Orio between the Old Town, rowing tradition and coastal trails

Old Town and maritime heritage

Orio can be explored for trip planning through three specific themes: its designated Old Town, maritime heritage and the walking landscape around the mouth of the Oria. Orio’s Old Town is designated as a Cultural Heritage Site of Special Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural). The Church of San Nicolás de Bari is a Baroque church, completed in the early 17th century on the site of an older, smaller church. This offers two distinct historical perspectives: the designation of an area of the town and the construction history of a single place of worship. To learn more about the maritime heritage, you can take the guided tour “La ría, nuestra identidad”. It covers the shipbuilding tradition that developed from the Middle Ages onwards and whaling. The tour is seasonal and requires a reservation; check the dates before your trip.

Rowing tradition and experiences

Orio’s rowing tradition dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries, when a trainera was essential for whaling. The trainera connects this historical role with experiences in which visitors can row themselves or take a trip. “Euskadi y el Remo” includes a one-hour trip in a trainera that has taken part in the Bandera de la Concha regatta. The experience starts at Arraunetxe, the centre for the technical development of rowing and canoeing in Orio. With “Remero/a por un día”, visitors can row on the Oria River in a trainera, kayak or raft. Begi Bistan also offers kayaking, rowing, rafting and SUP; the company is based at Arraunetxe, the rowing centre. The options differ in the activities listed: “Remero/a por un día” names three types of boat on the Oria, while Begi Bistan offers four types of activity. If you plan to take part, check current availability and the arrangements for each option.

Coastal landscapes and walks

The walking landscape includes the Igeldo-Mendizorrotz-Kukuarri coastal monocline. At Kukuarri, it reaches an elevation of 364 metres, drops steeply towards the sea and is characterised by cliffs. Another landscape feature is the broad, winding mouth of the Oria River. The short PR Gi-158 Orio-Itxaspe walking route is easy and has little elevation gain. It passes through the area around the mouth of the Oria and Orio’s Old Town, by Antilla Beach and along the banks of the Oria. The Orio-Kukuarri route connects the town centre with the higher-lying part of the municipality and the summit of Kukuarri. This makes it possible to choose a walk based on the specific features listed: the PR Gi-158 is described as a short, easy route, while Orio-Kukuarri goes all the way to the summit. Check the conditions on the relevant route before setting out.

San Pedro and Orio-style besugo

The San Pedro festival is celebrated in Orio every year on 29 June. If this date is important for your travel plans, check the programme in advance; individual details may change. Another guided tour, “al Estilo Orio”, introduces visitors to the preparation of grilled besugo in the Orio style. It is offered seasonally; check the dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bergara, Aizarna, Elgeta, Astigarraga, Getaria, Aizarnazabal, Errezil, Azpeitia

For the regional travel overview: Gipuzkoa.