Stranden in Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Best Beaches & Coast

Stretching along the Basque Coast from Bidart to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, these beaches offer varied terrain from sheltered, dike-protected bays to rugged surf breaks. The Grande Plage provides calm swimming conditions due to its historic sea walls, while spots like Parlementia and Lafitenia are renowned for consistent Atlantic swells. Many locations, including Erretegia, serve as access points for the Sentier du Littoral coastal path, featuring limestone cliffs and views toward the Pyrenees.

jelka pekolj / CC-BY-SA

Ilbarritz

Sandy beach in Bidart dominated by the 19th-century Château d'Ilbarritz. It is a popular surfing spot with several schools and offers views of the Biarritz lighthouse to the north.

David Lally / CC BY-SA 4.0

Grande Plage

A large, crescent-shaped bay protected from Atlantic waves by three massive stone dikes. This central beach features a promenade, accessible facilities, and calm waters.

Parlementia

Located on the border of Bidart and Guéthary, this beach is known for its rocky seafloor and a long right-hand surf break that attracts experienced longboarders.

Uhabia

A wide sandy beach bisected by the Uhabia river. It features surf schools and is bordered by a pedestrian path connecting the village center to the coast.

Pavillon Royal

A wilder, less urbanized stretch of sand bordered by the Ilbarritz golf course. It is known for its surfing conditions and proximity to the coastal pine forests.

Plage de Socoa

A sheltered sandy beach located at the western end of the bay, offering views of the 17th-century Fort of Socoa. Its calm waters are protected by sea walls.

Plage de Ciboure

A small, quiet beach situated near the harbor and the town center. It offers shallow, calm waters protected from the open ocean swells.

Erromardie

A mix of sand and rocks located along the Sentier du Littoral. It is characterized by its low-tide rock pools and several beachfront campsites.

Erretegia

A natural site marking the official start of the Basque Coastal Path. The beach is surrounded by steep cliffs and underwent significant ecological restoration in 2020.

Plage du Centre

The main beach of Bidart village, set between high cliffs. It is a key location for surf lessons and provides direct access to the village's cafes and restaurants.

Lafitenia

A world-class surfing destination known for its long, powerful right-hand point break. The beach is flanked by cliffs and is accessible via a steep descent.

Senix

A small, rocky cove shared between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Guéthary. It is a popular spot for both surfing and exploring tidal pools at low tide.