This coastal Basque town has dramatic limestone cliffs and a long sandy beach on the Bay of Biscay. Local fishermen still work from its small harbor, while hikers explore nearby hills.
Zumaia sits on Spain's Basque coast, where 60-million-year-old rock layers form towering cliffs along Itzurun Beach. You'll find the massive Gothic Church of San Pedro watching over narrow medieval streets, and filming locations from Game of Thrones along the coastline. Local fishermen still practice traditional octopus catching methods, and you can taste their catch during the September Fiesta del Pulpo festival.
The Flysch Formations
The rock layers at Itzurun Beach extend for 8 kilometers between Deba and Getaria as part of the Basque Coast UNESCO Geopark. Scientists have identified the K-T boundary within these rocks, marking the time of dinosaur extinction 60 million years ago. During low tide, you can see the distinct pattern of alternating sandstone and limestone layers. Local geologists lead daily tours explaining the significance of these continuous rock formations.
Medieval Center and San Pedro Church
The Gothic Church of San Pedro dominates Zumaia's center with thick stone walls and buttresses from the 13th century. Inside, you'll find Juan de Antxieta's wooden altarpiece - his only work in the Gipuzkoa region. The surrounding streets lead to the Olazabal Palace, built for a royal secretary of Philip IV, and the Ubillos Palace from the 1500s, which now houses music students.
Beaches and Coastal Features
Itzurun Beach stretches 270 meters along steep cliffs, with the white San Telmo hermitage perched above. The beach water contains high iodine levels, and surfers come year-round for the strong waves. At Santiago Beach, next to the Urola River mouth, you can walk through wetlands to reach the Zuloaga Museum. Walking paths connect both beaches along the cliffs.
Local Traditions and Festivals
During the San Telmo festival in April, locals wear traditional blue fishing clothes to celebrate the town's connection to the sea. At low tide, experienced fishermen wade into the water to catch octopus - some collect up to 20 in a single day. Try Olarro sopa (sun-dried octopus soup) during the Fiesta del Pulpo in September, when restaurants prepare special octopus dishes.
Getting to Zumaia
Trains depart every 30 minutes from San Sebastián's Amara station to Zumaia, with the journey taking about 30 minutes. The Euskotren service runs on a combined metro and regional rail system. From Zumaia station, it's a 10-minute walk to the old town and 15 minutes to the beaches.
