Accessible on foot at low tide, this island is the Basque Country’s first archaeological park

One of Spain’s more unusual islands can be found off the coast of Lekeito in Biscay Province, midway between the cities of Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastián. The island of Garraitz, also known as San Nicolás in Spanish, can be accessed on foot when tidewaters ebb. As a consequence, visiting hours on the island are mostly dictated by the Cantabrian Sea and the phases of the moon. The alluring phenomenon of Garraitz Island undoubtedly deserves a visit when touring the Basque Country.

REACHING GARRAITZ ISLAND

Garraitz Island lies floating just offshore from the fishing port of Lekeitio at high tide. However, the receding waters of low tide reveal a flora-covered knoll spanning the length of Karraspio Beach. Unsurprisingly, the islet is a popular tourist attraction for this seaside town in the province of Biscay.

When visiting the island of Garraitz, it is highly recommended to take into account the tidal timetable – an approximate ebb and flow every twelve and a half hours – in order to prevent being stranded on the island.

One walking route to Garraitz Island is by crossing the moss-covered stone breakwater between the islet and Isuntza Beach, a construction dating from the eighteenth century that serves to prevent sediment from the Lea River reaching Lekeitio’s port. Due to the slippery rock surface, proper footwear, such as plimsolls, should be worn in order to avoid falls. 

The less slippery alternative of reaching this Cantabrian islet is by walking along the sands of the larger Karraspio Beach and crossing the tidal flat at the mouth of Lea River.

A clear notion of walking times and tide tables are fundamental to avoid being surrounded by rising seawater, regardless of the route taken. Swimming, especially in wintertime, is inadvisable owing to the frigid temperatures and dangerous currents of the sea.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO ON GARRAITZ ISLAND

Garraitz Island is an excellent stopover on any Basque Country tour. This magical islet offers picturesque views both from the shore and the island itself.

The island’s untamed scenery stretches for nearly a quarter of a kilometre, making it an idyllic spot to enjoy a breath of fresh air. A temporary ebbtide beach provides an opportunity to take some sun while breathing in the aromatic pine-scented air.

A trek to the island’s vantage point, located at the island’s summit nearly 50 metres above sea level, offers breathtaking views of Lekeitio and the sea, while sunsets on Garraitz, tidewaters permitting of course, are equally extraordinary.

In fact, a walk to the summit of Garraitz Island uncovers traces of the past. Notable visitors to Garraitz have included Franciscan friars, corsairs and soldiers. Recent archaeological excavations on the island have unearthed gunpowder dating from the Peninsular War, in addition to even older artillery pieces and a variety of coins from the fourteenth century. As a consequence of these discoveries, Garraitz Island became the Basque Country’s first archaeological park in 2019.

While access to the archaeological excavation site is presently restricted, visitors can view the ruins of a sixteenth-century hermitage honouring Saint Nicolas of Bari, an eighteenth century fortification and a defensive wall. Though in ruins, the remaining stones sit as tangible vestiges of the islet’s mostly forgotten history.

You can also read this article in Spanish and Frech. 

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