Hondarribia beach

Hondarribia beach lies on Txingudi bay, at the end of the Marina, between the breakwater and the Higer path. Being inside the bay, the water arrives calmer than on the open sea, which is why it works with children. It is a few minutes on foot from the fishermen's quarter and 1.5 km from Jaizkibel campsite.

What it is like

It is a big urban beach: 800 metres long and an average width of 232 metres, with fine golden sand, according to Hondarribia Turismo. Bidasoa Turismo notes that the surroundings were recently redeveloped. It faces the mouth of the Bidasoa, with Hendaye and the French coast opposite, and the water is usually calm: it is not a beach for big waves, but for quiet swimming and walking along the water's edge.

It has lifeguards and hondartzainas, the beach wardens, as well as toilets, washbasins, showers, changing rooms, children's play areas, a kiosk, a bar and parking. Lifeguard hours are not published in these listings: check them at the tourist office if you go outside July and August.

Accessible

Bidasoa Turismo rates the beach as accessible for people with reduced mobility: it has ramps, rigid walkways over the sand, reserved parking spaces, adapted toilets and an assisted bathing service. It also has a public address system for important announcements.

With children

The calm water of the bay, the wide sand and the play areas make it a comfortable beach for going with little ones. Even so, swim near the lifeguards and keep an eye on the flags. Bring your own shade in summer.

Beyond the beach

If you are looking for something wilder, on the slopes of Jaizkibel there are coves such as Los Frailes, Kapelaundi, Errota Sein or Artzuportu, but Bidasoa Turismo warns that several have strong waves and wind or difficult access. Others, such as Sisurko or Eretzin Zabala, get hardly any visitors, and Kapelaundi is frequented by nudist bathers. For swimming with lifeguards and facilities, stay on the town beach. To see that coast, you are better off with the boat trip along the Jaizkibel cliffs, which shows it from the sea.

The walk to the Higer lighthouse starts from the beach, and on the way back you have the Marina and Calle San Pedro for something to eat and drink: Gran Sol is one of its pintxo bars. Without a car, the Lurraldebus bus from San Sebastián drops you in the town, and you walk down to the beach. If you are staying nearby, Jaizkibel campsite is 1.5 km away.