Climbing the Ratón de Getaria

Monte San Antón used to be an island and is now joined to Getaria by the harbour. Its profile, seen from Zarautz, looks like a mouse, and that is what everyone calls it. From the harbour a path climbs among trees to the lighthouse at the top: allow an hour there and back, with a few slopes. At the top you see the coast towards Zarautz and, on the other side, towards Zumaia.

What is at the top

The Ratón is not just a viewpoint. It is the natural shelter of Getaria's harbour: the old quay, begun in the 15th century, was built resting on the former island, and the harbour has grown in its shade ever since. Getaria Turismo explains that at the top there was a hermitage dedicated to San Antón, from which the hill takes its name; the 2008 archaeological excavations brought its remains to light, next to the lighthouse. There are also remains of a watchtower, part of the hill's old lookout system, from which warning was given of what came in by sea.

The present lighthouse was built in 1862. The tower is 21 metres tall and its light is 93 metres above the sea. Attached is a pavilion that was the lighthouse keeper's home. Today the hill is a recreation area for the people of Getaria, and you cannot drive up: vehicles are forbidden.

The climb

Leave the harbour, pass the fishing boats and follow the path that climbs the hillside. It is short, but has slopes: with comfortable shoes anyone can do it, including children who already walk well. With a pushchair it is hard going. At the top there is somewhere to sit and look at the sea. On the way back you go down the same path to the harbour. If the day is clear, the best light is first thing in the morning or at sunset; in fog, the climb is still worthwhile, but the views are lost.

As there are no hours or entry fee, you can go up whenever you like. Bear in mind that at the top the wind blows more than in the harbour and that, in the rain, the path becomes slippery. In summer, bring water.

How to combine it

The most famous photo of the Ratón is taken from a distance, not from the top. To see it in its mouse shape, look from the Zarautz promenade or from the coast path: it is a good reason to do the walk from Zarautz to Getaria and climb up on arrival. Then go down to the old town and harbour of Getaria and have grilled fish at Kaia Kaipe, which opens on Sundays at midday. If you have time left in the afternoon, the Balenciaga museum is close, in the same village.