Old Port of Algorta

The Old Port of Algorta (Portu Zaharra), in Getxo, is a historic seaside spot that stands firm against the Cantabrian Sea, with its terraced layout and narrow streets. Whitewashed houses, painted balconies, and charming little squares are scattered across a series of terraces connected by stairways.

A historic must-see spot where, moreover, the famous Kalimotxo was born in 1972.

The Old Port of Algorta (Portu Zaharra), in Getxo, is a historic seaside spot that stands firm against the Cantabrian Sea, with its terraced layout and narrow streets. Whitewashed houses, painted balconies and charming little squares are spread across a series of terraces connected by stairways.

Half a century ago, Kalimotxo was invented here

During the San Nicolás festivities in 1972, the Antzarrak group discovered that 2,000 litres of wine intended for their stall had gone sour. To avoid wasting their investment, they mixed the wine with cola to neutralise the acidity.

The beverage was named ‘Kalimotxo’, a combination of a friend’s nickname (‘Kalimero’) and ‘motxo’ (ugly in Basque). Anyone strolling through the Old Port or popping into one of its bars is very likely to find themselves rubbing shoulders with one of the inventors of the ‘people’s cocktail’. Yes, he will look every bit the venerable gentleman.