After coffee in bed and an early breakfast, we set the GPS for Zestoa which is located in the Urola river valley. Two stone porticoes at the town's entrance, which are still standing, reveal Zestoa's date of birth, around the 14th century. However, the municipality has some very interesting archaeological sites, specifically Ekain, which reveal a much earlier presence of humans in this area.
We walked around and explored the beautiful village and neighbouring area waiting for the Tourist Office to open so that we could purchase tickets to visit Ekain. Although the brochure said the office opened at 9:30 which was confirmed on the door, and the first tours began at 10:00, the Tourist Office opened at 9:45 (Spanish 9:30) and tours began at 11:00.
We used our spare time wisely walking out to the ancient stone porticoes (bridge) and hiking to the actual cave where the 14,000 year old paintings were discovered. The original cave is not open to the public and has been protected since its discovery. They have built a facsimile of the cave less than a kilometre from the real site and have taken great pains to replicate every detail of not only the paintings and their locations in the cave, but also the sounds, lightening and temperature at the time the Palaeolithic artists lived (14500-10000 years ago). This experience was well worth the 6 euro entrance fee!
A picnic lunch in the town square completed our time in Zestoa and got us home before 2:00 for siesta.
Our day ended with a short walking trip to the fish market (closed) so back to the green grocers for dinner fixings. We are just now back from a swim at Geraria’s second beach which is much larger with no rocks or seaweed but also no waves. This is by far the preferred swimming spot for locals and vacationers and the beach was crowded with happy sunbathers, swimmers, children running and digging and much squealing and laughter. It was a lovely way to cool off and although there were no bathing suit mishaps or skinned shins, I prefer the challenge of the waves.
As I wrap up today’s account I am looking forward to Jim and Laurel’s home cooked paella and another Netflix movie.
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