After the July 1936 uprising, Hondarribia remained in the zone loyal to the Republic. Facing the advance of Colonel Beorlegui’s columns on Irún, many people embarked from its port to nearby Hendaye, including right-wing sympathizers fleeing possible reprisals from extremist groups, as well as fighters and civilians of all kinds going into exile in anticipation of the attacking troops.
The town was occupied by Beorlegui’s forces on September 6, 1936, one day after the fall of Irún. See GUADALUPE.