7 Best Beaches in Biarritz

Plage du Port Vieux is one of the the most romantic of Biarritz’s beaches. Tucked into a rocky cove on the edge of the old town, this small beach has an intimate feel and is well-sheltered from strong winds. From your spot reclining on the sand, you can watch the waves roll gently into the cove and admire the cream-coloured 19th-century villa standing on the clifftop.

This beach is popular with families as the cliffs enclosing the waters make it one of the city’s safest and most pleasant places to swim. It’s also conveniently located near top attractions Rocher de la Vierge and the Aquarium de Biarritz.

Plage de la Côte des Basques is one of Basque Country’s most beautiful beaches and the hub of the city’s surf culture. The long, rolling waves are especially suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers, and the shore is lined with surf schools offering lessons and equipment. Be aware that this long, narrow beach nearly disappears during high tide, so arrange to visit when the tide is out.

End your day at the beach’s north end, where a clifftop viewpoint offers magnificent views of the coast and the distant mountains of Spain. From there, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to some of the city’s best restaurants or back to the beach bars where the party continues after sunset.

Playa de Biarritz, also known as the southern stretch of La Grand Plage, is the city’s most lively and colourful beach. Situated right near the city centre, it offers every luxury and convenience, from its cheerful striped beach tents to the shops and cafes along its paved promenade. Perhaps the greatest convenience of all is a live webcam with real-time views of the beach, so you can check the weather and the crowds before you go.

Enjoy the beach’s festive atmosphere from a spot on the sand or from the terrace of one of the promenade cafes. Before you jump into the water, check the coloured flags, which indicate separate areas for swimming and surfing.

Miramar Beach is the section of La Grande Plage stretching north from the Hôtel du Palais, which offers a more tranquil beach experience than its southern half. With typically more local beachgoers than tourists, this is an ideal spot for a quiet afternoon under the sun. Enjoy a stroll along the shore or topless sunbathing with views of the Phare de Biarritz lighthouse on the cliffs.

The beach still offers plenty of facilities, including showers, restaurants and an ice cream shop, and the conveniences of Playa de Biarritz are only a short walk away.

Marabella Beach offers a more laid-back atmosphere relative to Biarritz’s other beaches. A smaller beach at the south end of La Plage de la Côte des Basques, it has a wilder feel and is popular among locals. There are fewer buildings cutting into your view of the sky, and the shoreline is backed by sloping green cliffs.

Only experienced surfers should attempt to ride the powerful waves at Marabella; the rest of us can enjoy all the uncrowded space to relax on the sand. When hunger strikes, the local beach bar offers salads and sandwiches at reasonable prices.

A little further from the city centre, Milady Beach is one of the most family-friendly beach in Biarritz. There are picnic tables, a large children’s playground overlooking the shore and lifeguards on duty all summer long. An easy 10-minute bus ride transports beachgoers from the city centre.

The beach slopes up gently from the rolling sea and remains relatively broad even during high tide, leaving visitors with plenty of space for games on the sand. Dog owners can rejoice, as your furry companions are welcome here too.

Plage d’Ilbarritz is one of the more remote beaches in Biarritz, located 5 km south of the city centre. It offers an experience a world away from the busy city beaches, with 300 metres of sandy shores that you’ll have almost entirely to yourself. Atop a green hill behind the beach, the ghostly yet beautiful Château d'Ilbarritz adds to the faraway atmosphere.

There are no showers and only minimal facilities here, but there is a chic terraced restaurant that makes for a great spot to watch the sunset over a bottle of wine. For simpler fare, grab a panini or an ice cream cone from the bar at the beach’s north end.