Hondarribia

From CruisersWiki

The town and marina of Hondarribia lie on the coast of NW Spain on the border with France, from which it is separated by the Rio Bidasoa. On the other side of the river is the French harbour and anchorage of Hendaye. As a border town, Hondarribia has suffered in several conflicts with the armies of France, the last of which resulted in the partial destruction of its town walls. However, it remains an attractive and colourful fishing port, with a historic old quarter and several fine buildings. At the N end of the town, close to the entrance to the river, is the large and sheltered marina of Puerto Deportivo de Hondarribia. Entry is possible in most conditions, but could be challenging in very strong N winds.

Charts

British Admiralty

1292 – Mimizan Plage to Cabo de Ajo

1170 – Baie de Fontarabie etc

Imray

C42 – La Rochelle to Santander

Weather

Hondarribia is largely sheltered from the prevailing NW winds, but strong northerlies can raise an unpleasant swell in the bay outside.

Sources for Weather forecasts: See Spain.

Passages

List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Navigation

The entrance to the River Bidasoa lies on the W side of a long sandy bay and is protected by two long training walls (not to be confused with the small commercial harbour of Puerto Berria to starboard on entry). Entry is possible in most conditions, although very strong N winds would make entry challenging if not potentially dangerous. Puerto Deportivo de Hondarribia lies just inside the entrance on starboard side.

Entrance

Hondarribia is a port of entry/exit to Spain.

Submit details about facilities for checking in - location of immigration & customs, etc.

Berthing

Visiting yachts have only one option, to moor in the marina of Puerto Deportivo de Hondarribia. While it is possible to anchor in the river, all the suitable anchoring locations are on the French side of the river, since the border passes close to the W bank.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Puerto Deportivo de Hondarribia - offers 672 berths for yachts up to 18 metres in depths of up to 3.0 metres. Berthing is on finger pontoons. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Fuel berth. Toilets and showers. Wifi. Laundry. Bar/cafe. Travel lift (35T). Crane (8T). Slipway. Chandlery. Small area of hard standing. Contact Puerto Deportivo de Hondarribia on VHF channel 9. Telephone: +34 943 641711. Website. Email.

Anchorages

The only suitable spot to anchor is in the Baie de Chingoudy off the French town of Hendaye on the E bank of the river. There are numerous small craft moorings here but it is possible to anchor clear of them in 4.0 - 5.0 metres. The holding is good in sand and mud and shelter is good in virtually all conditions.

In settled conditions (not in strong northerlies) it is also possible to anchor off Hondarribia half a mile S of the marina entrance (although strictly speaking one is in French waters here)

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

Chandlery in the marina.

Repairs/Yards

Small hard standing area in the marina with travel lift (35T) and crane (8T). Most simple repairs possible.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel berth in the marina. Water and electricity in the marina.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Hondarribia is an attractive town, with several historic squares and pretty fishermens' houses with colourfully painted balconies. Just N of the marina is a superb beach (which is however, invariably packed in summer). For many yachts cruising W, this will be the first taste of the true Basque country and an excellent place to sample Basque culture and traditions.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Good supermarket in the town
• Bakeries and provisions shops

Eateries

Numerous restaurants in the town, many offering Basque specialities.

Internet/WiFi

In the marina.

Laundry

In the marina.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

In the marina.

Transportation

List transportation (local and/or international.)

Friends

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

Forums

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

Links

• Hondarribia at the Wikipedia
• Municipal website

References & Publications

See Spain.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit. Personal experiences?

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Hondarribia and this page's details validated:

• July 2000 -- Atheneoflymington

This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly.

Contributors to this page
Names: Athene of Lymington