Visit to an anchovy factory

Tuesday 24 Nov 09

Went to visit Yurrita E Hijos, an anchovy factory in Mutriku, 45 mins west of San Sebastian. The owner, Juan J Yurrita was there to show us around. Lovely guy. 5th generation of family who has been in the fishing industry since 1867.

Was a damn interesting visit. They cure the anchovies in salt for more than a year before they pack it! And it's all sorted and packed by hand to ensure the best quality. All female workers as it's a tradition. Men go out to fish, women work in the factory.

Yurrita (bottom right) at his anchovy factory

Went another half hour to the harbour town of Guetaria. Nice fishing town where seafood is the game of the day. Took pics with Xabier of ICEX San Sebastian and Loli Moreno of ICEX Madrid as Xabier will be leaving us after stuffing us at Kaia Restaurante, a seafood restaurant overlooking the harbour. Good food but it was just too much! Insisted on walking around the city to walk off the food before we headed to Pamplona.

Guetaria, a nice harbour town

Ate too much at Kaia Restaurante