Hotel Nafarrola - Gastronomy & Wine

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• Oct

  25
  

  Hondartzape: the secret beach

  We are resuming our blog with a great recommendation: Hondartzape.

  Today we are going to tell you about Hondartzape, the secret beach between Bermeo and Mundaka that is always worth visiting.
  
  You don't get to Hondartzape by accident. It is impossible to get there by accident. Between Bermeo and Mundaka, between rocks, there is a stretch of sand reserved for the gods. Shade of a fig tree, views of Izaro and Ogoño. If paradise is anything like Hondartzape, it is Hondartzape. There is little more to ask for.
  
  You can get there from Santa Katalina de Mundaka or from the path near the Mundaka gas station. Slopes and paths between ancient walls that delimited the orchards. It is beautiful even to get there. It is authentic. A pleasure for locals.

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• Apr

  23
  

  The Nafarrola Hotel adopts its name from a place name that began to be mentioned in historical texts since 1285: NAFARROLA. Beyond assumptions, we tell you what we know and how we learned it.

  Thanks to the toponymy study carried out a few years ago by Irune Allika and Bittor Uriarte, both historians from Bermeo, we can know in depth where Nafarrola comes from and how it has been mentioned in history.
  
  Nafarrola is mentioned in the ratification of the Bermeo charter formulated in 1285 by López Díaz de Haro. In the text that we show below, we briefly describe where some of the boundaries of Bermeo run:
  
  «Por do taja la agua de  Lamiaran  adentro, é por el somo de la sierra que es sobre la caseria de los fijos de don Sancho de Galdacano, é por esa senda que recuda por sobre Achonaraen al rio que ba por entre Nafarrola, é Zuloeta, é por ese rio arriba que recuda en destajo al somo de la tierra, é por el cuesto de esa sierra por sobre Morteruza, é por Ordoña que recuda a Burgos [sic], é de Burgoa fasta Bermejo, con montes, é fontes, é con entradas, é exidas (...) «
  
  «By where the water of Lamiaran flows in, and by the top of the mountain range that is above the hamlet of Don Sancho de Galdacano, and by that path that leads over Achonaraen to the river that flows between Nafarrola, and Zuloeta. , and by that river up that collects the somo of the land, and by the cost of that mountain range above Morteruza, and by Ordoña that brings Burgos [sic], and from Burgoa to Bermejo, with mountains, and fountains, It is with inputs, it is outputs (...) «
  
  Nafarrola is the area, belonging to the Artike neighborhood, which is located between the valley where multiple farmhouses and old txakolis are currently located and the upper area of the same neighborhood called Tribiz. Nafarrola is the intermediate place between these two areas, and is made up of certain areas of lower slope that probably allowed better conditions for agriculture.
  
  Three historic hamlets are known in the area: Nafarrola Bekoa (bottom), Nafarrola Erdikoa (middle) and Nafarrola Goikoa (top). Hotel Nafarrola is located in Nafarrola Erdikoa, which is proposed as a monument.
  
  The current location of the Nafarrola Erdikoa hamlet dates back to 1842. Previously it was located 200 meters from its current location, until in 1836, as a result of the Carlist wars, it suffered a fire. In fact, the plot on which said previous construction was located was called "Etxerreko soloa", something like the plot of the burned house.
  
  Hotel Nafarrola is located in Nafarrola Erdikoa farmhouse. The inhabitants from 1842 until our arrival to build the Nafarrola Hotel belonged to the same family. José Antonio and Rosi were the owners of the farm until our arrival. José Antonio was born in the Nafarrola Erdikoa hamlet, like his mother, his grandmother and his ancestors. We had the opportunity to talk a lot with José Antonio to get to know the farm and its history, its traditions, habits,... it was very enriching.
  
  The day José Antonio gave us the keys, the man was crying to leave the place where he was born. He cried like one who leaves the best memories of him behind forever. Like someone who knows that he will never enjoy something again. It was his place. And it will always be his place, and we convey it to him that way. We told him to come whenever he wanted, that our doors would always be open and that Nafarrola would always be HIS place forever.
  
  Before opening the Nafarrola Hotel, when the renovation was finished, we invited José Antonio and Rosi to see the result. After the obligatory visit, while we were having a snack, José Antonio told us: "I am very proud to see my family home converted into a space as special as this one." And those words filled us inside like a true hug. José Antonio smiled that day, he was happy. And that smile made us happy.
  
  Our duty as new residents of this magical place is to preserve and transmit this history, bringing out the true historical value of the location of the Nafarrola Hotel. A magical natural setting: forests, river, orchards and very soon vineyards, in a place like the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, very close to Gaztelugatxe, Bilbao, the Oma Forest, and towns like Gernika, Mundaka, Bermeo, Elantxobe, Bakio or Ea. A unique space in which history emerges full of wild beauty from every corner, just as this place deserves.
  
  We are waiting for you and we want to continue telling stories like this while you enjoy #livingnafarrola in first person. See you soon.

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• Apr

  16
  

  Curiosity

  Today we write about curiosity, that magnificent attribute that we identify in many of our guests and that we love so much.

  If we look at a dictionary, curiosity means: "Desire to see, find out or know something." We can interpret this in a benign way, and also in a gossipy way. If we talk about curiosity, of course we are referring to its most benign meaning, because it is an attribute that we identify in the guests of the Nafarrola Hotel.
  
  Our guests curiosity manifests itself in different ways. They like to know the history of Nafarrola, how this project came about, what Nafarrola was previously, and who inhabited this magnificent environment.
  
  They are also curious about gastronomy: they visit our suppliers, buy tomatoes in the Izaskun and Joseba greenhouses, or ask us for lemons from Lourdes, or want to know where to buy anchovies and other typical preserves from Bermeo. 
  
  They want to know about the history of La Gaviota, Gaztelugatxe, Gernika and its bombing, the Oma Forest or the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
  
  They are curious about Basque language, which defines us so much. Our culture. They ask about its origin, about the differences with their reference languages, and their faces reflect the mysticism of someone who has found answers to a new and unknown field.
  
  And they also allow themselves to be surprised... we love that they want us to offer them magical experiences. Unexpected and unique spaces. A sunset in a special place. Or simply a walk through a centuries-old forest.
  
  In short, curious. Curious and friendly. This is what the guests of the Nafarrola Hotel are like. And we love that they are like this, because it gives us pleasure to give the best of ourselves and enhance our self-proclaimed work as ambassadors of our land. Curious people of the world, welcome to Nafarrola!

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• Apr

  9
  

  We take you to the orchard

  This year we have already inaugurated the period of work in our garden. We hope that time and nature will be with us. We tell you a little about how we do it.

  Our orchard is always bigger than we initially thought. Whenever we start working on it, we think... why not a little more? And since work is never lacking, so we have more. This is how we force ourselves to produce well and good. Because, who doesn't like to eat good food? 
  
  We do not have any ecological certificate, nor do we carry out biodynamic agriculture practices. We simply try to be and do what a sustainable boutique hotel does. Try to do it well, nice and good. Dedicating all our love to it. In addition, having a garden or an orchard with content allows us to give extra options to vegetarian and vegan guests.
  
  The years in which wildlife takes advantage of our efforts are unforgettable. You don't know how much they enjoy eating tomato flowers, pepper sprouts and even gobbling up pea seeds before they even germinate underground. Really: when someone considers that the price of quality vegetables is expensive, they don't know what it costs to get them. And any small oversight can ruin months of work.
  
  At the Hotel Nafarrola we usually plant a little bit of everything: onions, lettuce, peppers and tomatoes, beets, zucchini and pumpkins, green beans, and some years we have also tried beans. In autumn and winter, cabbages and leeks predominate along with garlic and broad beans. Depending on the season and the availability of time to work with quality.
  
  This year at the Nafarrola Hotel we hope to be able to harvest the best and healthiest to convey the terroir of our essence in our ROLA restaurant in this way as well.
  
  And if nature and destiny conspire so that our production is negligible or non-existent... we always have good neighbors from whom we can source. We are waiting for you with lots of good #livingnafarrola

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• Apr

  2
  

  Nafarrola in another way: full rental

  Although Nafarrola can be lived privately, as a couple, there are already many families and groups requesting full rental reservations for the hotel.

  So that? To enjoy it even more. Our guests always enjoy themselves, and in groups they smile more.
  
  A full hotel rental is a good investment to meet friends and colleagues. Bicycle enthusiasts, golf fans, surfers, or even gastronomy and wine fans are our biggest applicants for this service.
  
  Companies are also another of our typical clients for this service. Having all the available space both indoors and outdoors, in its entirety, whether for meetings, product presentations, training and management councils is what they usually request.
  
  The services of the Nafarrola Hotel for a full rental are multiple: of course breakfast, lunch and dinner; catering, meeting equipment (projectors, whiteboards,...); tents and extra outdoor equipment; musical services... and whatever is necessary. Because each guest has their needs.
  
  In addition, our location in Bermeo, Gaztelugatxe, Urdaibai, Bosque de Oma, Bakio, Mundaka, Gernika, Mungia and the Bilbao airport, means that the tourist resources, external activities, means of transport and communications necessary to host a full rental in the hotel are satisfied. We are in the "garden of Bilbao".
  
  In short, and the most important thing to convey to you is that #livingnafarrola is also experienced in a group.

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• Mar

  19
  

  The plan: walk to Gaztelugatxe

  A half day plan. Or even a full day. In any case, a good plan. Our proposal is to walk from the Nafarrola Hotel to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

  The plan starts early, as early as everyone likes. From Nafarrola we have just 3 kilometers that allow us to reach intermediate peaks at 400 meters high. In that climb there are sections that wind through forests, there are sections in which rushing streams can be seen at this time, and of course there are farms and country houses with livestock and agricultural activities.
  
  Crossing paths with some wild animal will not be strange, Nafarrola and its surroundings are very quiet spaces for them as well. It is in these moments when we realize the value of nature, when we put ourselves at its level.
  
  Since we reached the height of 400 meters we have the pleasure of flattening, the most pleasant effort observing nature has passed. From now on, the plain will take us 1 km to the Cannon restaurant, and after crossing the national highway we will enter through pine forests in the direction of Mount Burgoa.
  
  Behind the pine forests the grijo tracks make their way to take us between eucalyptus and tree clearings to the foot of Burgoa. From that point you can make your way to Matxitxako or San Pelayo. This time we tell you the San Pelayo route. The descent from there lasts approximately half an hour and its south orientation makes it ideal for receiving the afternoon sun.
  
  We arrive at the Romanesque hermitage of San Pelayo that dates back to the 12th century. A magical place. Especially inside. Outside, the arcades of the hermitage shelter the tired and provide shade for the overheated. The fountain next to it moistens the heads and throats of those in need of water. Inside, if it is open and you have the opportunity to visit it, there is a unique temple. There is no altarpiece, but there is a beautiful Romanesque arch, which together with the lack of space makes this place magical. Special. Only.
  
  From here to Gaztelugatxe passing through Eneperi, today a very well-known restaurant. From Eneperi there is an enabled trail. 1 hour separates you from Gaztelugatxe. Arriving at its feet makes us see the 241 steps of its staircase, its bends, its thirteen metal crosses.
  
  And above is the hermitage of San Juan Gaztelugatxe, a place of pilgrimage and pride for the Bermeans, very close to this emblematic place. Feeling privileged to see it, feel it, ring its bell three times as tradition dictates. Ultimately, enjoy it, that is our invitation.
  
  We wish you a good route.
  
  In future posts we will tell you more about Gaztelugatxe, its history and details.

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• Mar

  8
  

  The Txakoli festival

  Next March 19, San José is celebrated. In Bakio, a few kilometers from Bermeo, the most important Txakoli fair in Bizkaia takes place on March 17. We tell you a little history and learn about the origin of Txakoli and we invite you to visit us on these designated dates. We will be there.

  The first references found date back to the 9th century, where there was already talk of viticultural practice in Basque lands. Already in the 12th and 13th centuries the production of txakolí was common in many parts of the territory.
  
  No matter how widespread it was, the production of txakolí focused on self-sufficiency in baserris or farmhouses, where it was made by hand. Hence its etymological origin: it is believed that txakoli comes from the Basque words "etxeako hain" (enough or just enough for home).
  
  At times it was even bartered between neighborhoods or drunk by sailors and sailors. Even the vines were supported with pergolas made of whale bones captured by Basque whalers.
  
  At the end of the 19th century, the 'chacolines' emerged, taverns with a popular atmosphere that exclusively served local txakolí, accompanied by dishes of cod, squid or elvers.
  
  After this brief heyday, at the beginning of the 20th century practically all the vineyards disappeared, due to competition from foreign wines, the rural exodus caused by industrialization and various pests such as phylloxera, mildew or powdery mildew.
  
  It was at the end of the 80s, when small winegrowers began to join forces to recover the cultivation of the local grape variety Hondarrabi Zubi and Hondarrabi Beltza, and revitalize the sector.
  
  As a result of the work that has been carried out over the last two decades under the protection of three Designations of Origin .–, and – txakolí has become very popular, even at an international level, where Basque txakolí is widely recognized for its particularity, typicity, character and freshness. And the basis of all this has been, and continues to be, the balance between tradition, research, qualification and innovation.
  
  After more than a year of work in collaboration with the Bakio and Urdaibai wineries, the Nafarrola Hotel inaugurates a menu of 25 Txakolis from Bizkaia in which you can identify very nuanced elaborations that reflect the richness of a type of lively, cheerful and in constant evolution.
  SOURCE: BasqueWines.

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• Feb

  26
  

  The tour: Katillotxu

  Today we present a plan that we love: Katillotxu, a beautiful peak.

  And Katillotxu is decked out in green to welcome its visitors. In the west you can see the slopes of pastures with cows that graze pleasantly and that allow us to avoid them without risks, making us feel a calm respect. Towards the east we find oak and pine forests that hide the beauty of the sea as if it were a lace veil.
  
  Katillotxu is a small summit of 336m. which has a magnificent dolmen complex. It is a strategic point to see the top of Sollube and the sea. A valuable intermediate point in ancient times and precious today. Lovers of mushrooms, mountains and bicycles succumb to its charms.
  
  Impossible to get lost to reach it. A must for nature lovers. From there it is possible to walk to Mundaka, Bermeo, Pedernales or Busturia. And the 360º views show that there is a lot to discover.
  
  Our guests often have picnics there. Special experiences. The shadows that rise around its perimeter house secret places. Private places. Unique places. Finding them and making them yours is our invitation.

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• Feb

  12
  

  Valentine's Day

  This is a true story. Incredible but real. They say that Valentine's Day is to celebrate, if you are lucky to be able to do so of course. Sometimes you can't do it with all the desire in the world.

  We know a person who every time Valentine's Day arrived he got into trouble. He didn't know what to give to his partner. It happens to many of us, yes. This is not strange, unfortunately. We tell you his story:
  
  There was a year when this person gave a manicure kit to his partner on Valentine's Day. It will be a better or worse gift. More or less romantic. More less than more. But it's a gift. And the day went well.
  
  The following year (the second), lacking ideas and memory, he again gave a manicure kit to his partner. Also on Valentine's Day. Yes. It could be the case that she needed the "manicure kit"... But that wasn't the case. So it was a MISTAKE. We don't know how it ended.
  
  The third year in a row, this person was wrong again. Once again the "manicure kit" was the object of a Valentine's Day gift. A complete FAIL. If we made a short film we would call it Courage on Valentine's Day. We can say that Cupid's arrows pierced bone.
  
  Today this person is still married. It's not that details are his strong suit. They are still happy.
  
  And we congratulate ourselves because love is stronger than all mistakes.
  
  At Nafarrola we try to do everything with love. We love seeing happiness among our guests. Happy to come, happy to leave, happy to return.
  
  On these Valentine's Day dates we try not to make mistakes with the gift. Because happiness is worth it.
  
  Have a happy Valentine's Day.

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• Feb

  6
  

  A different point of view

  Get surprised is the goal. We think of exotic places and experiences. Always searching... and sometimes what we know offers us the magic of the unknown.

  There are many of us who want to discover a different plan. Is what we have close to us or what we experience on a daily basis valued? We think so, but maybe less and less? It's not easy to always get it right.
  
  It is true that when we think we know something in depth, changing points of view or nuances, it can surprise us.
  
  We discovered Nafarrola after having passed by this place for years. We did not pay attention to knowing its previous inhabitants, to walking through this mountain. And we know practically every corner of our town.
  
  We knew that the original farmhouse was for sale. But we never saw it as an option. Gaizka saw it with different eyes and we decided to come see it.
  
  When we first arrived, we were surprised by the views. We saw that the view can be lost in the sea. And after sitting on the terrace that was then under the cherry tree and next to the grill, we felt a calm that fooled us. We saw an immense farmhouse with its wooden framework that went up from the stable to the roof. We walked through the adjacent woods. We discovered the river, its paths, the garden and the fruit trees. We walked for an hour in which we wanted to get lost and we ended up finding a hidden, wild beauty that took us to another planet. We didn't believe we were in our town.
  
  And so, discovering these details and seeing the sensations it provoked in us, we decided to enter Nafarrola. Having dedicated time to knowing the details and nuances of this magical place was key. We could never have decided to embark on this adventure without this fact that made the difference.
  
  Today is the day we invite our guests to discover Nafarrola. The ancient oaks, the forest and the river. And may they walk up the mountain to find a beauty that is not available elsewhere.

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• Jan

  6
  

  New year, new life?

  We do not sell gyms. Nor miracle diets to remove the kilos that Christmas has brought us. Not even anti-smoking remedies or all the media shrapnel that we can see on TV these days.

  We sell happiness. Yes, happiness. And we don't want it to change. We want to continue seeing the happy faces of our guests. If anything, we may want to make them happier if possible, but we don't want to change.
  
  Last year we opened ROLA, our private restaurant. Those of you who have tried it know what I'm talking about. We installed a Bikestation with all the necessary equipment for bicycle lovers, we even have two electric bikes to enjoy. We built our beautiful winery, and filled it with more than 150 wine references and more than 25 Txakoli references from Bizkaia. And we also prepared an event area in which we held weddings that have made history.
  
  And winter has arrived and we have to continue laying the new foundations of that happiness that we sell. Because at Nafarrola we build happiness. And now it's time to materialize the ideas accumulated during the year. We have to improve and we have to innovate
  
  Trees, animals, everything in nature tends to its lowest energy state in the winter. It reserves. It recovers. We also. We prepare for the year at hand. And it's exciting. We love.
  
  This new year we are going to implement some changes that we will tell you about little by little. Better experiences, new collaborators and surprises. And we will make the pleasure of relaxation, of doing what you want, continue to be the basis of our guests' happiness.
  
  We want to continue seeing you. Happy, as always.
  
  Welcome to 2024.

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• Dec

  28
  

  Merry Christmas

  We wish you the best 2024.

  One more year.
  
  This has been a year with love, health and work.
  And although there are difficult days, it has been a good year.
  We are lucky.
  We're happy.
  
  Enjoy the family. Enjoy your friends. Enjoy the couple. Enjoy yourself.
  And do it consciously. Delight yourselves.
  Eat and drink what you like.
  But above all, enjoy.
  
  We wish you well.
  We wish you well.
  We wish you #livingnafarrola.
  
  Happy holidays, and happy 2024.

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• Dec

  11
  

  Create. Beauty.

  When we began to design the idea of working and enjoying our life in a hotel, we never thought about many of the things that have happened to us in these years of preparations. One of the most special has been meeting Vicente, our fellow potter and ceramic designer. Vicente is now from Bermeo, although he was born in Ciudad Real. Fate made Bermeo attract him.

  When we began to design the idea of working and enjoying our life in a hotel, we never thought about many of the things that have happened to us in these years of preparations and journeys. One of the most special has been meeting Vicente, our fellow potter and ceramic designer. Vicente is now from Bermeo, although he was born in Ciudad Real. Fate made Bermeo attract him.
  
  Vicente makes his creations very close to the Nafarrola Hotel, just a kilometer away, in a place with character, tranquility that is truely real. We love visiting you. The magic of his habitat seduces us. Creativity and methodology. Craft is the word, purity the result.
  
  If you are lucky enough to know him, you will perceive from his words the tranquility and wisdom that underpin his creations. Pause molded with touch and touch molded with pause. A symbiosis that bears fruit in beauty.
  
  You can find it whenever you visit us, whether in his creation space or here at the Nafarrola Hotel through his creations. Every Christmas period he usually establishes a point of sale in the market of artisan creators in Bilbao's "Arenal" area. We were very lucky to cross his path, we hope you can find him too.
  
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicente__al

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• Nov

  30
  

  The Place: Matxitxako

  Matxitxako is a synonym for strength. A resounding and wild place that reveals stories of Land and Sea, of lights and shadows and a place where one feels so small as to be able to get lost and find oneself.

  When people who visit us begin to plan their trip and the activities they want to do to get to know our region, many make San Juan de Gaztelugatxe an obligatory stop. And Matxitxako, which combs the wildest winds of the Basque coast just a few kilometers away, is usually relegated to the chance of finding it.
  
  Matxitxako is the northernmost point of the Basque coast. A magical place, with tragic stories such as the civil war battle that bears its name and a place with wonderful views that can be enjoyed when the weather is good, being able to see Iparralde or the island of Santa Clara de San Sebastián itself.
  
  A place subjected to the scourge of storms and where the force of nature makes you feel small observing the immensity of the sea.
  This is a place where from spring to autumn many people gather every afternoon to observe one of the most magical sunsets in the area next to the Akatz Rock and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
  
  It is a cape with two lighthouses, the old one converted into a cetacean observatory, and the one that currently functions as such, maintaining the safety of ships that cross the Bay of Biscay. Whoever doesn't move and seems to be playing mus with Matxitxako as if it were a game between old sea dogs, is the La Gaviota platform, which you will remember from your time at the hotel. Matxitxako is the closest point with solid ground from which you can observe the size of La Gaviota.
  
  Matxitxako, like Bermeo, is a point on the map where it seems that the paths that lead us to it end there. But no... they are just the beginning of a great plan.

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• Nov

  20
  

  Welcome to our blog

  Finally, we are ready to share with you our secret: the #livingnafarrola lifestyle. We will show you the plans, the places, the people and the ideas and projects we work on and collaborate with... It will be a pleasure for us to share them with you.