Top 5 Most Beautiful Beaches on the Basque Coast
The Basque Country coastline in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques offers miles of fine sandy beaches where stunning waves crash, attracting surfers from around the globe.
Are you vacationing at a seaside campsite in the Basque Country?
From Anglet to Hendaye, passing through Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you'll find some of the most beautiful beaches in France.
Some are particularly popular with surfers, while others are perfect for family holidays.
Here, we present our top 5 most beautiful beaches on the Basque Coast, from north to south.
Petite Chambre d'Amour Beach in Anglet
Also known as VVF Beach, this sandy beach is the southernmost in Anglet. It offers an impressive view of high cliffs and the Biarritz lighthouse perched atop Cape Saint-Martin.
Lifeguards oversee swimming in summer, and a “tiralo” service is available for people with reduced mobility.
A beach for lovers... Surfers might prefer Cavaliers Beach.
Côte des Basques in Biarritz
The Côte des Basques in Biarritz is the iconic beach of the Basque Coast, known as the birthplace of surfing in Europe.
Visitors are drawn by its exceptional natural setting, its view of the Rocher de la Vierge and the Villa Belza perched on a rocky promontory to the north, and the Spanish coastline to the south. Above all, they come to admire the surfers riding the impressive Atlantic waves.
Many surfing competitions take place on the Côte des Basques.
About a kilometer long, the beach is monitored during the season and offers accessibility for people with reduced mobility.
To the north of the Côte des Basques, families favor the Grande Plage.
Cenitz Beach in Guéthary
Also spelled Senitz, this small, peaceful, and wild beach is surrounded by nature.
Composed of sand and rocks, it forms a natural border between Guéthary and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Cenitz Beach is perfect for feeling secluded at the edge of the world while still being monitored during the summer. Taking a walk here at the end of the day to watch the sunset is a magical moment.
It’s also an excellent surfing spot. Further north, the beaches of Erretegia and Illbarritz in Bidart are equally remarkable.
Lafitenia Beach in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
From the Grande Plage to Mayarco Beach, stunning beaches stretch along Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
The most surprising might be Lafitenia Beach, located in the Kokotia neighborhood.
It bears a striking resemblance to the settings of Lost, filmed in Hawaii: a fine crescent of sand surrounded by green cliffs that seem to beckon adventure.
With superb waves, it also attracts experienced surfers. This beach, about 500 meters long, may be the most intimate and wild on the Basque Coast. It is monitored during summer.
To the south of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, don’t miss Socoa Beach.
Grande Plage in Hendaye
The last beach on the Basque Coast before Spain, Grande Plage in Hendaye is also one of the most beautiful on the Basque Coast.
Sometimes over 400 meters wide and several kilometers long, there is always space here.
Its gentle slope is ideal for families with children, who can swim safely.
It is monitored during the summer season, fully equipped, and has accessibility for people with reduced mobility. Nearby, Deux Jumeaux Beach is famous for its beautiful rocky landscape.
During your camping holiday in Bidart, take the opportunity to discover the most beautiful beaches of the Basque Coast.
Whether you’re a romantic couple, a large family with kids, or a solitary surfer traveling alone, the Basque Coast offers dream beaches that will inspire you to explore the Basque Country and its warm culture.