Cabo Higuer Lighthouse Walk
At the very tip of the Jaizkibel peninsula, where the Bay of Biscay meets the mouth of the Bidasoa, the Faro de Higuer lighthouse stands on a rocky headland that feels like the edge of the world — and is visited by a fraction of the tourists who crowd the old town just 3 kilometres away. The walk out to it is one of the finest short coastal hikes in the Basque Country.
The walk to the lighthouse
From the northern end of Hondarribia's beach, a well-marked coastal path follows the rocky shoreline around the headland to the lighthouse in about 45 minutes each way. The path passes through low coastal scrub, over flat rocks polished by Atlantic swells, and delivers constant views of open ocean, the French coast and the Pyrenean foothills.
The lighthouse itself dates from 1881 and is still operational; you cannot enter the tower but the surrounding rocks and the small sandy coves just below it are perfect for a picnic or a wild swim on calm days.
Wildlife and geology
The headland is a prime spot for watching migrating seabirds in autumn — gannets, shearwaters and storm petrels pass in impressive numbers between August and October. Bring binoculars if you have them; the rocks below the lighthouse are also excellent for rockpooling.
The geology here is spectacular: the cliffs expose folded flysch rock formations — the same dramatic tilted strata visible along the Basque Coast Geopark further west — and the colours of the stone shift from grey to rust to ochre depending on the light.
Combining with a swim
Just before the lighthouse, a short scramble down leads to a small sheltered cove with clear water that locals use as a wild swimming spot in summer. It has no facilities and no crowds — bring water, snacks and a towel.
The return walk back along the same path takes on a completely different character in the afternoon light, with the sun behind you illuminating the old town and Jaizkibel in warm tones.
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