María Díaz de Haro gave Lekeitio the founding act in 1325, when it became a town.

The first remains were found in the cave of Lumentza. This, together with those of Santimamiñe, is the most important site dating from the Palaeolithic period, which is superior to Romanisation.

In the Middle Ages, for defensive and socio-economic reasons, it was surrounded by a wall, which can be seen today at various points, such as the Pascual Abaroa and Bergara streets.

Lekeitio has always been linked to the sea. Source and destination of fishermen, adventurers and sailors. Men and women have worked at sea and up to now these trades have been transferred and can be visited at the Interpretation Centre of Navigation techniques with visits to the Santa Catalina Lighthouse.

Other interesting places to visit are the Sosoaga press and the Marierrota tide mill.

Rest area: The Santa Catalina lighthouse

Today it has been converted into an interpretation center and can be visited at a wide range of times. There we can learn and live a lot about the sea and fishing lifestyle. We can also enjoy the spectacular views from the bar terrace, and have a good time. 

Lekeitio Turismoa Website

Lekeitio City Council website

 

 

What to do / see

Historical Old Town of Lekeitio

The Old Town tells you about its fishing and artisan past through its mansions, churches, towers and convents hidden among its narrow cobbled streets, which lead to a lively port, where you can still see the boats unloading fresh fish or the fisherwomen sewing.

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Beach Isuntza

Isuntza beach is located in the town centre itself, next to the port and the town's park, and has numerous walking areas, bars, restaurants and hotels in the surrounding area. The beach also offers the possibility practising some sporting activities, such as canoeing, volleyball and scuba diving.

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Lea Shipyards

A group of craft shipyards for the construction and repair of wooden-hulled boats. Its structures, renovated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, have inherited the site of the old medieval facilities.

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Santa Catalina Lighthouse

The Santa Catalina lighthouse in Lekeitio is the only lighthouse in the Basque Country that can be visited, making it a unique experience. And as a good sailor, take a break in the cafeteria with views of the most extensive Bay of Biscay. It is one of the tourist resources of the Lekeitio Maritime Heritage Centre.

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Dzingua Kirol ekintzak

They offer the opportunity to learn how to surf to people of all ages and with different levels of knowledge, in a practical way and at a very affordable price.

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Basque dances

The Lea-Artibai region is a clear example that dance is part of the idiosyncrasy and spirit of the people: its small geographical area has at least five different dances, which are totally local.

Sleep

Albergue Lekeitio Hostel

The hostel is located in a straight line about 700 metres from the centre of Lekeitio, 400 metres from the bus stop.

Palacio Oxangoiti

The Hotel Palacio de Oxangoiti is a XVII century construction that stands out for its front and its carved wooden eaves. It was opened in 2008 and is located in the heart of Lekeitio. The beach, the port and the historical centre are just a few minutes away.

Piñupe

Hotel located in the centre of the village

Hotel Silken Palacio Uribarren

The Hotel Silken Palacio Uribarren is an accommodation with all the comforts built in the same location as the old Uribarren Palace, in which once slept monarchs like Queen Elizabeth II, her son Alfonso XII or the Austro-Hungarian Empress Zita of Bourbon-Parma.

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Practical information

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