Free walking tours in Castro Urdiales and what to see

Must-sees

Castro Urdiales's symbol is the old port ensemble. Here stands the church of Santa María de la Asunción, a Gothic temple unusually large for a fishing town. Beside it is the Santa Ana castle, now a lighthouse, and a medieval bridge crossing to the Santa Ana chapel, on a rock by the sea. From there you get good views of the bay.

Then go down to the port and stroll around the centre, with narrow streets, arcades and houses with glazed balconies. Amestoy park and the seafront promenade link the old town with Brazomar beach. Further on is Ostende beach, below the Ocharan castle, a medieval-looking building surrounded by gardens. The town also keeps remains of Roman Flaviobriga.

Free tours and guided visits

In high season there is usually a pay-what-you-like free walking tour of the old town, a two-hour route covering the church, the castle-lighthouse, the port and the town's seafaring history. Outside summer the choice drops and paid guided visits are easier to find, sometimes organised by the tourist office.

Worthwhile excursions include Laredo and Santoña, with its walk by the marshes and its anchovy tradition. Bilbao is less than an hour away and can be seen in a day. There are also boat or kayak trips along the coast when the weather allows. The hills around the town also have easy trails with sea views.

How long to spend

One day gives you plenty of time for Castro Urdiales. Spend the morning on the Santa María ensemble, the castle and the port, and the afternoon on the seafront and the beach. If you stay two or three days, add Laredo and Santoña or a trip to Bilbao, which is very well connected.

Where to stay

The best area to stay is the centre, between the port and Amestoy park. You will have the monuments, the pintxo bars and the fish restaurants close at hand. If you are travelling in summer and want the beach, look around Brazomar, a short walk from the old town. The estates on the outskirts are quieter, but there you will depend on the car for almost everything.