DISCOVER
Our 10 Basque Country beaches,
for swimming and surfing
The Basque Coast stretches for 25 km of sand and coves, from Anglet’s long beach to the calm waters of the Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Each town has its own vibe: surfing in Biarritz, wild waves in Guéthary, family swimming in Socoa…
To help you choose, here is our selection of 10 Basque Country beaches, each with its own character and practical info. Some are within walking distance of our campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
In short:
- The Basque Coast offers 25 km of coastal path, from Bidart to Socoa.
- Our 3-star campsite is 50 m from the first beach.
- 3 beaches are within walking distance of our pitches: Mayarco, Cenitz and Lafitenia.
- Swimming is supervised in summer on most urban beaches.
Petite Chambre d’Amour Beach: Anglet’s family beach
In the south of Anglet, this sandy beach marks the end of the surfers’ strip opposite the Biarritz lighthouse. Sheltered by a breakwater and at the foot of the cliffs, it reassures families with calmer waters than the nearby spots.
Its name comes from a local legend, about two lovers caught out by the tide. The beach is Handiplage-certified, with access designed for people with reduced mobility.
Visitors’ favourite
The viewpoint over the cave and the lighthouse, at the end of the promenade.
Practical info:
- The beach is on Promenades des Sources, in Anglet.
- The shoreline is made up of fine sand.
- Swimming is supervised in summer.
- There is adapted access for people with reduced mobility.
Côte des Basques Beach: the birthplace of surfing
In Biarritz, the Côte des Basques saw European surfing born in the 1950s. According to Destination Biarritz, it was on this Basque Country beach that the first boards rode French waves.
The beach is best discovered at low tide, when the sand stretches out at the foot of the cliff. At the end of the day, the mountain views of the Trois Couronnes draw sunset lovers.
Visitors’ favourite
Surfers at sunset, with the Basque peaks in the background.
Practical info:
- The beach lies below Boulevard du Prince de Galles, in Biarritz.
- The shoreline is sandy, but shrinks at high tide.
- Swimming is supervised in summer.
- Watch out for the rising tide, which quickly covers the beach.
Cenitz Beach: the cove for beginner surfers
Just a 5-minute walk from our campsite, Cenitz lies between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Guéthary. This wild cove is perfect for beginner surfers thanks to its gentle waves, surfable at all tides.
At low tide, a lovely stretch of sand opens up between the rocks—ideal for laying down your towel in peace. You can reach it on foot from our campsite along the coastal path.
Visitors’ favourite
The stone table overlooking the sea, perfect for a break facing the ocean.
Practical info:
- The beach is in the Acotz district, between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Guéthary.
- The shoreline mixes sand at low tide and rocks.
- Swimming is not supervised: caution is essential.
- Access is via the coastal path, 150 m from the campsite.
Lafitenia Beach: the legendary right-hand wave
Still in the Acotz district, Lafitenia offers one of the coast’s finest right-hand waves. This spot hosts renowned surf competitions, in a preserved cove setting lined with tamarisks.
The sandy beach nestles at the back of the bay, sheltered from the wind. From our campsite near Anglet, you can reach it on foot via the coastal path, without getting back in the car.
Visitors’ favourite
The long right that peels along the point—pure joy for experienced surfers.
Practical info:
- The beach is in the Acotz district, in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- The shoreline is sandy, surrounded by rocks.
- Swimming is supervised in peak season.
- Access is on foot from the campsite, 300 m along the path.
Plage de l’Océan: Anglet’s big surf spot
Plage de l’Océan stretches its sand right in the heart of Anglet’s seafront, the surf capital.
The clean waves of this Basque Country beach draw surfers and surf schools all season long, in a sporty, lively atmosphere.
The wide stretch of sand leaves room for everyone, between swimming and sunbathing. The landscaped promenades make it easy to reach neighbouring beaches on foot or by bike.
Visitors’ favourite
The surf vibe along the seafront, with its schools and terrace cafés.
Practical info:
- The beach is on Promenade Victor Mendiboure, in Anglet.
- The shoreline is made up of sand.
- Swimming is supervised in summer.
- Shops, bars and surf schools line the seafront.
Ilbarritz Beach: sand at the foot of the château
In Bidart, Ilbarritz sits beneath the silhouette of its hilltop château. This sandy beach appeals to surfers and families alike, in a natural setting facing the ocean.
The spot remains famous for its waves, while the nearby golf course completes the scenery. It’s a photogenic place, between nature and heritage, just a few minutes from Biarritz.
Visitors’ favourite
The view of Ilbarritz château from the sand at sunset.
Practical info:
- The beach is on Avenue d’Ilbarritz, in Bidart.
- The shoreline is made up of sand.
- Swimming is supervised in summer.
- There is parking near the access point.
Grande Plage: Biarritz’s seaside heart
An icon of Biarritz, the Grande Plage is right in the city centre, facing the villas and the casino. This lively meeting point on the Basque coast brings together swimmers, surfers and walkers beneath its famous striped tents.
Its chic, lively atmosphere makes it one of the most vibrant Basque Country beaches. Restaurants and shops line the promenade directly.
Visitors’ favourite
The striped beach tents, a postcard image of historic Biarritz.
Practical info:
- The beach is on Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, in Biarritz.
- The shoreline is made up of sand.
- Swimming is supervised in summer.
- Shops and restaurants line the promenade.
Port Vieux Beach: the sheltered family cove
Nestled between two rocky headlands, Port Vieux Beach forms a small sheltered cove in the centre of Biarritz. Its calm waters make it a haven for children’s swimming, far from the swell of the big spots.
The place keeps an intimate cove feel, popular with swimmers and regulars. The Côte des Basques promenade starts right next door and is well worth discovering during your stay at our campsite near Biarritz.
Visitors’ favourite
The cove’s calm water, perfect for a family swim.
Practical info:
- The beach is on Rue du Port Vieux, in Biarritz.
- The shoreline is sandy, in a sheltered cove.
- Swimming is supervised in summer.
- The spot is well suited to young children.
Fort de Socoa Beach: gentle swimming in the bay
In Ciboure, Fort de Socoa Beach benefits from the enclosed Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Sheltered from the swell, its waters are among the calmest on the coast—an ideal plus for families! Vauban’s fort, linked to the shore by the breakwater, watches over this peaceful patch of sand. The view over the bay and Saint-Jean-de-Luz adds to the charm.
Visitors’ favourite
Fort Socoa in the background, facing the bay’s calm waters.
Practical info:
- The beach is in Socoa, in the commune of Ciboure.
- The shoreline is sandy, in the sheltered bay.
- Swimming is supervised in summer.
- The calm waters are ideal for families.
Centre Beach: Bidart’s village beach
At the foot of Bidart village, Centre Beach links the village directly to the ocean. Easy to access, it combines swimming, surfing and services just steps from the shops.
The setting is friendly, with the church and village square overlooking the beach. It’s a great base for discovering Bidart!
Visitors’ favourite
The view of the village from the sand, with the white church above.
Practical info:
- The beach is in the centre of Bidart village.
- The shoreline is made up of sand.
- Swimming is supervised in summer.
- Shops and restaurants are close by.
Looking for a base as close as possible to the waves and sand? At Merko Lacarra campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, our team invites you to stay just 50 m from the first waves. The coastal path starts just around the corner. Book your mobile home or your pitch and set off on foot to explore the most beautiful beaches in the Basque Country!
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Visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz
