Getaria, Spain

Getaria is yet another picturesque port on the western coast of Spain.  A quick 40 minute drive from chez nous, it had been on my list to visit since we moved here. I have since been two times -- when my mom was visiting last October and again this year for my belle-soeur's birthday. Although it is relatively close to home, a trip to Getaria really feels like a getaway and is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. For one day, you become a part of the relaxed, convivial lifestyle of this small fishing town. I dream of many more summer days sipping ice cold Txkaoli and eating fresh grilled fish on a terrace overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, in this gorgeous little village. 

The specialty in Getaria is fresh grilled fish, done right. All of the restaurants have open air charcoal grills where the daily catch is cooked to perfection and seasoned lightly with Pil-Pil, a traditional sauce made with oil, garlic and guindillas peppers. I love the fish shaped grill racks.

Be sure to try the Basque specialty Kokotxa, the flesh from the jaw of the Merlu (hake) fish. It is considered a delicacy and served here dipped in a egg batter and fried or with Pil-Pil sauce.

It wouldn't be a Spanish meal without a little alcohol and in Getaria they make a perfect one to go along with all of this fish. Txakoli, is produced in the vineyards that cover the hills above the town. It is a dry acididic white wine with a low alcohol content, which makes it perfect for this kind of meal. When it is served, they hold the bottle high above the glass it is being poured into.

After hours at the table savoring your meal, you can walk it off by wandering the small streets of the town, walking around the port or climbing up the San Antón Mountain to the light house for great views of the coastline and the town. While walking through town you can pick up a few bottles of Txakoli and even one of those fish shaped grilling racks, to take home with you. If you are looking for a longer walk there is a pathway that connects Getaria to Zarautz,  the neighboring town to the north. The 3km walk follows the curves of the coast just above the ocean. When I visited on a warm weekend day this path was full of locals. It is on my list of things to do on my next visit.  After a nice walk it will be time for a siesta, which can be enjoyed on one of Getaria's two beautiful sandy beaches. You can also visit the Txakoli vineyards or the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum.

Gaztetape Beach

Malkorbe Beach