Albaola Faktoria: the cradle of Basque sailing

The city of San Sebastián and its surroundings hide great landscapes and secrets that you must discover to fall in love with this incredible area of ​​the peninsula. One of these mandatory visit points is the Albaola Faktoria. Don’t you know what it is? Continue reading to learn all about her.

What is the Albaola Faktoria

The Albaola Faktoria is the Basque Maritime Factory, located in the municipality of Pasaia. In this place the construction and reconstruction of different maritime pieces take place that, although they seem impossible, they are achieved thanks to their commitment to innovation within artisan construction.

Why is the Albaola Faktoria so important?

Albaola Faktoria is a place full of history and it is from this place that the largest cargo ship whaler sailed during the 16th century to Newfoundland. Therefore, in this place, the reconstruction project of this milestone in maritime navigation continues with the scientific support of Canada.

In addition, it is located in Pasaje de San Pedro, is classified as a protected bay within the European Natura 2000 Network.

Visits to the Albaola Faktoria

The Albaola Faktoria is an incredible place to visit, either independently or, much better, if it is a guided tour where you can tell us all the secrets. However, around it there are multiple plans that are suitable for the whole family, also for those who do not admire navigation so much.

Visit the Albaola Faktoria by bike

To access the Albaola Faktoria you must previously buy an access ticket that can vary depending on whether it is a free or guided visit.

In the case of the free visit, the entrance price to the Albaola Faktoria:

• General admission: €10
• Reduced price ticket: €7
• Children under 6 years free

If, on the contrary, you want to enjoy the experience at the hands of a professional who will inform you about the history and secrets, the prices will be:

• Guided general admission: €14
• Guided reduced ticket: €11
• Children under 6 years free.

If what you want is to make a guided group visit, you must request a prior reservation to confirm that access and service is possible on the day and time requested.

Source: albaola.org

Discover our gastronomy there

The gastronomy of the Basque Country is known for its great wealth and quality products, so visiting some of the most outstanding restaurants in the area near the Albaola Faktoria should be on your list of plans. In addition, you can enjoy meals with the same foods as in the 16th century.

Boat trip to return to the origin

As we have mentioned, the Albaola Faktoria revolves around the maritime wealth of the area. For this reason, we recommend the use of the boats to continue discovering the area, using boats as iconic as the motorboat (check and reserve availability beforehand).

Tourist plans to increase culture

When you purchase Albaola Faktoria, you have the option to jointly purchase the ticket to another of the city’s key points, also in San Sebastián, so you can continue discovering more about the area and its culture.

Get to know the Albaola Faktoria and San Sebastián by bike

Start or continue your learning path

The Faktoria, in addition to being a research point, is also a learning point. The building has a carpentry school, navigation school, boat reconstruction and other educational offers that are being made known on its website.

Now that you know more about the Albaola Faktoria, we are sure that you will not want to miss it. In addition, you cannot visit the Basque Country without visiting the incredible city of San Sebastián, where we are sure you will want to return after doing our free tour. We will wait for you!