Bermeo Beaches

Overview

Bermeo, nestled in Spain's Basque Country, offers a unique beach experience, particularly for those who appreciate charming coves over vast stretches of sand. This coastal town, rich in fishing heritage, is part of the stunning Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, promising beautiful natural scenery alongside its beaches. While Bermeo itself is a delightful destination, its location also makes it a great base for exploring other renowned coastal spots in the region.

Visitors often wonder if Bermeo is a good spot for a beach holiday, and the answer is yes, especially if you enjoy a more intimate and authentic coastal vibe. The town's main beach, Playa de Aritzatxu (Bermeo), is a picturesque cove loved by locals for a quick dip. For those seeking wilder beauty and surfing opportunities, Laga beach, located within the Urdaibai reserve, is a stunning choice. Families and those looking for a tidal playground will appreciate Laida, also in Urdaibai, known for its unique tidal changes and suitability for watersports. For an iconic experience, the dramatic climb and views at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe are unmissable. While not in Bermeo itself, the expansive sands of Zarautz, the Basque Country's longest beach, make for an excellent day trip, especially for surf enthusiasts.

Beyond these highlights, the Urdaibai area boasts other beautiful beaches, such as Mundaka, famous for its world-class surfing wave. Bermeo provides a well-rounded coastal experience, combining beach life with Basque culture and cuisine. Whether you're looking to relax on a secluded beach, ride the waves, or explore dramatic coastlines, Bermeo and its surroundings offer a diverse range of options. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal gems, be sure to check out our longer list of beaches in this guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Bermeo a good destination for a beach holiday?

Bermeo can be a good destination for a beach holiday, particularly if you appreciate smaller, charming coves rather than long, expansive beaches. The town's main beach, Aritzatxu, is a picturesque, secluded cove with clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Bermeo is also located within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, offering stunning natural scenery. While the beaches themselves are a key attraction, Bermeo also offers a rich fishing heritage, a lively port, and delicious Basque cuisine, making it a well-rounded coastal destination.

Playa de Aritzatxu (Bermeo)

What are the swimming conditions like at Bermeo's beaches?

Swimming conditions in Bermeo, particularly at Aritzatxu beach, are generally good, with clear waters. Aritzatxu is a sheltered cove, which can mean calmer waters, although strong waves can also occur. The beach is equipped with lifeguard services during peak season. Some sources mention a natural pool on one side of Aritzatxu beach that is excellent for a dip. Water temperatures are warmest in August, averaging around 21.2°C (70.2°F), but can be chilly, especially outside the summer months, so a wetsuit might be preferable for some.

Playa de Aritzatxu (Bermeo)

When is the best time of year to visit Bermeo for a beach holiday?

The best time to visit Bermeo for a beach holiday is during the summer months, from June to September. During this period, the weather is typically warm and sunny, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Specifically, mid-July to late August is often cited as having the best beach weather, with peak conditions in the first week of August. Water temperatures are also at their warmest during these months.

How do I get to Aritzatxu beach from Bermeo town center?

To reach Aritzatxu beach from Bermeo town center, you would typically walk north up Bermeo's hilly streets towards Matxitxako Bidea. At the intersection where this road meets Aritzatxu Bidea, there's a narrow lane through a grassy park leading towards a cemetery. Following the path around the cemetery walls, you will find a small path on the left that leads down to Aritzatxu beach. The walk involves a short but steep path. Parking is limited near the beach, with visitors often advised to park near the cemetery and walk the rest of the way.

Playa de Aritzatxu (Bermeo)

Are there accommodations with good beach access in Bermeo?

Bermeo offers a range of accommodations, from hotels to guesthouses. While Bermeo is a compact town, and Aritzatxu beach is within walking distance from the center, no major hotels are located directly on this small cove. Staying in the town center or along routes leading towards the coast would provide relatively easy access to Aritzatxu. For those prioritizing being very close to larger beaches, exploring accommodation options in nearby towns like Bakio, which has a long sandy beach, might also be considered.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Playa de Aritzatxu (Bermeo)

Playa de Bakio

Are Bermeo's beaches suitable for families with children?

Bermeo's Aritzatxu beach can be suitable for families, offering a relatively sheltered cove. Playa de Mundaka, a short distance from Bermeo, is also noted as safe for children. Laida beach, also nearby, is described as family-friendly with gentle waves. While Aritzatxu is small, the presence of lifeguards in summer adds to its family appeal. The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, where Bermeo is located, also offers many nature-based activities for families.

Playa de Aritzatxu (Bermeo)

Playa de Mundaka

Laida

What facilities are available at Aritzatxu beach?

Aritzatxu beach offers several amenities for visitors. These include showers, toilets, changing rooms, litter bins, and a lifeguard service during the summer season. There is also a small bar or café nearby where you can get refreshments.

Playa de Aritzatxu (Bermeo)

Is Aritzatxu beach usually crowded?

Aritzatxu beach is described as small and secluded, often frequented by locals and offering a tranquil environment away from typical tourist crowds. However, due to its limited size and popularity, it can get crowded, especially during peak season and at high tide when the beach area reduces. To avoid crowds, visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended.

Playa de Aritzatxu (Bermeo)

People Also Ask

Are there any nudist beaches near Bermeo?

While Bermeo itself doesn't have officially designated nudist beaches directly in the town, there are some options nearby. Muriola Beach (around 19km away), Meñakoz Hondartza (around 21km away), and Playa Zona Nudista La Salvaje (Barinatxe, around 23km away) are known as nudist-friendly beaches in the broader region. Public nudity is legal in Spain but is generally practiced in designated areas to avoid causing public disturbance.

What are some local quirks or things to know about Bermeo's beaches, like Aritzatxu?

Aritzatxu beach is known for its natural beauty, nestled below a cliff with a mix of golden sand and rocks. A unique feature is a natural pool on its left side, great for a swim. Access involves a steep path, which can be a bit of a workout on the way back up. The beach is tide-dependent and can disappear quickly at high tide, so it's best visited around low tide. It's a popular spot for locals, giving it an authentic feel. Above the beach, there's a park perfect for picnics.

Playa de Aritzatxu (Bermeo)

How does Aritzatxu beach compare to nearby beaches like Bakio or Mundaka?

Aritzatxu in Bermeo is a small, secluded cove known for its charm and clear waters, ideal for a quiet swim. Bakio beach is much larger and wider, offering more space, especially during busy summer months. Mundaka beach is famous among surfers for its left-hand wave and is also considered safe for children. If you prefer a smaller, more intimate beach experience, Aritzatxu is a great choice. For more space or specific activities like surfing, Bakio or Mundaka might be better alternatives.

Playa de Aritzatxu (Bermeo)

Playa de Bakio

Playa de Mundaka

Can you surf at Bermeo's beaches?

While Bermeo's main beach, Aritzatxu, is more known for swimming and its sheltered nature, the wider Urdaibai area, where Bermeo is located, is a surfing hotspot. Nearby Mundaka is world-renowned for its exceptional left-hand wave, considered one ofthe best in Europe, attracting experienced surfers. Laga beach, also in the Urdaibai reserve, is another excellent option for surfing. Arimune Hondartza, near Bermeo, is also mentioned for its large waves suitable for surfers.

Playa de Aritzatxu (Bermeo)

Playa de Mundaka

Arimune Hondartza

Laga

Are there any hidden gem beaches or local alternatives to Aritzatxu in Bermeo?

Besides Aritzatxu, Bermeo has a few other smaller, less-known coastal spots like Talape, Arribolas, Tonpoi Handi, and Tonpoi Txiki. These are generally small, rocky coves. Some, like Gibelepe, are mentioned as having difficult access. For a different experience, locals sometimes visit Tonpon, a hidden natural swimming pool with views of Izaro Island. While Aritzatxu is the main sandy beach, these smaller spots offer a more rugged, local coastal experience.

Playa de Aritzatxu (Bermeo)

What is the best way to get around Bermeo to access the beaches and surrounding areas?

Within Bermeo town, Aritzatxu beach is accessible on foot from the center, though it involves hilly streets and a final steep path. To explore other nearby beaches like Bakio or Mundaka, or attractions like San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, public buses are available from Bermeo, often departing from near Lamera Park. For those with a car, driving is an option, though parking can be challenging near popular beaches in peak season. The E4 train line also connects Bermeo to Bilbao and Gernika, facilitating regional travel.

Playa de Aritzatxu (Bermeo)

Playa de Bakio

Playa de Mundaka

What is the general vibe and atmosphere of Bermeo's beaches?

The atmosphere at Bermeo's Aritzatxu beach is generally tranquil and natural, being a secluded cove popular with locals. It offers a more intimate and less commercialized beach experience compared to larger, more tourist-heavy destinations. The surrounding Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve contributes to a feeling of being immersed in nature. The town of Bermeo itself has a strong maritime character, with a bustling fishing port and a historic old town, which adds to the overall authentic Basque coastal vibe.

Playa de Aritzatxu (Bermeo)