Biarritz Beaches

Overview

Biarritz offers a unique blend of chic resort glamour and a laid-back surf culture, making it one of Europe's most dynamic seaside destinations. While famous as the birthplace of European surfing, its sandy stretches welcome everyone, answering the common question of whether you can swim here with a definitive yes. The city's beaches cater to all, from surfers chasing the perfect wave to families and sunbathers looking for a relaxing day by the Atlantic.

The city's coastline is dotted with distinct beaches, each with its own character. At the heart of the action is La Grande Plage, an iconic bay defined by its grand hotels and colorful striped tents. For a completely different feel, Beach Cote des Basques offers a rugged, cliff-backed setting that is a paradise for surfers and sunset watchers. Families often prefer the calm, sheltered waters of Plage du Port Vieux, a picturesque cove perfect for safe swimming. Meanwhile, Milady Beach provides a more spacious, local feel with a pleasant promenade.

Beyond these highlights, the Biarritz coast reveals even more variety, from the wilder shores of Plage de Marbella to other spots waiting to be discovered in our full guide. It is important to know that the tides play a major role here, dramatically changing the landscape and access to certain beaches, especially the famed Côte des Basques which can nearly disappear at high tide. This ever-changing environment is part of what makes Biarritz a truly captivating coastal experience.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Can you actually swim in Biarritz or is it just for surfing?

Yes, you can definitely swim in Biarritz. While the city is famous for surfing, it offers excellent swimming spots too. The best beach for swimming is Plage du Port Vieux, a small, sheltered cove protected from large waves, making it ideal for families and calm swimming. The main Grande Plage is also popular for swimming, but you'll need to be mindful of surfers. It's important to know that the Atlantic water here can be cool, even in summer when it reaches around 25 degrees Celsius.

Plage du Port Vieux

La Grande Plage

Which Biarritz beach is best for families with kids?

Plage du Port Vieux is widely considered the best beach for families with young children because it's set in a sheltered, rocky cove with calm, wave-free waters. For families with older children or those who want more space, Plage de la Milady is another excellent choice; it's a large sandy beach with a children's play area, a promenade for walking, and is popular with locals. Grande Plage also has beach clubs for kids during peak season.

Plage du Port Vieux

Milady Beach

Grande Plage

What's the deal with the tides at Biarritz beaches?

The tides are a major factor in Biarritz and can dramatically change the beaches. The most important thing to know is that La Côte des Basques, a premier surf beach, almost completely disappears at high tide, making it inaccessible. It's best to visit this beach within three hours of low tide. Other beaches also shrink significantly. It's always recommended to check the local tide times before heading to the beach to plan your surfing or sunbathing.

Beach Cote des Basques

I'm a beginner surfer, which beach should I go to in Biarritz?

For beginner surfers, La Côte des Basques is the most recommended beach. It offers a variety of manageable waves, from whitewater to small green waves, and has numerous surf schools right on the sand. It's best surfed at low tide. Grande Plage also has areas for beginners, but it can get very crowded. For a less crowded experience, especially in high season, consider nearby beaches like Hendaye or Bidart, which are known for their gentle beginner waves.

Beach Cote des Basques

La Grande Plage

Plage d'Hendaye

Plage de Bidart

Where should I stay in Biarritz for the best beach access?

For direct beach access and a central location, staying near Grande Plage or Port Vieux is ideal. The area around Grande Plage puts you in the heart of the action with many hotels, restaurants, and shops. The Port Vieux area offers a more charming, slightly quieter atmosphere while still being central and right next to the best swimming beach. If you're in Biarritz primarily to surf, look for accommodation near Côte des Basques, which has a distinct surfer vibe.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

La Grande Plage

Plage du Port Vieux

Beach Cote des Basques

Is it better to stay in Biarritz or Hossegor for a surf trip?

The choice between Biarritz and Hossegor depends on your priorities. Hossegor is considered the heart of European surfing with generally better and more powerful waves, making it ideal for serious surfers. However, the town is quieter, especially outside of summer. Biarritz offers a more cosmopolitan city experience with a wider variety of restaurants, shops, and a vibrant atmosphere year-round. It has great surf spots for beginners and longboarders, and you can always drive to Hossegor (about a 30-40 minute drive) for a day trip.

Do you need a car to get to the beaches in Biarritz?

You don't necessarily need a car if you are staying in the city center. Many of the main beaches like Grande Plage, Port Vieux, and Côte des Basques are within walking distance of each other and the downtown area. Biarritz also has an efficient local bus network (Chronoplus) that serves the main beaches, including those further out like Milady, and connects to nearby towns like Anglet and Bayonne. Free shuttle buses often run during the summer as well.

La Grande Plage

Plage du Port Vieux

Beach Cote des Basques

Milady Beach

Are the beaches in Biarritz crowded?

Yes, the main beaches in Biarritz, especially Grande Plage, can get very crowded, particularly during the peak season of July and August. To avoid the biggest crowds, you can visit the beaches in the morning or later in the afternoon. Alternatively, you can head to beaches that are more popular with locals and slightly further from the center, such as Plage de la Milady or Plage de Marbella. Visiting in the shoulder seasons (June or September) also means fewer people.

La Grande Plage

Milady Beach

Marbella Beach

People Also Ask

What is the vibe of the beaches in Biarritz?

Biarritz offers a unique blend of chic resort glamour and a laid-back surf culture. Grande Plage has an elegant, historic feel, with its grand hotels and striped beach tents, attracting a mix of families, sunbathers, and tourists. In contrast, La Côte des Basques has a much more relaxed, bohemian surf vibe, with vans parked along the cliff and surfers gathering at sunset. Other beaches like Milady have a more local, family-friendly feel.

La Grande Plage

Beach Cote des Basques

Milady Beach

Are there any beaches with restaurants or bars right on the sand?

Yes, several beaches in Biarritz have cafes and restaurants with great views, though not always directly on the sand itself. Along La Côte des Basques, there are popular bars and eateries at the top of the cliff, perfect for watching the sunset after a surf session. Grande Plage is bordered by a promenade with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. For a more local feel, the neighboring beaches in Anglet, like Plage de la Petite Chambre d'Amour, have beach bars that are very popular.

Beach Cote des Basques

La Grande Plage

Is Biarritz a good destination for a family holiday or more for couples/surfers?

Biarritz is a versatile destination that caters to all three. Its reputation as Europe's surfing capital makes it a magnet for surfers. For couples, the city offers elegant architecture, romantic restaurants, beautiful sunsets, and luxurious hotels. For families, Biarritz is also an excellent choice, with safe swimming beaches like Port Vieux, the Biarritz Aquarium, playgrounds, and plenty of activities to keep children entertained.

Plage du Port Vieux

What is the best time of year to visit Biarritz for a beach holiday?

For a classic beach holiday with warm weather and swimming, the best time to visit is from June to September. July and August are the hottest and busiest months. If you prefer pleasant weather with fewer crowds, June and September are ideal. For surfers, spring and autumn offer more consistent and powerful waves than the summer months, while winter brings the biggest swells for advanced surfers.

Are there any nude beaches in or around Biarritz?

While topless sunbathing is common on many Biarritz beaches, there are no officially designated naturist beaches within the city itself. However, Plage des 100 Marches (Hundred Steps Beach) in the nearby town of Bidart is a well-known spot frequented by naturists. It's a more secluded beach that requires a bit of a walk to access.

Which beach has the best sunset view?

La Côte des Basques is famous for its spectacular sunsets. From the cliff-top bars or simply from the promenade, you can watch the sun go down over the ocean with the Spanish coast and mountains visible in the distance. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors to gather in the evening to watch the surfers and the changing colors of the sky.

Beach Cote des Basques

Is it easy to walk from the town center to the main beaches?

Yes, Biarritz is a very walkable city. From the central Place Georges Clemenceau, you can easily walk to the Grande Plage in just a few minutes. The charming Plage du Port Vieux is also a short walk away, located just south of the main beach area. La Côte des Basques is the furthest of the central beaches, but it's still a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes from the center, with a scenic coastal path connecting them.

La Grande Plage

Plage du Port Vieux

Beach Cote des Basques