San Telmo Chapel
Iconic clifftop chapel offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay and dramatic Flysch formations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
San Telmo Chapel
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic clifftop chapel offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay and dramatic Flysch formations.
"The views are amazing! Very windy up there though."
👟 Wear comfy shoes
The walk up to the chapel is uphill. Good footwear is a must!
🌬️ Brace for wind
It can get very windy on the cliffs, so bring a jacket.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Clifftop Vistas
Chapel grounds
Panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay and Zumaia's dramatic coastline. Absolutely breathtaking!
Renaissance Architecture
Chapel exterior
Admire the historic clifftop chapel, a picturesque landmark with a rich past.
Flysch Geological Route
Near the chapel
Explore the unique geological formations of the Flysch, a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear comfy shoes
The walk up to the chapel is uphill. Good footwear is a must!
🌬️ Brace for wind
It can get very windy on the cliffs, so bring a jacket.
📸 Capture the views
The scenery is spectacular, especially at sunrise/sunset.
🚗 Parking advice
Park in town and walk up; some routes may be inaccessible by car.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear comfy shoes
The walk up to the chapel is uphill. Good footwear is a must!
🌬️ Brace for wind
It can get very windy on the cliffs, so bring a jacket.
📸 Capture the views
The scenery is spectacular, especially at sunrise/sunset.
🚗 Parking advice
Park in town and walk up; some routes may be inaccessible by car.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking clifftop views and the dramatic coastal scenery surrounding San Telmo Chapel. While the chapel itself may have limited interior access, the panoramic vistas and the unique Flysch geological formations make it a highly recommended stop for its natural beauty and photographic potential. Some note the uphill walk and potential for strong winds.
"It was impressive, weather was good in morning with low tide. The flysch of Zumaia is a famous geologic formation in the Basque Country, Spain,"
Sumi (Chiko)
"The church itself wasn’t open when we visited the views are amazing! Very windy up there though."
Penelope The Flyaway Girl
"Really worth to visit. But be careful it is not accessible by the car by any chance. It looks like that it is on the map. But in the real world it’s not."
Borut Vasle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the Euskotren train from Amara Donostia Station in San Sebastián to Zumaia. From Zumaia's town center, it's an uphill walk to the chapel.
While you can drive towards Zumaia, some routes leading directly to the chapel might be restricted or difficult to navigate. Parking in the town center and walking is often recommended.
The most common way is to walk uphill from the town center. It's a scenic but moderately challenging walk.
Absolutely! Zumaia and the San Telmo Chapel make for a fantastic day trip, easily combined with exploring the Basque coast.
Public transport typically gets you to Zumaia town. From there, it's a walk or a short taxi ride to the chapel area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the chapel grounds and the surrounding viewpoints is generally free.
The chapel's interior opening hours can vary and may not always be available. However, the exterior and surrounding viewpoints are accessible at all times.
The stunning views from the clifftop are free to enjoy.
While the chapel building might have specific hours, the surrounding area and its breathtaking views are accessible 24/7.
No booking is required for visiting the San Telmo Chapel and its scenic surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the chapel and its coastal views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details of the chapel or distant sea views.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and restrictions before flying a drone in the area.
The clifftop overlooking the sea, the path leading up to the chapel, and the dramatic Flysch formations are all highly photogenic.
Photography rules inside the chapel may vary. It's advisable to be respectful and check for any signage or ask if unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The Flysch formations offer unique textures and patterns, while the vast expanse of the Bay of Biscay provides a stunning backdrop. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Flysch
Exploring the Flysch area offers a glimpse into millions of years of Earth's history. Visitors can walk along the coast, marveling at the exposed strata and the powerful forces of nature that shaped this landscape. It's a fantastic opportunity for geology enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates dramatic natural beauty.
Remember that the Flysch area is also subject to tides. It's crucial to be aware of the tide times to safely explore the coastal paths and avoid getting caught by the rising sea.
Accessibility and Visitor Experience
Some visitors have noted that while the chapel itself might not be open for extensive interior visits, the real draw is the spectacular surrounding landscape. The viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramas of the coastline and the Bay of Biscay, making it a worthwhile destination even if the church doors are closed.
For those concerned about accessibility, it's worth noting that efforts are being made to improve access to such sites. However, planning ahead and being prepared for a walk are key to enjoying the experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit