Several beautiful beaches along the 176 kilometers of coastline make up the Basque Country, which spans from the French border to Cantabria. The Basque Country is home to a wide variety of stunning beaches, from rocky, windswept coasts to golden crescents and great urban sand playgrounds.
The Bay of Biscay is home to pulsating waves, while the Pyrenees are home to rugged mountains just waiting to be conquered by the adventuresome. There’s a good blend of old-world charm and modern excitement in the form of chic beach resorts and picturesque small communities.
Top 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in the Basque Country
- La Barre
- Ilbarritz
- Hendaye
- Socoa Beach
- Cénitz beach
- Lafitenia Beach
- VVF Beach
- The big beach of Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Zarautz Beach
- Erretegia Beach
1. La Barre
One of the coast’s most tranquil spots, visitors flock here to unwind and take in the scenery. At the beach’s rear, you’ll find a broad promenade perfect for a leisurely stroll while taking in the scenery. You can watch ships dock just at the entrance of the Adour River. A big skate park, an ice rink, the Izadia ecological park, and a wide variety of dining options can all be found in the vicinity.
2. Ilbarritz
Located immediately south of Biarritz, on the peninsula of Bidart, is the 300-meter-long Ilbaritz beach, which is bordered on one side by broad greenland and on the other by steep cliffs. There are a few places to eat, and for those who enjoy golf, there is a good course nearby. There is a surf shop and water sports center close by if you want to practice on smaller waves before taking on the Atlantic’s larger waves. Ilbarritz Camping Village has beautiful grounds perfect for campers who want to be surrounded by nature.
Ilbarritz is one of the most stunning beaches in the French Basque Country, with its pure white sand and reputation for a touch of wildness. The groomed promenade provides the finishing touch on this beautiful beach, which is surrounded by trees and sits at the base of the stately Ilbarritz manor house.
3. The Bif beach of Hendaye
Hendaye is a beach in the Basque Country that goes all the way to the border with Spain and is widely regarded as one of the best in the region. Along the coast, between the rocks and the sandy stretches, are white timber homes. This beach is quite popular with both residents and tourists.
As the greatest spot in the Basque Country to learn to surf, it’s no surprise that sailing is a popular pastime here. Hiking trips to the adjacent Rhune mountain or the Pyrenees National Park may be planned from this convenient location. You’re going to want a hearty snack after breathing in all that ocean air. If you’re looking for freshly created sweet or savory delights in a cozy setting, stop by Creperie Iguzkian.
Hendaye’s massive shingle beach is bookended by the Spanish territory of Cap du Figuier to the north and the French territory of Les Deux-Jumeaux to the south. It’s great for families because of the safe harbor provided by the bay and the abundance of seasonal activities available.
4. Socoa Beach
Socoa Beach, near Saint-Jean-de-Luz Bay, is a great place to cool down in the water. This beach, which is protected from the waves by the dikes, is perfect for swimming and features a breathtaking panorama of the fort of Socoa and the port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Visit the Basque Country on your next vacation to take advantage of the region’s beautiful natural scenery and relaxing beaches, perfect for swimming and surfing. Basque area has some of the greatest surfing in the country, and the surveillance stations make it safe for families to visit the beaches.
Socoa Beach in Ciboure is a family favorite due to its peaceful atmosphere and closeness to the fort. Stand-up paddleboarding, Hawaiian canoeing, wave skiing, jet skiing, sailing lessons, and fishing are all available on the premises.
5. Cénitz beach
Cénitz Beach, which features both sand and pebbles, caters to everyone. Wilderness enthusiasts will enjoy it, but families should look elsewhere. The rocks make swimming hazardous even with supervision. If you value solitude, you’ll appreciate that it requires a little effort to reach.
This stunning stretch of coarse sand and boulders is often regarded as Guéthary’s premier surfing destination. Natural swimming ponds abound when the Atlantic swells break just off the shore. Enjoy breathtaking views of the beautifulocean and the foothills of the Pyrenees as you go along the rugged coastal trail. Guéthary’s downtown is full of fun surf bars and maybe even a game or two of Basque pelota.
This beach is perfect for getting in touch with nature since it is frequented not only by surfers and swimmers but also by hikers. Cénitz beach in Guéthary has sand and stones, and it is located in the middle of a wild corner. The unusual beach in Cénitz is perfect if you’re in search of peace and quiet.
6. Lafitenia Beach
Lafitenia Beach is the ideal site to see professional surfers and is popular with campers because of this. When you’re done taking in the sights along the shore, stroll across to Saint-Jean-De-Luz’s main pedestrian strip.
Lafitenia Beach in Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a hidden gem amid one of the coast’s loveliest settlements. The scenery is stunning, and it’s ideal for both surfing and relaxing in the water. Walking along the cliffs above the beach is a great way to take in the scenery.
7. VVF Beach
Located between the cliffs of Cap Saint Martin and Biarritz, VVF Beach is Anglet’s southernmost sandy beach. Enjoy breathtakingy beautiful views of the ocean from the top of a cliff crowned by a lighthouse.
Surfers, bodyboarders, and sunbathers all congregate here for the perfect waves and expansive beach. Take a stroll down the promenade, have some snacks, and admire the scenery at the beach. L’Escale is a must-stop for surfers and beachgoers in need of a bite to eat.
8. The big beach of Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, just across the French border and about 35 kilometers from San Sebastian, boasts a beautiful stretch of sandy beach in the town’s very center called Le Grand Plage. High sea barriers make it safe for families to enjoy the summer weather without having to worry about any waves. The surrounding natural beaches of Lafiténia and Cénitz are ideal for surfers since they are less crowded and provide a wider variety of activities.
Located in the middle of San-Juan-De-Luz, the big beach of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is guarded by three massive seawalls. The town square is conveniently located near the beach and several pubs and restaurants.
Numerous beach clubs provide day passes that include the use of beach facilities and the rental of water sports equipment like kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. It’s also a very popular destination for scuba diving and fishing trips.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz has many opportunities for physical activity, and its long, sandy beach is just as inviting for a lazy day in the sun. Look for the Glaces Lopez ice cream truck, which offers wonderful, handcrafted ice cream as a sweet treat.
The Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, in the center of the town where Louis XIV was married, is the most Instagrammable on the coast, with its red and white Basque cottages.
9. Zarautz Beach
Zarautz, at 2,500 meters long, is the longest beach in the province of Gipúzkoa and has enough room for everyone. At the western end, sunbathers and families enjoy the shallows, while in the middle, surfers ride the waves, and at the eastern end, broad dunes provide a haven for a diverse variety of animals.
The wide beach at this trendy coastal town is often regarded as one of Europe’s finest surfing locations. There seem to be a lot of surfers in a little area.
10. Erretegia Beach
Bidart is home to the stunning Erretegia beach. This beach, which is guarded by a cast-iron cross visible from the road, is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. The walk from the road down to the beach is winding and scenic the whole way.
Those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Basque Coast should head to Erretegia. There are very few structures along the cliffs that overlook the beach. This area is ideal for surfing beginners but beware of rocks. If you’re looking for a way to get some exercise, you may take a 25-kilometer hike along the coast to Hendaye.
Erretegia in Bidart is among the most magnificent beaches along the whole Basque coast. This beach, which is nestled between two cliffs, features breathtaking natural scenery with water that borders on turquoise and blue. This beach in Bidart is perfect for families and offers peace and quiet, as well as great photo ops.
Conclusion
Gorgeous surf, beckoning me to the sea. Take a stroll along the coast and see the sights: surf locations from Zarautz to Hendaye, passing through Biarritz, and some peaceful coves in between. Basque Country is home to several beaches perfect for lounging, swimming, trying out a paddleboard, and, of course, surfing.
In a nutshell, the Basque Country is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and beach bums alike. It’s up to you if you want to cruise the entire coast or just choose your favorite location to chill out. Put down your surfboard or sun towel wherever in this beautiful region, and you’re guaranteed to be greeted by friendly locals, delicious food, chill hangouts, an untamed coastline, and interesting people eager to hear about your travels.
