Lekeitio is a town with 7,000 inhabitants in the province of Bizkaia. The town looks across the tranquil waters of the Lea river and its beautiful bay and out to the wild waters of the Cantabrian Sea. If you are wondering what there is to do and see in Lekeitio, you will be pleasantly surprised by the wide range of sporting, cultural and gastronomic attractions on offer. 

What to see in Lekeitio 

We suggest you begin your visit at the Silken Palacio Uribarren, the site of the former palace. Although the hotel has been completely renovated to offer every comfort to guests, it still retains its original structure, with wide windows, stone walls and marble floors over which monarchs such as Queen Isabella II walked. 

Just to the right of the hotel is the impressive Santa María de la Asunción Basílica. The exterior of the church is lovely, but the real gem lies within: a stunning gold-covered reredos, the third largest in Spain after those in the cathedrals of Seville and Toledo.

Then take a stroll around the old quarter to soak up the history of a town of monarchs and fishermen. Photograph the palatial homes and observe how the houses become increasingly modest as you head down towards the harbour along Calle Arranegi and Calle Ezpeleta.

At the port, watch the fishermen selling the morning catch and taste it for yourself at one of the many bars and restaurants in the area.

Finally, walk up to the hermitage of San Juan and enjoy the panoramic views of the town.

If you want to learn more, you can rent an audio guide from the Tourist Office for 3 euros.

What to do in Lekeitio

Apart from tourism, the best things to do in Lekeitio are closely linked to the River Lea and the Cantabrian Sea.

You can walk along the length of the bay formed by the river estuary, or spend the day enjoying the tranquil waters at Isuntza beach.

At low tide the nearby beach of La Salvaje is revealed, a much smaller and undeveloped beach. You can also walk across to the island of San Nicolás when the tide is out.

After a full day, we suggest you end the evening where you began, with a drink or a meal on the peaceful terrace of the Silken Palacio Uribarren. 

Fiestas in Lekeitio

There are two main fiestas in Lekeitio: the feast days of San Pedro and San Antolín.

• San Antolines

San Antolín is the patron saint of Lekeitio, and the festivities in his honour take place from 1 to 8 September.

• San Pedros

As in many towns on the Cantabrian coast, Lekeitio’s confraternity is dedicated to Saint Peter. The saint’s day falls on 29 June, and the festivities last until 1 July