10 Best Beaches in Bilbao

La Arena Beach is an expansive beach of fine, golden sand, and the western-most beach in Euskadi (the Basque Country). At almost a full kilometre in length, La Arena Beach is situated in a beautiful rustic setting of mountains and cliffs and flanked by beautiful rocky promontories. 

The scenic spot is a favourite hangout for beachgoers from Bilbao and beyond, but it’s best known for its excellent surfing and body boarding. Due to strong currents, there are designated swimming areas monitored by lifeguards. There is a large, free carpark but it fills up quickly in the summer months so why not enjoy the sun and walk there instead?  

You must descend a steep narrow road to reach the isolated Playa Azkorri, or Gondorratxa as it’s known in Basque, but it’s worth the trip. The seclusion means less crowds and a stunning natural expanse of rock, sand and surf flanked by steep green cliffs. And if you really want to feel at one with nature, the western end of the beach is clothing optional.  

The walkway along the surrounding clifftop has benches for walkers to sit and take in the sweeping views of the Cantabrian Coast. Azkorri is one of the only places in the world you can see the ancient Lutetian geological layer in its stratified rocks, which has earned them a rare ‘golden nail’ award.   

Ereaga Beach is an urban beach located in the town of Getxo, 14 kilometres from Bilbao and accessible by the city metro. The beach is an 882-metre-long stretch of fine yellow sand with excellent facilities. It’s surrounded by stately homes, apartments and parks, and the scenic Mount Serantes in the distance.  

The northwest wind can batter the more exposed nearby beaches, but Ereaga Beach is a sheltered bay. The sea has short, tubular waves that make it ideal for bodyboarding and water sports such as canoeing and sailing. Ereaga Beach is also known for its lively beach football matches that draws crowds every summer.  

Playa de Laidatxu is a pretty beach with golden sand and pristine waters ideal for families. It sits on an expansive estuary, in the beautiful Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the town beach of Mundaka, a tiny and charming fishing village, famous among surfers for its world-class left break. This spectacular tube, reaching 400 metres in length, is heaven for experienced surfers.

There are stunning views of the famous Mundaka surf break and the estuary from the Mundaka town chapel, Santa Catalina, where a pathway runs along the sea. Mundaka is not set up for mass tourism and parking for Playa de Laidatxu is limited but you can take a bus from the nearby towns.

Atxabiribil Beach, also known as The Rock, is a glorious, wide sandy beach with a stunning landscape of rugged headlands and steep cliffs. It’s one of the Bilbao area’s most popular surf and swim spots, though swimming areas can be limited in rough seas.  

The beautiful natural setting of Axtabiribil Beach combines with conveniences to make your visit even better, including a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from. A well-maintained ramp down to the beach makes it suitable for people with reduced mobility and pushchairs. It helps to arrive early, as both residents and visitors enjoy this picturesque location. 

Arriatera Beach is a legendary surfing hub in the Bilbao area with big swell and great waves. Adjoining the Atxabiribil beach, Arriatera faces the open ocean in a northwest direction, giving it quality breaks, peaks and tubes at both high and low tide. Some of the most famous breaks are the left point of El Pasillo, and Larrabasterra, which has left and right breaks on sand. Arriatera is so renowned that it regularly hosts international events such as the World IBATOUR Bodyboard and ASP contests.  

Arriatera is home to several surf schools and clubs for all levels, with many of them renting equipment and offering lessons. The beach is only 45 minutes from Bilbao, so it’s an ideal day trip. 

Playa La Salvaje, formally called Barinatxe, is also known as ‘The Wild One’ due to its formidable surf. Its strong currents mean it’s a great beach for surfing, but you should swim with caution and keep children away from the water. The beach has a raw beauty with a huge expanse of sand flanked by tall verdant cliffs, making it a wonderful spot for picnicking and sunbathing.  

A windy spot that’s popular for paragliding, volleyball and tennis, Playa La Salvaje also happens to be a favoured beach for naturists. Every year it holds the famous Sopelana Nude Race, which is free to enter and accepts participants of all ages and genders. 

Gorlizeko hondartza is a broad, sandy beach in a protected bay with calm waters that make it ideal for families and beachgoers looking to relax. Less than 20 kilometres from Bilbao, Gorlizeko hondartza is in an idyllic setting. Wooded headlands flank the bay, sheep graze on the surrounding hills and there is a large picnic area beneath trees behind the beach.  

It’s also right beside the towns of Plentzia and Gorliz, which provide many options for restaurants, bars and cafes. It draws a mostly local crowd, but tourists are also welcome to claim a spot on the golden sand and enjoy the Spanish sun. 

Playa de Aritzatxu is a beautiful small cove hidden away in the seaside town Bermeo with stunning views of the coastline. The beach is in the Urdaibai protected biosphere reserve, with safe waters and rocky areas to explore making it a popular spot for families.

It’s best to go at low tide when there’s a sandy area. At high tide it all but disappears. But high tide or low, you can enjoy good snorkeling and diving. You have to park at the top of the hill next to the cemetery and walk down the pathway to get to the beach.

Mutriku Beach is located at the foot of a charming Basque town on a sloping hill. Not a surf beach, Mutriku Beach is instead 2 enclosed seawater pools that are unique along the Gipuzkoa coastline. One is shallow and ideal for children; the other is deeper and ideal to relax in. At high tide the sea refreshes the water in the pools keeping them crisp and pleasant to swim in. 

There is a lifeguard on duty in the summer and everything you could need, from a children’s playground to parking and bars, as well as showers and toilets. Those looking for a little more adventure can take part in kayaking, diving and fishing.