PLACE: Armintza (Bizkaia)

Located between the Biscayan villages of Plentzia and Bakio, and protected by high cliffs and small rocky islets that stretch out towards the sea, Armintza is probably one of the most unknown fishing ports on the Basque coast.

This magnificent and beautiful natural port, which belongs to the municipality of Lemoniz , has been used by local fishermen since the Middle Ages, and was declared a port of refuge for the Lords of Vizcaya in 1883, given the absence of sandbanks and the ease with which boats could enter the port in stormy weather. Even since the 18 th century, both batteries of cannons, placed on the two nearby cliffs, defended the port from the attacks of the English pirates.

One of the most well-known activities of the population of Armintza was its lobster fishing, which are considered to be the best in the area. Years ago, dozens of boats used to leave this small cove in search of the prized seafood. Today, the shortage of lobsters has resulted in the fact that only one single fishing boat continues with this tradition.

Nowadays, the majority of the traditional fishing boats have been replaced by modern leisure boats, which seek shelter in this small harbour. Its rocky coast, which is both sheltered and full of life, is an excellent scenario for those keen on underwater diving and fishing, and many Biscayan divers have taken their first steps in this sport in its crystal-clear waters.