Plaiaundi ecological park

Plaiaundi is a 24-hectare wetland in Irun, between the Bidasoa and the Jaizubia stream, opposite Txingudi bay. It has two inner lagoons connected to the tide, an intertidal beach and a freshwater lagoon, and forms part of the Natura 2000 network and the Ramsar list. A self-guided trail of about 2 km with 17 panels leads to the observation points; the pedestrian and cycle walkway of more than 1 km follows the bay to the Santiago district.

The Ekoetxea Txingudi interpretation centre, on Avenida Pierre Loti in Irun, organises guided visits by reservation (943 619 389). There is parking. It is about 10 minutes by car from Hondarribia.

What Plaiaundi is

Plaiaundi is right next to the city of Irun, but it is a protected natural area. The two inner lagoons fill and empty with the tide thanks to a system of sluice gates, and beside them are a beach that the tide covers and uncovers and freshwater lagoons. That variety of habitats is what makes it a refuge for birds.

Ekoetxea Txingudi presents the bay as the most important site on the Basque coast for birdwatching, and Turismo Euskadi notes that it is a refuge for migratory birds and forms part of the Txingudi Special Protection Area for Birds. To see them, the park has hides and observation towers.

The route

The self-guided trail, of about 2 km and 17 panels, is flat and takes a good hour, stopping at the hides. Continue along the Plaiaundi to Santiago district walkway, more than a kilometre long, which passes under the international bridges between Irun and Hendaye and crosses the mouth of the Bidasoa, with views of the bay and Hondarribia. You can do it on foot or by bike. There is a picnic area and an exercise circuit; camping is not allowed.

Bring binoculars and speak quietly in the hides.

Visits and activities

Ekoetxea Txingudi, at the park entrance, organises guided visits of Plaiaundi and of the Jaizubia marsh, in Hondarribia, for groups and individuals, with prior booking. It also runs workshops: in November 2026, family and adult activities from 11:00 to 13:00, several at €4, and on 28 November a free clean-up day, Plaiaundi Vivo. Some fill up: book on 943 619 389 or at [email protected]. The website does not publish the centre's opening hours.

With children and how to get there

It is an easy plan with children: a flat trail, hides where you can watch without disturbing, and family workshops. From Hondarribia it is about 10 minutes by car to Avenida Pierre Loti in Irun; there is parking. Afterwards, go back to Hondarribia to stroll round the old town or the Marina, or cross the bay on the boat to Hendaye.