Créé par Romane, le 20 juin 2026
Votre guide Ryo
The 7 Most Beautiful Beaches of the Basque Country
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If you're looking for a destination offering sublime landscapes and dream beaches, opt for the Basque Country. Although its maritime surface is particularly limited compared to the French average with only 35 km of coastline, this doesn't detract from the striking beauty of the landscapes.
The Basque Coast has a large number of gems including: the Grande Plage of Biarritz, Saint Jean de Luz, Hendaye, Les Sables d'Or in Anglet...
You'll really be spoilt for choice. We have specially prepared a selection of 7 beaches for you that you can only appreciate, not only for their beauty, but also for the activities offered, whether with family or during a surfing trip with friends!
The Grande Plage of Biarritz
This extremely famous beach in Biarritz is located along the city center promenade near: numerous shops, the Belle Époque-style Biarritz Palace, and the Casino. A golden sand beach offering a superb view of the ocean and the Biarritz lighthouse.
Activities
- The Biarritz municipal swimming pool is a seawater pool heated to 28° in the Large Pool and 30° in the Small Pool. This includes a jacuzzi, a Sauna, and a Hammam.
- Many surf shops, as well as oyster bars with panoramic terraces overlooking the beautiful blue sea await enthusiasts.
- You'll also find striped tents typical of the region, surf schools, and clubs to entertain children.
Access
A free shuttle, city buses, and underground parking (3 Park Indigo) provide access to the grande plage of Biarritz. It is generally supervised from April to November.
The Grande Plage of Saint Jean de Luz
Ideally located near Place Louis XIV and the port, this beach which benefits from the protection of 3 breakwaters is perfect for families with children looking for a place without strong currents or big waves. You won't tire of the view of the ocean and the typical Basque houses with colorful shutters.
Activities
- Now is the perfect time to jump in the water and teach your children to swim! Many clubs specialize in this activity.
- Diving boards and rafts will delight the older ones, teenagers and adults alike, the most athletic can enjoy sea kayaking, Hawaiian pirogue, flyboard, towed buoys...
- The pier above the beach guarantees a lovely stroll with the possibility of taking a gourmet break for ice cream lovers or window shopping among all the shops present. Parallel to it is the pedestrian Gambetta street which is also the main street of the historic center.
The Grande Plage of Hendaye
It's the largest on the Basque coast with its 3.5 km length. It's ideal for families due to its gentle slope and relatively calm waters. It benefits from a preserved natural setting, which contributes to its charm and easily places it at the head of the most beautiful beaches on the Basque Coast.
Activities
- Many beach sports can be practiced on the Grande plage of Hendaye: walking, beach volleyball, surfing, Stand up paddle, zumba, yoga, sandcastle contests...
- Rental of beach tents, deck chairs,
- Beach clubs for children.
- Ideal beach for beginner surfers.
View of...
- The 2 twins, 2 rocks offshore from the beach,
- The Txingudi bay, a protected natural site,
- The Spanish coasts, this beach is the last French beach before arriving in Spain.
Socoa Beach (Ciboure)
This very popular beach is located at the exit of the municipality, its fine sand beach and its view of the fort contribute to this strong popularity. It is also protected by breakwaters (3), swimming is possible all year round and can be shared by the whole family.
Activities
- Sheltered from wind and waves, children can swim peacefully on this beach, the sand is very pleasant: fine and soft.
- Clubs for children and swimming lessons.
- Sailing, pirogues, jet-skis, parasailing, diving, towed buoys...
View of...
- The typical Basque houses of Socoa,
- The fort,
- Saint-Jean de Luz beach.
Côte des Basques in Biarritz
This beach is a gathering place for surfers, but you'll also find families who come to settle there. It's the birthplace of surfing in France and local surfers are particularly attached to this beach.
Activities
The main activity on this beach is surfing, there are no less than 8 surf schools and equipment rental, as well as cafés and restaurants including the famous "Le surfing" and its terrace.
Parlementia Beach - Bidart
A beach that's worth the effort! Small access path, little parking space, relatively rocky beach, but what a setting... Small in size, it's a haven of peace even in the middle of summer given the limited number of places.
Activities
A circle of rocks forms a natural pool in this very beautiful environment ideal for children, surfing is of course practiced on this beach, as well as crab fishing in the rocks.
View of...
The Basque houses of Bidart, the village and the port of Guéthary.
Ilbarritz Beach - Bidart
In the municipality of Bidart, this magnificent beach with crystalline waters is at the foot of the Ilbariritz manor. Easy to access, it is particularly appreciated by surfers, competitions are regularly organized on this beach.
Activities
Surfing on the waves, golf overlooking the beach, and 2 restaurants, all in a true little corner of paradise.
The beaches of the Basque Country will surprise you with the beauty of their shores. This is what drives a very large number of tourists to flock to this region every year, whether or not they are passionate about surfing. Quality of water, accommodations, restaurants, and the many activities offered to young and old alike make the beaches of the Basque Country a dream destination for holidays.