We were up and ready for breakfast this morning at 8, even though it was still dark outside. We were the only ones having breakfast at the historic Don Paco Hotel, built in the 1800’s.
We left Llanes by 9:30 and drove through three villages I was interested in seeing, San Vicente de la Barquara, Comillas, and Santillana Del Mar. All three were full of tourists getting off tour buses, so we drove on through each without stopping. We drove on the péage through hard rain at times, arriving in Hondarribia by 1:30. We checked into Parador Hondarribia, a castle fortress built in the 900’s, on a hill overlooking the Bidosoa River and just across the river from France. The castle served a military purpose for several centuries, and then was home to several kings and prominent guests, including an extended stay by Napoleon. The Parador is beautifully furnished. We also enjoyed walking from the Parador to the beach, through the marina, and visiting Nuestra Senora de la Asunción y del Manzana Parish Church, built in the 1500’s on the foundations of an ancient Romanesque church. We are listening to live music played by a band in the square as I write this. Hondarribia is a lively town.
