted by beautiful green hills with slopes descending gently towards the sea with picturesque scattered agglomerations of houses overlooking that endless Atlantic horizon in a charming gulf formed by two headlands facing each other.

That specific site is particularly suggested to admire splendid sunsets and because it represents in its kind a sort of superb introduction to the marvels will enchant you starting from there as a magnificent point of  departure of a great exciting adventure will accompany you to discover other treasures such as fabulous secluded inlets with wonderful coves and wild beaches of extreme fascination along a gorgeous littoral which is also well known to be an Eden for surfers.

All the local coastline is simply striking immediately after the town Getxo and from its port continuing along a fabulous stretch you will meet other attractive places such as Bermeo, Mundaka, Lekeitio, Mendetxa, Ondarroa, Gazteluaxe and many other attractive small centres offering you a unique chance to see a magnificent maritime scenery  which will transmit you a sense of pleasant desire  to discover all those beautiful sites day by day.

The local environment is absolutely stupendous with heights dominating charming villages and hamlets which preserved their identity and old image beneath or flanked  by majestic cliffs from some special perspective vaguely resemble a bit to those of Ireland for their shape and formation.

Fascinating fishing harbours at a short distance from spectacular coves some of them totally hidden and almost inaccessible from the road are other special wonders and another attraction is definitely the wild nature will delight you in the immediate interior.

An eternal and unmistakable Basque maritime cool breeze in spring and summer is another aspect adding a special accent to that stunning land and also autumn is a perfect season to enjoy relaxing walks along the local shoreline to admire the splendid contrasts and reflections of the lights on the sea while winter including in cloudy or chilly days shows marvellous views simply admiring the typical shaped rocky spurs and the picturesque jagged coastal territory features that constantly are as a magic message of wonderful images transmitting how that place is unique in its kind.

The proximity of Bilbao is a considerable incentive to visit a place boasting a notable historic patrimony with a wide variety of historic monuments and attractions and one of them is the famous Guggenheim Museum, among the most visited exhibitions in Spain. In a very short time you can also reach spectacular cities such as San Sebastian, the coquetry Donostia as it is called in Euskera, Santander, a gem of Cantabria and the French border with the pearl of the bay the glamorous and eternally captivating Biarritz.

Other great options are brilliant excursions to the nearest La Rioja very famous for its fine wines and Navarra which with Pamplona and other historic centres can be a great combination filling your days during your stay with a very active and cultural tourism. The local inland is very suggested for trekkers and cyclists two activities very popular in that Iberian corner with many trails offering you the chance to be delighted by natural spaces extremely attractive.

That Iberian area is a place full of charm, old traditions, a cuisine among the best of the entire country which will delight you and confirmed by the several successful chefs coming from there, nice people with a high sense of hospitality and an indisputable atmosphere which always inspires all the visitors to return there once again.

According to archaeological excavations that area was inhabited since prehistoric times but the official and relevant historic period of that centre started in the 5th century and since then Barrika has a long history to narrate as a very distinguished important piece of the Basque history and culture. 

Considered one of the oldest municipalities of Euskadi that site is a distinctive heritage cultural patrimony, a sort of icon and in 496, Sancho Vela, a descendant of a noble family from Gaubea in Alava called in Spanish language Valdegobia created there a Casa Solar, a house called in the local language Baserri with a special historic importance and relevance.

It was the first construction of the community and that kind of structures in Euskadi have an important cultural value, it is not an ordinary and common building where lived a family for generations for many years but they are more linked to the cultural  rooted aspect than the structure meant as construction.
  
They are houses founded by the former inhabitants in which started the genealogical history recording all the chronological stages of an entire dynasty since the first ancestors with the descendants who inherited with extreme pride language, expressions,  traditions, folklore, costumes, lifestyle, a sense of identity as a sort of very rooted DNA imprinted generation by generation including absorbing same hobbies and interests.

Another highlight in the local history which also characterised the economic aspect in terms of local resources is that the current municipality was a pioneer since medieval times to establish a fishing network organised by several fishermen who lived in different villages along the coast of the Bay of Biscay.

 In the Middle Ages that activity was the main business but local lords who established a rigid feudalistic system monopolised later that productive activity enriching mainly the high social class while another pretty developed source was the agriculture with many farms established in the immediate interior.

In the 13th century Lopez Diaz de Haro Lord of Bilbao and Vizcaya gave Barrika the title of town and a determined autonomy thanks to its very positive productive processes of activity related to fishing and in addition linked to that it became a specialised base related to whales hunting with a large number of inhabitants devoted to that new operation which had successful results.

The Medieval era was also highlighted by a historic event denominated Guerra de Bandos, a war which at the beginning was a sort of long dispute between noble local families and the low social class transformed later in numerous clashes with protagonists different aristocrats all around the Basque community focused to establish a predominant leadership.

Those clashes were later enlarged and connected to the events of the famous Reunification of the Kingdom of Spain with protagonists from one side the allied of the Crown of Castilla as the Oñacinos of which Barrika was loyal facing the rivals who were the Gamboinos supporting the Reign of Navarra with including internal fights among families to have the domain of different villages and towns.

That centre on that  huge captivating gulf facing the Cantabrian Sea also lived a past witness of  famous naval clashes between the British and Spanish Navies in that space of the Atlantic in the 16th century concretely in 1592 with those two fleets respectively led by the Admiral Charles Howard and the Captain Pedro de Zubiaur.

The following centuries continued linked to fishing activities and today despite that activity is not developed as in the past the anchovies replaced that related to the whales but new industries such as tourism and in the interior the always active agriculture, swine and sheep breeding are the main local activities in a rural area which had a notable development.

The River Búitron which crosses the town has always played an important role when after laborious works was channelled forming a Ria, a sort of a small replica of that of Bilbao and since a long time ago it represents one of the most important local sources with other streams flowing in it such as Kukutxe, Blasserota and Urgoso which for many centuries were used for the operations of irrigation and used by various mills also developed nearest small centres.

Despite the proximity to Bilbao, a city which is in the Top Ten in Spain for inhabitants and in continuous metropolitan expansion and the large development of the nearest  Getxo, Barrika has kept that aspect of a small municipality in which all people know each other.

In the streets it is very common to hear the words Kaixo corresponding to an informal Hi, Agur meaning see you or Egunon which means good morning,the locals are very friendly and the atmosphere is very relaxing and tranquil.

The core of the town is mainly arranged around its Udaletxea or Ayuntamiento, the Town Hall, the Parish Church and along a road called General Errepidea running from south west to south east of the local boundaries.

Abaroa is another important axis leading to the northern area towards a cape called Peña de San Valentin the extreme municipal northernmost point and forming a sort of ring around the heart of Barrika while Muriola is another relevant artery connecting the easternmost side of the municipality with some rural agglomerations in its extra radius.

What you can immediately see and appreciate and it is one of the main local scenic highlights is how the sea and the high plateaus embrace each other in a sort of panoramic marriage and that is is as great feature you will see in other small Basque coastal centres.

The town also has important monuments and you can start the visit from a Church which is for date of construction a local patrimony, the Iglesia de Santa Maria a Religious building dedicated to St. Mary dated the 11th century situated in the district of Elixalde facing a wide square.

That construction was originally built in Romanesque style despite after restorations and modifications changed its former aspect. Developed on a rectangular plan it was later completed by the addition of a high Baroque tower with a large dome topped by a vague Byzantine pinnacle.

The square perimeter at the base of that cupola is surrounded by other pinnacles and on the facades were placed high curved windows. The aestetic image is pretty austere but you will notice a layout well balanced with very marked outlines and a good sense of symmetry in all the elements inserted in the layout and one of its great highlights is in its interior consisting in a splendid Romanesque stained glass window.

Barrika Udaletxea, the Town Hall is located next to that Sacred building and it is a large construction erected in a functional Neoclassic style on a rectangular plan with an ample arched portal beneath an iron balcony established in the middle of the main facade and the building has an architectural setting subdivided in a central body and two wings on its sides.

Another interesting site for the local Christian devotion is a shrine dedicated to St. Pedro Gonzalez elevated in the 18th century and it is the most important Religious monument behind the Parish Church.

Barrika is also very famous for the typical Euskera architecture, many of its former houses among them some Baserri were built using stones, timber and other different materials and if you are interested to discover some of them there are a good number elevated in different periods. Etxea Garramun is a building of relevance dating back the 18th century and It was an aristocratic residence of the local Counts and showing above the main portal a Coat of Arms attesting that former noble property. 

There are also other examples of those constructions very interesting, one of them younger than the previous is Etxea Torretxe which was probably part of a former small defencive fort or a manor and that word Torretxe confirms that because it means in Euskera language tower.

Another building part of the local heritage patrimony is a typical Baserri consisting in sort of farmhouse. It is called Gane Erdico, an attractive construction highlighted by stylish wooden frameworks dating back the 16th century and a couple of other interesting traditional constructions dated the 19th century are Etxea Elordi and Etxea Etxexu.

The local coast apart its spectacular and stunning views also offers beautiful beaches which are undoubtedly notable highlights ,famous and appreciated since long time ago as favourite destinations for several Bilbao inhabitants looking for relaxing weekends escaping from the stressful urban routine.

The over 6,0 kilometres combined to  others 2,0  corresponding to the the shoreline of the local Ria give that centre over 8,0 kilometres of coast running in its boundaries and also that attract many people coming from the nearest villages of the interior to spend pleasant days who in just some minutes driving can enjoy those enchanting marvels on the stunning Bay of Biscay.

The most famous for history and fame is undoubtedly Hondartza Barrika, a beautiful beach flanked by picturesque high cliffs, very popular for the excellent quality of waters and not far from the town although it does not offer services and facilities. It is possible to reach it by a step, it is almost 300, 0 metres long and approximately 35 metres wide and in high season is pretty busy.

Hondatrtza Meñakoz is another one among the most popular. It reached a considerable popularity some decades ago becoming a Mecca for surfers who can enjoy the wonderful waves and winds ideal to practise that spectacular nautical activity.

The Basque coasts are among the most notorious in Europe about surfing and the name Biarritz splendid coastal town in the French Basque country  is well known worldwide including nicknamed California of Europe. (I wrote a post about that great place in the case you are interested).Despite they are two different realities also Barrika not at the level of that renowned and classy resort offers all the lovers and people fond of that activity many chances too.

Hondartza Muriola is another one pretty loved by locals and tourists, a site leaving great memories for its scenic image of a very small beach but located in a very wild environment because  it is approximately 75, 0 metres long with a width around 35, 0 metres. 

It is an artificial sandy beach because originally in the past it was covered by big rocks and gravel and it is particularly chosen by several people who want to spend hours in total serenity. Generally it has not a high occupation and there are not services and facilities in the area.

Next to that tiny attraction you can admire a tiny bay called Usendegu Kala forming a sort of a little natural harbour. It was since a long time ago a perfect maritime refuge for the locals to place their boats and formerly used by fishermen to keep safe their vessels by storms while today it is a splendid place to start sailing offshore of the coast admiring stunning sites and the spectacular jagged coastline from a different perspective.

Peña de San Valentin is a site spectacular for that, it is a headland which reflects the beauty of the local Basque coastline, a sharp promontory situated north of the municipality offering stunning Bay of Biscay immediately in its eastern side and also in its northernmost point is one of the best corners to be delighted by the beauty of the infinite horizon of the Ocean and very suggested for all the visitors who want to take great suggestive pictures.

Walking for approximately 10 minutes along its eastern side there you can admire a couple of wild inlets with a very special charm and in that point you will be in the southern side of the Bay of Plentzia facing another small promontory  behind the estuary of the river Plentzia from which that gulf takes its name.

You can reach in the proximity of that waters course an interesting corner along the road San Telmo Auzoa and once there you will enjoy the last two curves of that waterway. In addition walking for approximately other 800,0/900,0 metres towards north if you are fond of photography you will have a fantastic view of its estuary embracing the sea.

The cliffs of Barrika are another stunning attraction with some similarities for their formation to the Scottish or Irish and they are since long time ago an  outstanding spot of the Basque Tourism Board and local Tour Operators which exhibit their images in many important events and Tourism Fairs to show and introduce the beauty of those divine natural jewels.

Apart the beautiful views they offer from their summits and their scenic appearance those rocks since many years ago captured the interest of many geologists and scientists to study them due to special fragments with different age and colour.

I suggest you some places with some striking beaches and sites of a unique beauty to fill your days during a stay with something of spectacular. Bakio is a fantastic site boasting a great preserved coastal environment and it has the longest beach of Vizcaya, a long great stretch of approximately 1,0 kilometres. Continuing along it you can cross a very wild  section reaching another beach absolutely superb called Hondartza Armintza which in its kind is a stunning prolongation of the previous.  

Do not miss Lekeito, a very scenic and pleasant with its stupendous Hondartza Isuntza, it is one of the first beloved beaches discovered by foreign tourists some decades ago. Once there you are pretty close to the beaches of Mendetxa such as the splendid Karraspio and Salvaje, in that area you can have a great sight of the island of St. Nicholas and a further one worth a mention is in Zierbena, consisting in another marvel of 965,0 metres long.

In the proximity of the municipality is situated a height called Monte Kurzio which also corresponds to an important archaeological area in which were discovered many artifacts such as small knives, tools and other objects left by the former ancient inhabitants confirming the presence of human life in that mountainous territory since many centuries ago.

Gastronomy in Euskadi is considered among the top cuisine of the entire Iberian Peninsula. The Bacalao, the cod is of course a superb highlight, cooked in different styles such as A La Vizcayna and Pil Pil among others. 

With that kind of fish you can try the delectable Merluza a la Koskera prepared with parsley, peas, garlic, salt and a good quantity of olive oil and during the process its colour takes a green tonality due to the presence of a high quantity of those two first mentioned ingredients.

Very appreciated is also the great quality of seafood and mollusks with squid, mussels and cuttlefish of a supreme level. A speciality you can not miss is the famed Marmitako, a kind of stew of Tuna or Bonito prepared in sauce with tomato, onion, potatoes and pepper. 

The Ttoro is another plate boasting an very old tradition, a typical speciality of the first local fishermen consisting in a soup containing mussels, cod and prawns cooked in a stock adding salt and pepper.

The vegetables thanks to a notable old agricultural activity play an important role in the local gastronomy and you can taste them served with the excellent meat of the region. Very appreciated is a kind of local asparagus called Asparagos de Mendavia characterised by a very tastefully flavor.Excellent to prepare with a bit of butter, salt, pepper or simply superb in an omelet.

The Pimientos de Espelette are excellent pepper generally grilled adding olive oil and served as starters or combined with other delights and the Pimiento del Piquillo is another special one with a strong flavour ideal to fill many kinds recipes. All they are also used to prepare the Axoa, a sort of ragu combined with minced lamb meat cooked very slow adding salt, black pepper and a touch of extra virgin olive oil.

It is tradition in Basque Country to have appetisers, snacks similar to tapas just like in the rest of Spain or including a dinner going out and eating in different bars or restaurants in a sort of tour very similar to an Andalusian Tapeo enjoying a series of Pintxos consisting in slices of bread combined with different kinds of food.

There are a varied range of them  such as with seafood, meat, ham, Chorizo or Morcilla the latter id a dark pork blood sausage and similar to that but derived by lamb blood is a famous product caled Tripotxa. Very famous is also another type of sausage called Xistorra flavoured with a spicy pepper called Pimiento Moron, it can be fried or grilled and pretty popular are also the Lukinke, dried sausages which can be used in different types of stews and soups.

Exquisite is the delicious Jamon de Bayona an excellent kind of ham very appreciated in different pintxos and appetisers accompanied by cheeses of very high reputation and worth to be mentioned Roncal, Idiazabal, Ossau-Iraty and the very soft Gaztanbera among others.

The Kanouga is a sort of local caramel prepared with nuts and there some variants which include chocolate or as variant coffee while the Biscotxa is a cake prepared with  butter, flour, sugar, apricots and filled by cream. 

Part of the Basque bakery is also the Taloa, a sort of corn flour similar to a Mexican fajita. Generally it can be filled with cheese, Chorizo, Xistorra, ham but there is also the sweet choice filling it with chocolate, jam or honey.

Excellent are the local fine wines, such as Irulegito Arnoa, Txakoli de Bizkaia, Txacoli de Alava and Txacoli de Getera and you will be delighted by a local Rioja produced with  grapes original from that nearest Spanish Region.

Basque wines are very smooth, with bod, the grapes are cultivated on hills at a right altitude and favoured by the breezes coming from the Pyrenees meeting those of the Ocean, that mix generates a great micro climate combined with a subsoil not too dry and with a notable presence of benign compounds. The reds are very smooth, savoury with a perfect colour, very versatile and ideal to accompany all kinds of meat and including to flavour several recipes as a grilled steak or a meat casserole. About other drinks try the typical Paxtaran, a special liquor prepared with wild prunes and anise.

The accommodations you can find in that place are a couple of excellent Agroturismo, B&B really comfortable and much recommended including many opportunities to rent houses and apartments in spectacular and peaceful areas.

The strategic geographic position of Barrika is like a magic key opening several doors. In a while thanks to the excellent service of extra urban connections such as buses and the Line 1 of the Bilbao Underground connected to the nearest town of Plexa give excellent transport facilities and all the places previously mentioned are reachable in a very quick way.

By road it is possible to reach in a very short time Bilbao with its important International Airport and also great is access to the highways towards Cantabria with the chance to admire another magnificent coast offering a multitude of fabulous attractions or towards east entering in the county of Guipuzcoa  simply wonderful.

 

Planning holidays with a stay in that place is a great and brilliant vacation idea to discover a land between mountains and sea with stunning Basque Bay of Biscay sights in a spectacular natural environment and also to know the very interesting local culture, all that and much more is a superb treasure of marvels in a nutshell which will surprise you.

Francesco Mari

Recommended Accommodations in Barrika

Agroturismo Gane Landetxea

Agroturismo Zearreta Barri

Recommended Restaurants in Barrika

Restaurante Itxa Gane

Restaurante Iparralde

Restaurante Milagros 

Useful links 

www.barrika.eu

www.nekatur.net

www.planrural.com

www.escapadarural.com

www.casasruralesvizcaya.com

www.bizkaiacostavasca.com