TXOTX! CIDER HOUSE SEASON IS HERE

Attention! Txotx season has officially begun!

On January 14th, the first opening ceremony of the 2026 cider house season took place at Petritegi (Astigarraga). Zelaia (Hernani), Urdaira (Usurbil) and Lizeaga (San Sebastián) are other well-known cider houses that have already started celebrating this delicious drink from mid-January through April.

If you are lucky enough to stay at Hotel Parma during this golden season in Gipuzkoa, you simply can’t miss it… Take the opportunity to gather with your loved ones and visit one of these traditional cider houses to enjoy the classic cider house menu: cod omelette, cod with peppers, grilled steak, Idiazabal cheese with quince and walnuts — all surrounded by kupelas (cider barrels).

As you may guess, in Gipuzkoa cider season is the perfect time to pay tribute to local produce, but the Basques’ love for cider goes much further back in history. Much further.

Back in the 15th and 16th centuries, whaling ships set sail from Gipuzkoan ports with their holds filled with cider as a source of hydration for long journeys, avoiding contaminated water. For years — especially during the scurvy epidemics — Basque sailors were healthier and stronger than other seamen, as they were less likely to catch the disease. It was later proven that the vitamin C content in cider provided this natural protection.

It fills us with pride that what once was a health blessing became the center of a tasting ritual before bottling, and later evolved into a true celebration.

Hotel Parma is located very close to the main cider house villages of Gipuzkoa: 14 minutes by car from Astigarraga, 15 minutes from Hernani, 17 minutes from Urnieta and 18 minutes from Usurbil. We are exactly where you need to be — and the first kupela has already been opened… Txotx! Come and enjoy.