Astigarraga

Astigarraga lies just a few kilometres from San Sebastián (Donostia / San Sebastián), on the banks of the Urumea river in Gipuzkoa. The municipality is made up of two distinct areas: the main village in the lowlands by the river, and the Santiago neighbourhood, spread across the hillside of Santiagomendi, where a small hermitage dedicated to the apostle James — part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route — stands at the summit with broad views over the surroundings. On the Markesmendi hill, the parish church of Santa María de la Asunción, a modest ashlar-built church with a Latin cross plan, stands alongside the Murguía palace, a historic stone building whose gardens have recently been opened to visitors.

Above all else, Astigarraga is defined by its reputation as the cider capital of the Basque Country. The local climate and terrain have long favoured the cultivation of apple trees, and the municipality's cider houses remain its main draw. The Sagardoetxea — a museum dedicated to cider culture — offers an interpretation centre and a tasting area. The Santiagomendi Ethnographic Park adds a further dimension, with a collection of traditional farming and transport tools.