The village

Located on the Basque coast, on the outskirts of San Sebastián, Orio is a small fishing village with a privileged natural environment. On one side, the Oria estuary meets the sea right next to the beach. Behind the village are green coastal mountains, which is why Orio is said to be blue and green. Originally a portside hamlet under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián, the village was founded in the year 1379 under the name Villarreal de San Nicolás de Orio. Now known simply as Orio, it preserves its character as a small fishing village, and still engages in coastal fishing activities. The boats still tie up in the village square, filling the harbour with colour.

Orio has also provided big names on the cultural scene. The writers Jorge Oteiza and Anjel Lertxundi and the singer-songwriter Benito Lertxundi are excellent examples.