Zarautz beach and the Iñurritza dunes

Zarautz has the longest stretch of sand on the Basque coast, open to the sea and with waves that make it the beach of the surf schools. At its eastern end, towards Talaimendi, is the Iñurritza dune system, the largest and best preserved on the Basque coast: a wooden walkway crosses above the dunes, next to the golf course, to the village. Swim in the supervised areas: on the open sea there are currents with the swell.

The beach and the promenade

Zarautz Turismo gives some 2,500 metres of sand, the longest beach in Gipuzkoa. In front runs the promenade, the seafront walk, with sculptures by several artists and several children's playgrounds. On the sand there are showers, toilets, lifeguards and parasol and sunbed hire. In summer the water is between 19 and 21 degrees, according to the tourist office, and on the promenade the Itsasertza information point opens (943 890 377), which in 2026 ran from 18 June to 13 September.

The flags rule: green, free swimming; yellow, with caution; red, no swimming; and red and blue, the water sports zone, where the surfers are. If you are with floats or small children, stay in the green-flag zone. Ball games are played in the marked areas, and the showers are used at the end, without soap.

The Iñurritza dunes

At the end of the promenade, where the River Iñurritza reaches the sea, the Iñurritza protected biotope begins. Turismo Euskadi describes it as the largest and best-preserved dune field on the Basque coast, between the north of the beach and the left bank of the estuary. It covers 177,200 m², although a good part is taken up by the Zarautz golf club course. Zarautz Turismo reckons about 17 hectares of dunes, almost entirely covered in vegetation.

In the estuary fresh and salt water mix, and the marsh receives the tide twice a day. Gulls, sandpipers and other birds live there, as well as worms, snails, reptiles and amphibians. Many animals are camouflaged: it takes patience to see them. A walkway of almost a kilometre crosses the area above, so as not to trample the dunes. Stay on it.

When and how to go

The beach is public and free, and enjoyable all year: in summer, for swimming; in winter, for walking with a rough sea. Beside the beach parking is regulated (OTA); in July and August, arrive early. Without a car, the Lurraldebus from San Sebastián or Bilbao stops in the village.

If you want to try surfing, the Pukas school in Zarautz is a step away. From the western end of the beach the walk to Getaria begins. Facing the sand, Karlos Arguiñano's restaurant has a bar with a terrace over the sea, and at the eastern end, on Monte Talai-Mendi, is the Gran Camping Zarautz.