8 top things to see and do in Lekeitio

Tranquil, picturesque, and steeped in tradition, Lekeitio (also spelled Lequeitio) is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful historic fishing villages in Euskadi. If you're planning a road trip through the Basque Country, a visit to this green and blue gem along the coast is a must. To ensure you don’t miss any highlights, let’s explore the top 8 things to see and do in Lekeitio in just one day.

* At the end of the article, we’ll provide you with some useful information to help plan your trip.

What to see in Lekeitio

The air in Lekeitio is humid, and the wind blows freely, paying no mind to the hairstyles of passersby. The scent of saltwater fills the air. While the port may not be as bustling as it once was, when whalers ventured out to hunt the giants of the ocean, it remains lively and animated, thanks to the fishermen heading out to sea. Waves, boats, and sailors are the stars of this picturesque scene, captivating tourists who seek to capture memories of this stunning village. Because, let’s face it, Lekeitio is absolutely charming!

Now that we've set the stage, let’s dive into all the must-see spots and experiences in Lekeitio. Ready? Let’s go!

1. Stroll through the port

The port of Lekeitio should be your first stop to truly grasp the essence of this fishing village. Watching the arrival and departure of fishing boats, falling in love with the colorful, wooden balconies of the houses, stopping for a pintxo at a local bar, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk accompanied by the sea breeze are among the best activities in Lekeitio. Don't forget to head to the small hermitage of San Juan Talako at the north end for a stunning view of the port entrance and coastline.

Fun Fact: Lekeitio was once famous for whaling. However, as the presence of these majestic creatures dwindled in the Cantabrian Sea, the village reinvented itself by turning to canning industries and small shipyards for boat repairs.

2. Visit the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Lekeitio

This Basilica is possibly the crown jewel of Lekeitio and one of the most stunning churches in all of Bizkaia. It’s hard to fathom how such a majestic temple exists in a small village, but there it stands, and we are all the better for it.

Constructed in the latter half of the 1400s, it showcases some of the best examples of Basque Gothic architecture. The exterior features a monumental western portal, a row of intricate flying buttresses, and a towering bell tower that rises 50 meters high. Inside, you’ll be amazed by the polychrome wooden altarpiece, crafted in 1508 and recognized as the third largest in Spain, following those in the cathedrals of Seville and Toledo.

→ Entry costs €2. For more information, click here.

3. Lose yourself in the old town

There’s no better way to get to know a village than to wander aimlessly through its old town. After strolling the port and admiring the Basilica, we recommend letting your instincts guide you through the cobbled streets at the heart of Lekeitio. While you’re at it, be sure to check out these essential stops:

• Arranegi Kalea, the main street
• The little square of Arranegi
• The town hall building
• The Uriarte Palace
• The Independence Plaza
• The Monastery of Santo Domingo
• The Church of San José
• The Fishermen’s Guild of San Pedro
• The Turpin Tower
• The abandoned Abaroa Palace

4. Enjoy the beaches

Whether you’re lucky enough to visit Lekeitio on a sunny summer day or if the sky is a bit overcast, you must step foot on the beautiful Isuntza beach. You won’t have to exert yourself much to get there, as it’s right next to the port, in the heart of the town (what a luxury for the locals!).

If you have a bit more time or prefer a different perspective of the estuary, we recommend heading to Karraspio beach, which belongs to the neighboring Mendexa. It’s an enjoyable walk across the Lea River from Lekeitio. This beach is larger than Isuntza, popular with surfers and offering stunning views and a lovely promenade.

5. Adventure to Garraitz Island (San Nicolás)

To do this, you’ll need to time your visit with the low tide. However, if the tide is in your favor, reaching this islet just off the coast will be one of the best experiences in Lekeitio!

Simply walk along the stone wall that stretches from Isuntza beach to the island or take the sandy route from Karraspio beach. If you choose the first option, be careful as it can be slippery, and in both cases, keep an eye on the tide times to avoid being stranded on the island!

Two fun facts: it’s named after a hermitage dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, and if you hike the trail that goes across the island, you’ll find the ruins of the hermitage and an old fort. Additionally, it was once used as a leper lazaretto during epidemics.

6. Climb to the Lumentza Viewpoint

There’s no better bird’s-eye view of Lekeitio than from this viewpoint situated about 120 meters high, atop Mount Lumentza. The trail begins at the cemetery behind the Convent of the Dominican Mothers and ascends through a Via Crucis (don’t worry; we hope it’s not your own) where you’ll find the numbered crosses of the calvary leading to the summit.

This is just a 500-meter walk that takes about 15-20 casual minutes, and we assure you that the effort will be worth it.

7. Hike the Lea ibilbidea route

The Lumentza viewpoint isn’t the only hiking route available in the Lekeitio area. Another popular one follows the Lea River from its mouth at the beach to its source in Munitibar, about 23 km upstream.

This trail runs parallel to the river through stunning natural scenery, passing by old, dilapidated shipyards, such as the Mendieta family shipyard at the river’s mouth, which is currently being restored, quaint villages, waterfalls, and bridges. It’s a pleasant route that, despite its 23 km length, is relatively easy.

→ Here you can download the map.

8. End the day at the Santa Catalina Lighthouse

What is it about lighthouses that captivates so many of us? It would be a shame to visit Lekeitio without stopping by the Santa Catalina Lighthouse. Built around 1860, it has been gazing defiantly at the Cantabrian Sea ever since. Today, it houses a museum (the Interpretation Center of Navigation Technology, entry €6) and features a bar nearby where you can enjoy drinks with a breathtaking view of the coastline and cliffs, especially beautiful at sunset.

Located about 2 km north of the village, on a coastal promontory, it can be reached on foot or by car (ample parking is available). If you have time and are eager for more, head up to the Talaia Viewpoint for a privileged panoramic view. The path continues to ascend to Mount Otoio, but that’s a whole different adventure!

Accommodation in Lekeitio

While we didn’t have the chance to stay overnight, if you’re tempted to spend a night (or more) here, we’ve selected a few hotels that look quite appealing:

• Silken Palacio Uribarren
• Hotel Villa Itsaso
• Central Flat

Where to eat well and cheap in Lekeitio

We recommend two places: Kai Abixa if you’re in the mood for pintxos, or Egaña Restaurante for traditional Basque cuisine with a daily menu around €12.

When to visit Lekeitio

June and September are ideal months to visit Lekeitio: the weather is pleasant, the tourist crowds are smaller compared to July and August, and there are two local festivals (San Pedro in June and San Antolín in September) that offer an even richer experience.

Parking in Lekeitio

From experience, we don’t recommend searching for parking in central Lekeitio. The easiest and quickest option is to use the public parking areas located at a roundabout at the entrance of the town (map), about 1 km from the port. There’s also another free parking area near the Zubieta Palace, with space available for motorhomes (map).

We hope this guide helps you plan a fantastic trip to this Basque gem. Do you know more things to see and do in Lekeitio? We’re all ears! 😉

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