Spain's 56 Most Breathtaking Beachside Towns Worth A Visit

43. Pasaia, Basque Country: A Fjord-Like Fishing Village

Just east of San Sebastián, Pasaia unfolds along a dramatic fjord-like inlet that feels transported from Scandinavia. The old port, lined with colorful homes clinging to the cliffs, is split into two sides—San Pedro and San Juan—connected by boat. It’s a town that whispers history: of shipbuilders, seafarers, and pirates. Walk the waterfront path to the Albaola maritime museum, or enjoy grilled hake fresh from the boats. Unlike tourist-heavy neighbors, Pasaia retains its salty edge. It’s a living port, a hidden inlet, and a place where time ebbs and flows with the tide.