Zumaia

Zumaia is a coastal town and municipality located in the province of Gipuzkoa, in the Basque Country of northern Spain. It is situated at the point where the Urola and Narrondo rivers meet the sea, forming a distinctive estuary.

Zumaia is renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery, particularly the Flysch, a series of layered rock formations visible along the cliffs. This Flysch is of significant geological importance, providing a continuous record of approximately 60 million years of Earth's history. Scientists from around the world visit Zumaia to study these formations, which include the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, marking the extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs.

The town has a rich maritime history, with fishing and shipbuilding traditionally playing a significant role in the local economy. Tourism has become increasingly important in recent years, drawn by the natural beauty of the area, the Flysch Geopark, and the proximity to other Basque cultural centers like San Sebastián.

Culturally, Zumaia maintains strong Basque traditions, and Basque (Euskara) is widely spoken. The town celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including the San Telmo festival, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors.