The town near San Sebastián where Leire Martínez, former singer of La Oreja de Van Gogh and a judge on 'Operación Triunfo', grew up.

Leire Martínez has become one of the major stars of the Spanish music scene for some time now, especially after the announcement of her departure from La Oreja de Van Gogh after 17 years with the group, to which Amaia Montero has now returned (and who will tour throughout Spain in 2026). The singer of Mi nombre is also a judge on Operación Triunfo 2025, so she is present on the screens of Prime Video subscribers every Monday at each gala.

The artist can boast of having grown up in one of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country. Leire Martínez is originally from the stunning town of Errenteria (Rentería in Spanish), located in the province of Guipúzcoa. This impressive municipality is located just 20 minutes by road from San Sebastián, and many residents of "La Bella Easo" take advantage of a weekend trip or getaway to this extraordinary Basque village.

Errenteria, the beautiful town where Leire Martínez grew up

Errenteria's beautiful historic center stands on the banks of the Oyarzun River, and hides true medieval treasures that many wouldn't expect to find in the town, such as the Basilica of Santa María Magdalena and the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which combines diverse architectural styles such as Renaissance, Neoclassical, and Baroque. A visit to the 16th-century convent of the Augustinian nuns is also a must-see on any tour of the town's religious treasures.

Despite the wonders of the Middle Ages in the municipality, the character of the town where Leire Martínez grew up is eminently industrial due to the large number of factories that were built between the 19th and early 20th centuries, many of which have imposing chimneys that earned the town the nickname 'the Basque Manchester', and its resemblance in this sense to the English city is undeniable.

Of course, Leire Martínez was not only fortunate enough to walk the beautiful streets of Errenteria in her childhood and youth, but she was also able to enjoy the magnificent natural surroundings of the town. Just a short distance from the town center is the Peña de Aya Natural Park, a unique space full of forests, mountains, and streams where you can discover secrets such as the Arditurri mines or the stunning Añarbe forest reserve, which is ideal for an autumn excursion.

Furthermore, just a few kilometers from Errenteria stands one of the province's major attractions, Fort San Marcos. This magnificent military construction dates back to the 19th century and offers privileged views of the Gipuzkoa coast. A visit to this site is practically a must if you're visiting the town, which can be reached in less than 20 minutes from San Sebastián via the GI-20 and GI-636.