Elantxobe is one of those places that you discover by chance and remains in your memory forever. The small fishing village, wedged between the cliffs of Cape Ogoño and the Cantabrian Sea, seems to defy the laws of physics. With its houses perched on a sheer slope, its narrow cobbled streets winding down to the harbour and its viewpoints offering breathtaking views of the ocean, Elantxobe invites contemplation and leisurely enjoyment. Nestled in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, the village is a haven of peace where you can feel the power of nature in every corner. From its historical harbour to its natural pools, its viewpoints and its historical centre, Elantxobe offers a unique (and vertical) experience for those seeking the authenticity of the Basque Country.
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- History: Elantxobe, the village nestled between the sea and the mountains
- What to see in one day in Elantxobe: from the cliffs to the harbour, a vertical experience
- What else to see in the Urdaibai Reserve: nature and cave paintings a short distance from Elantxobe
- Pintxos and where to eat: the taste of the Cantabrian Sea in every mouthful
History: Elantxobe, the village nestled between the sea and the mountains
The history of Elantxobe is dominated by a constant struggle against the elements. Founded in the sixteenth century, the small fishing village was built under the shelter of Cape Ogoño, which protects it from the fiercest winds of the Cantabrian Sea. For centuries, its inhabitants dedicated themselves to fishing and shipbuilding, adapting to the steep terrain that slopes down to the sea. The houses were built on top of each other, on improvised terraces, creating the unmistakable image of a village that seems to hang from the mountain.
In the beginning, Elantxobe survived thanks to whaling, due to the abundance of the sea mammals at the time, which, along with other types of fishing, sustained its population. The small port in Biscay became one of the major whaling ports for the right whale species and, later on, for fishing of species such as anchovies and tuna. Life in the village revolved around its port, where the fishermen unloaded their catches and the women were in charge of the laborious task of cleaning, salting and selling the fish. Days out fishing were intense and dangerous and the rough nature of the Cantabrian Sea had a profound effect on the lives of the people of Elantxobe.
As the fishing industry evolved, Elantxobe adapted to the changes. In the eighteenth century, the village prospered thanks to maritime trade and shipbuilding. Ships from Elantxobe plied the waters of the Atlantic to trade products such as salt and iron. During the nineteenth century, with the decline of whaling, the village focused on coastal fishing and, especially, on fish canning, an industry that still survives in the area and which has been fundamental to the economic development of the region.
The development of the village and its infrastructure, such as the New Port in the twentieth century, allowed Elantxobe to establish itself as a port not only for fishing but also for tourism. Despite its small size, its port has been an important point of entry and exit for visitors, attracted by its unusual layout, the natural beauty of its surroundings and the natural pools formed on the coast.
What to see in one day in Elantxobe: from the cliffs to the harbour, a vertical experience
Cape Ogoño: the guardian of Elantxobe
Cape Ogoño is one of the main features of the landscape of Elantxobe. This magnificent cliff, standing over 300 metres high, rises above the sea, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay and the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. From the top of the cape, you can see the contours of the Basque coast and, on clear days, even make out the coast of Cantabria. It is a perfect place for fans of hiking and photography, since it offers several routes through holm oak and pine forests to reach the top.
The most popular trail is the one that starts from Elantxobe and winds its way up the slope of the cape. Along the walk, it is common to see griffon vultures gliding over the cliffs and butterflies fluttering among the wild flowers. The experience of reaching the top and looking out onto the vast horizon is, without a doubt, one of the must-do activities for anyone visiting Elantxobe.
Viewpoints: balconies looking out onto the endless blue sea
Elantxobe is known for its strategically located viewpoints, which offer some of the most impressive views of the Biscayan coast. One of the most emblematic is the Elantxobe viewpoint, located in the upper part of the village, from where you can see the houses running along the slope, the miniature harbour and the endless ocean. This viewpoint is ideal for watching the sunset, when the sun sinks into the sea, tingeing the sky and the water with golden and pinkish tones.
Another must-see viewpoint is the Ogoño viewpoint, which is further away from the centre, on a path that leads to the cape of the same name. The spot is especially recommended for those looking for a quieter, more natural experience, far from the hustle and bustle of the village. From here, the landscape opens up into a panoramic view that takes in both the sea and the surrounding mountains, offering a unique perspective of the rugged geography of the Basque coast.
Elantxobe harbour: the essence of a fishing village
Elantxobe harbour is the heart and soul of the village. Small but full of charm, it is where visitors can get a real fell for Elantxobe’s connection with the sea. Originally built in the eighteenth century, the harbour has witnessed countless stories of fishermen setting off in search of whales, bonito and anchovies. Today, it is a meeting point for locals and visitors alike, with small fishing and recreational boats bobbing gently in the water.
Another of the village’s unique features is its turntable, a mechanism that allows buses and larger vehicles to turn around in such a small space. This architectural oddity is another example of how Elantxobe has adapted to the limitations of its steep terrain. Strolling along the harbour, feeling the sea breeze and observing how the village rises from the quay up to the cliffs is a unique experience that is not to be missed.
Historical centre: a maze of steep streets and colourful houses
The historical centre of Elantxobe is a genuine maze of steep, narrow streets and houses with colourful façades that seem to want to climb up the mountain. Here, every corner tells a story. Traditional Basque architecture is evident in the wooden balconies and sturdy doors of the houses that have been home to fishermen for generations. The streets are dotted with small squares and fountains where locals gather to chat or relax.
The historical centre is also home to San Nicolás de Bari church, a simple nineteenth century church with a stone bell tower and serene atmosphere. This church is another witness to Elantxobe’s deep connection with the sea, as San Nicolás is the patron saint of sailors. Walking through the old quarter is like immersing yourself in the living history of a community that has learned to live alongside the strength of the Cantabrian Sea and the majesty of the mountains.
Natural pools: a gentle swim protected from the Cantabrian Sea
A unique spot in Elantxobe is its natural swimming pool, located in a rocky area near the harbour. The pool is the perfect place to enjoy a swim in a unique setting, protected from the strongest ocean currents. It is especially popular during the summer, when the cool waters of the sea invite you to take a refreshing dip after a day of exploring. Entry to the pools is free and straightforward, making them an excellent choice for those looking to relax while enjoying the sea breeze and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. The place also offers a unique opportunity to snorkel in crystal clear waters, discovering the marine flora and fauna of the Biscay coast.
What else to see in the Urdaibai Reserve: nature and cave paintings a short distance from Elantxobe
The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is one of the Basque Country’s natural treasures, and Elantxobe is right in its heart. In addition to the attractions of the village itself, the surrounding area offers incredibly beautiful landscapes. Just a short distance away is Laga beach, one of the most spectacular beaches in Biscay, with its golden sands and perfect waves for surfing. From Laga, you can start hiking routes that go through the mountains and reach the cliffs of Cape Ogoño.
Another must visit is Santimamiñe cave, an archaeological site that is home to cave paintings that are more than 14,000 years old. The site, located about a 20 minutes’ drive from Elantxobe, offers a fascinating glimpse into the prehistory of the region and is a perfect stop for history and archaeology fans.
Pintxos and where to eat: the taste of the Cantabrian Sea in every mouthful
Although small, Elantxobe offers a surprising variety of dining options. The village’s bars and restaurants are famous for their pintxos, small bites made using fresh seafood and local ingredients. A good option is MENTRAME Taberna, whose cod and omelette pintxos are highly praised. Next to the harbour are places such as Bar Santi and Ogoñope that offer fresh fish straight from the Cantabrian Sea. Another recommended place is Kraken Restoburger Elantxobe, which has excellent hamburgers and views of the harbour.
