Lekeitio

Lekeitio is a town located in the district of Lea Artibai whose surroundings, people and traditions make it quite unique.

Lekeitio is one of the most picturesque and charming fishing harbours on the Biscay coast. It has a long-standing fishing tradition that pervades its streets and characterises the local people.

Located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay with a population of 7,400+, the town is a highly attractive tourist destination thanks to its landscapes and its two large beaches.

What to see in Lekeitio

The Harbour of Lekeitio

One of the most attractive places in Lekeitio is its harbour. Although the fishing fleet and the comings and goings of the boats are not as numerous as in the past, the fishing boats and their charm still maintain the essence that characterises the town.

Any moment is good to take a stroll around the harbour to watch the fishermen at work and see the women receiving the boats full of fish at Santa Katalina Lighthouse.

The Historic Quarter of Lekeitio

The historic quarter is another place you should not miss during your visit to Lekeitio. Its stony streets will take you back in time as you walk past fishermen’s houses, mansions, other ancient houses, seafarers’ houses and monasteries/convents. The town centre still conserves a mediaeval air, which gives you the impression of travelling back to another age as you walk through it.

Basilica of Santa María de la Asunción

Another attraction in Lekeitio is the Basilica de la Asunción de Santa María, which surprises visitors because of its large size and Gothic features such as gargoyles and buttresses.

The beaches

The two beaches in Lekeitio, Isuntza and Karraspio, are very easy to get to as they are close to the town centre. In fact, Isuntza is located within the town of Lekeitio and has a promenade and shops and bars to make your visit even more enjoyable.
Both beaches have lifeguards present, nearby car parks and public toilets and showers.
Enjoy the great views of the island of San Nicolás, which can be reached on foot at low tide.

The attractions of Lekeitio do not end there, however. There are also monuments and buildings such as Torre Turpín, Palacio de Uriarte and Torre Zahar -the oldest building in Lekeitio-, Palacio de Uribarria, the wall built to protect the town from the fires it suffered frequently, and finally the fishing boat Playa de Ondarzábal, recently renovated and converted into a museum.

No visit to Lekeitio is complete without visiting its bars for drinks and snacks, for example, a glass of wine accompanied by traditional pintxos (tapas). In our ‘where to eat’ section you will find establishments that offer the area’s best gastronomy.