Towns > Elantxobe
Some places are unique, and Elantxobe is one of them. Perched on the cliffs of Urdaibai, this village seems suspended between the sky and the sea, sheltered from the fierce northern winds by the imposing Ogoño rock. Its reputation precedes it—you won’t find another place like this, and the views will leave you speechless.
Just 20 minutes from Gernika and 40 minutes from Bermeo, this tiny fishing village has an intriguing history. What started as a humble fishing district eventually became a town in its own right, shaped by the relentless force of the sea and the resilience of its people.
The moment you arrive, Elantxobe’s sheer verticality will catch your eye. Its steep, winding streets and houses clinging to the mountainside make you wonder, Do people really climb up there every day? But if you turn away from the village, an endless horizon of sea unfolds before you, offering breathtaking views from every corner.
Take your time to wander and discover hidden gems, like the only flat area in the middle of all these slopes: the square where San Nicolás de Bari Church stands. Built in 1803 by the fishermen’s guild, this church has watched over the village for centuries.
Elantxobe’s story begins in 1524, when a group of fishermen settled below the Elantxo neighborhood (which later gave the town its name, meaning “Under Elantxo” in Basque) in search of a safe haven for their boats. Back then, this small port was part of the municipality of Ibarrangelu.
The moment you arrive, Elantxobe’s sheer verticality will catch your eye. Its steep, winding streets and houses clinging to the mountainside make you wonder, Do people really climb up there every day? But if you turn away from the village, an endless horizon of sea unfolds before you, offering breathtaking views from every corner.
Take your time to wander and discover hidden gems, like the only flat area in the middle of all these slopes: the square where San Nicolás de Bari Church stands. Built in 1803 by the fishermen’s guild, this church has watched over the village for centuries.
Speaking of fishermen, Ogoño is Elantxobe’s natural watchtower. For centuries, sailors climbed its heights to scan the horizon for whales or schools of fish, shaping the town’s maritime legacy.
Wherever you are in the village, you can start climbing towards the summit, and from there, let your gaze drift over the vast sea. And if you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you might even spot the French coast in the distance. It’s easy to see why Elantxobe’s first settlers chose this dramatic yet awe-inspiring location to call home.
After exploring the heights, head down to the port, the perfect spot to unwind with a drink and a pintxo at one of its cozy bars. The port itself is a spectacle, featuring a natural seawater pool that fills with the tides—once a haven for sailors, now a favorite for visitors looking to take a dip. The seafront promenade, with its salty breeze and waves crashing nearby, is the ideal way to wrap up your visit.
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