The portentous Santuario de Loyola is dedicated to St Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuit order. Its domed basilica, laden with grey marble and carved ornamentation, is decidedly imposing. Preserved in one of the two wings of the sanctuary is the house where the saint was born in 1490. Weekends are the most interesting times to come, as the sanctuary fills up with pilgrims. It's inland of Getaria, 24km to its southwest, off the GI631 just outside Azpeitia.
Santuario de Loyola
Basque Country
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
9.62 MILES
Although Getaria is mainly about sun, sand and seafood, don't miss a visit to the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa. Local boy Cristóbal became a giant in the…
29.77 MILES
Art lovers shouldn't miss Vitoria’s palace of modern art. The large subterranean galleries are filled with engrossing pieces by artists from the Basque…
17.61 MILES
Fulfilling almost every idea of how a perfect city beach should be formed, Playa de la Concha (and its westerly extension, Playa de Ondarreta) is easily…
17.87 MILES
Fear for your life as huge sharks bear down behind glass panes, or gaze at otherworldly jellyfish. The highlights of a visit to the city's excellent…
18.71 MILES
Stretching 800m in front of Gros, from the Kursaal to Monte Ulía, 'Zurri', as it's known locally, has some excellent waves that draw surfers from near and…
18.5 MILES
Designed by Rafael Moneo and opened in 1999, the Kursaal is one of the city's most striking buildings. Consisting of two cubes made of translucent glass…
8.66 MILES
Running from Zumaia west to Deba and Mutriku, this narrow coastal strip encompasses meadows, forests, caves and, most importantly, 13km of dramatic cliffs…
18.26 MILES
One of the best museums in the Basque Country, the San Telmo Museoa has a thought-provoking collection that explores Basque history and culture in all its…
Nearby Basque Country attractions
8.66 MILES
Running from Zumaia west to Deba and Mutriku, this narrow coastal strip encompasses meadows, forests, caves and, most importantly, 13km of dramatic cliffs…
2. Algorri Interpretation Centre
8.75 MILES
A small museum tucked a few blocks from the river, Algorri gives an overview of the geological wonders at Zumaia's back door. Audiovisual displays chart…
9.25 MILES
This museum explores the development of photography and moving pictures. Start up on the 4th floor and work your way downstairs, taking in displays on…
4. Museo de Arte e Historia de Zarautz
9.35 MILES
Set in a 15th-century belltower – the oldest building in Zarautz – this small museum highlights a bit of the region's art and archaeology. Human skeletons…
5. Iglesia de Santa María la Real
9.36 MILES
Part of the Museo de Arte e Historia de Zarautz, this impressive Gothic church dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. Note the magnificent Baroque…
6. Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa
9.62 MILES
Although Getaria is mainly about sun, sand and seafood, don't miss a visit to the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa. Local boy Cristóbal became a giant in the…
9.78 MILES
This cobblestone village on the coast has much to recommend it, including excellent seafood restaurants, narrow atmospheric lanes sprinkled with shops and…
9.81 MILES
With its unusual shape, sloping wooden floors, and nautical atmosphere, Getaria's striking 1397-built Gothic church is well worth a stop. Features worth…