Hondarribia Castle
Parador de Hondarribia
Spain · Hondarribia, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country · Near San Sebastián
Built 950 · A 10th-century castle built by King Sancho Abarca of Navarre, later expanded and reformed by Emperor Charles V, whose name it now carries (Castillo de Carlos V); castle and palace joined by an internal courtyard, restored as a parador in 1966
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Quick Facts
- Rooms from
- €103 / night
- Hotel rating
- ★★★★ 4-Star Hotel
- Duration
- Overnight stay only
- Best time
- Year-round
- Nearest city
- San Sebastián
Stay Here
Parador de Hondarribia
★★★★ 4-Star HotelRooms are within the historic castle building itself
Booked via Booking.com · Free cancellation on most rates
No confirmed independent day-visit product was found; access is primarily for hotel guests.
Highlights
- ✦Built in the 10th century by King Sancho Abarca of Navarre, with a later expansion attributed to Sancho the Strong (1194-1234)
- ✦Became one of the key castles of the Castilian crown after Gipuzkoa passed to Castile in 1200, especially favored by the Catholic Monarchs
- ✦Later reformed by Emperor Charles V, who gave it the name by which it is known today — Castillo de Carlos V
Stay in the castle itself
Book a room via Booking.com
Hondarribia Castle was built in the 10th century by King Sancho Abarca of Navarre, with a later expansion attributed to Sancho the Strong (1194-1234). When Gipuzkoa passed to Castilian rule in 1200, this strategic fortress became one of the key castles of the Castilian crown, especially favored by the Catholic Monarchs. Emperor Charles V later reformed the building, giving it the name by which it is known today — Castillo de Carlos V.
The building functioned simultaneously as castle and palace, joined by an internal courtyard. In 1966 it passed to the Spanish state, restored and converted into a Parador Nacional, a function it retains today.
Today its rooms sit within the historic building; some overlook the Bay of Txingudi and France beyond, including the property's own "mirador room."
The castle's continuous strategic role from Navarrese fortress to favored Castilian royal stronghold to Habsburg-reformed palace gives Hondarribia a documented history spanning nearly six centuries under three successive political powers.
The building's dual castle-and-palace design, joined internally by a courtyard, reflects the fortress's evolution from a purely military structure into a residence suitable for royal visits.
The castle's position in the Plaza de Armas of Hondarribia's walled old town gives guests staying here a genuinely central base for exploring the town on foot.
History
Hondarribia Castle was built in the 10th century by King Sancho Abarca of Navarre, expanded under Sancho the Strong. After Gipuzkoa passed to Castile in 1200, it became a key Castilian royal fortress, favored by the Catholic Monarchs. Emperor Charles V later reformed it, giving it its current name, Castillo de Carlos V. It passed to the Spanish state in 1966, restored and converted into a Parador Nacional.
How to Stay
Getting there: In the Plaza de Armas of Hondarribia's walled old town, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country.
Rooms & rates: Rooms within the historic building; some with views over the Bay of Txingudi and France, including the "mirador room"; from about €103 per night.
On-site: Restaurant, breakfast highly rated by guests, location directly in the Plaza de Armas of the historic old town.
Good to know: Very central within the walled old town — ideal for exploring Hondarribia on foot without a car.
Combine with: San Sebastián, a short drive along the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Emperor Charles V reformed the building after it became a Castilian royal fortress, giving it the name by which it is still known today.
Location
Plaza de Armas, 14, 20280 Hondarribia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Nearby Castles
Rooms from
€103/ night