Lequeitio

From CruisersWiki

The harbour of Lequeitio (in Basque language Lekeitio) lies in NW Spain at the heart of the Spanish Basque region, about 17 miles west of San Sebastian and 10 from the small port of Guetaria. A former fishing village dating from the 14th century, with a still active fishing fleet, its (for the region) excellent beaches have turned it into a popular destination for tourism - mainly Spanish. The harbour is partially sheltered by an offshore island, San Nicolas, which is accessible at low water via a causeway. The town is quite picturesque and among its most important attractions is the Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Asuncion, a 15th century Baroque church with a stupendous altarpiece in gilded wood. The harbour is relatively small and tidal, with a rise and fall of 3.0 - 3.5 meters, and yachts go alongside wooden spars fixed to the harbour walls (with long warps fore and aft to allow for the rise and fall). It can be difficult to get on and off a yacht at low water and a dinghy is useful for getting ashore at that state of tide.

Local Weather

Conditions here are generally benign during the summer months and Lequeitio is sheltered from the worst of the Biscay storms at other times. Fog is an occasional hazard at any time of year.

Sources for Weather forecasts: See Spain.

Charts

British Admiralty

1291 - Santona to Gijon

1150 - Ports on the N coast of Spain

Imray

C42 - La Rochelle to Santander

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Approach and Navigation

There are no hazards in the approach. Note, however, that San Nicolas island must be left to port on entry. The harbour entrance faces SE at the end of the long breakwater opposite the island.

Berthing Options

Lequeitio is a 'park wherever you can' harbour. Tie up alongside the harbour wall or alongside another yacht if necessary. In the last resort, tie up alongside a fishing boat (but be prepared to move at short notice if asked).

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

In setted weather, it is possible to anchor off the harbour to the west of San Nicolas island. Bottom is sand, rock and weed. Shelter here is only average, however, and completely open to the north. If anchoring here, beware of the sunken causeway out to the island, which runs southwest from the southern tip. With anything west in the wind, a better anchorage may be found on the eastern side of the island (but be sure to go north around it to avoid the sunken causeway). In both cases, allow for the tidal range of up to 3.5 metres.

Offshore Islands and Groups

None.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.

Repairs/Yards

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

No facilities in the harbour.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The walk out to San Nicolas island at low water is fun - especially for a picnic if the weather is good. Another good walk is up the hill above the town, following the twelve stations of the cross to the calvary on top. A visit to the Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Asuncion with its stupendous gilded altarpiece is a must.

Yachts in Lequeitio harbour

Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Asuncion

Altarpiece of Santa Maria

Grocery & Supply Stores

Basic shops in the town.

Eateries

• Restaurant Kaia was good for fish in 2000 - Atheneoflymington.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Garbage Disposal

Small bins around the harbour.

Transportation

List transportation (local and/or international.)

Routes/Passages To/From

List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Lequeitio at the Wikipedia

References & Publications

See Spain.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• July 2000 --Atheneoflymington

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Contributors to this page
Names: Athene of Lymington