Technically in France but easily accessible from Hondarribia by ferry, Hendaye beach is 3km of golden sand with calm water at its southern end. The Franco-Basque experience of having pintxos for lunch and galettes for dinner is uniquely fun.
Playa de Hendaia — known in French as Plage d'Hendaye — is a three-kilometre sweep of wide, gently shelving golden sand on the French Basque coast, within the commune of Hendaye in the French département of Pyrénées-Atlantiques. From the perspective of visitors in the Spanish Basque Country, the beach is most naturally accessed from the town of Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía) in Gipuzkoa, via a short passenger ferry crossing of the Bidasoa river estuary. The crossing costs around two euros return, takes just a few minutes, and operates regularly throughout the day during the tourist season. The beach itself is one of the longest and most uniformly sandy on the entire Basque coast. The southern section — closest to the Bidasoa estuary mouth and the ferry landing point — has the calmest and shallowest water, making it highly suited to families with young children. Further north, towards the Pointe Sainte-Anne headland, conditions become more open to Atlantic swells, which are enjoyed by bodyboarders and beginner surfers. The sand is fine, pale golden, and wide; at low tide the beach can extend 100 metres or more, offering exceptional space. The cross-border dimension of Hendaia is a genuine part of its appeal. Visitors can combine pintxos in Hondarribia's medieval old quarter with galettes and moules-frites across the river — the Schengen open borders make the crossing seamless for EU travellers. The French Basque identity of Hendaye adds architectural variety: Belle Époque villas, a nineteenth-century casino, and a promenade with a distinct French resort character line the seafront road behind the beach. Amenities on the French side are comprehensive. Lifeguards operate throughout July and August, beach bars and restaurants line the seafront, paddleboard and beach equipment rentals are available, and public toilet and shower facilities are well maintained. The Hendaye town centre with its weekly market, shops, and cafés is a short walk inland. Hendaye is also served by the French SNCF rail network, connecting it to Bayonne and Biarritz.
Amenities
- full beach facilities
- lifeguards
- restaurants
- shops
- ferry from Hondarribia €2 return
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, sunbathers, couples, beachcombers
Highlights
- Three kilometres of wide, flat golden sand — one of the longest beaches on the entire Basque coast
- Ferry from Hondarribia (approximately €2 return) delivers a quick and characterful cross-border day trip
- Calm, shallow southern section near the ferry landing — ideal for families and young children
- Unique Franco-Basque experience: pintxos in Hondarribia and galettes or moules-frites across the Bidasoa river
- Belle Époque seafront villas and a nineteenth-century casino visible along Hendaye's promenade
Tips for visiting
- Take the pedestrian ferry from Hondarribia for the most enjoyable and cost-effective access — crossings run every 15 to 30 minutes in season for around two euros return.
- The southern end near the ferry landing is calm and shallow — ideal for children; the northern section near Pointe Sainte-Anne has more swell for water sports.
- Beach bars and vendors on the French side only accept euros — ensure cash or a France-compatible card before crossing.
- Low tide reveals a very wide beach; arriving around low tide maximises sand space and produces the calmest conditions in the southern section.
- Parking in Hondarribia is easier and less expensive than at Hendaye's own car parks — cross by ferry and avoid driving into France.
- Combining Hondarribia's medieval old town, the ferry crossing, and an afternoon at the beach makes an excellent full-day itinerary from San Sebastián.
When to visit
July and August for full lifeguard coverage, all beach services, and the warmest water temperatures of 18 to 22 degrees Celsius. June and September are pleasant with noticeably fewer visitors. The ferry service runs year-round, but on a reduced schedule in winter.
Accessibility
The Hendaye seafront and beach access from the promenade road are flat and well-maintained, with the French municipality providing good pedestrian and beach infrastructure. The ferry crossing from Hondarribia involves boarding a small passenger boat, which may present some difficulty for wheelchair users; the landing on both sides is at water level. The beach surface is firm fine sand, relatively manageable for mobility aids near the waterline.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need a passport to cross from Hondarribia to Hendaye?
Both Spain and France are in the Schengen Area, so EU and Schengen-visa holders can cross freely without presenting documents at the border. Non-EU visitors should carry a valid passport and ensure their Schengen visa allows multiple entries or re-entry into Spain after a French visit.
How does the ferry from Hondarribia to Hendaye work?
A small passenger ferry (txalupa) runs regularly across the Bidasoa estuary between Hondarribia's old town harbour and Hendaye's river pier. Crossings take approximately five minutes and the return fare is around two euros. The service operates daily in season (April to October) and at weekends in winter.
Is the beach in France or Spain?
Playa de Hendaia / Plage d'Hendaye is in France (Hendaye, Pyrénées-Atlantiques). The Spanish town of Hondarribia sits on the opposite bank of the Bidasoa. The beach is commonly included in Basque Country travel guides due to its proximity and easy ferry access from the Spanish side.
Is Hendaye beach safe for young children?
The southern section near the ferry landing is very shallow and calm with a gently shelving sandy bottom — among the safest bathing conditions on the Basque coast for young children. Lifeguards operate throughout July and August.
What currency is accepted at Hendaye beach?
Hendaye is in France and the currency is the euro. Both cash and card payments are generally accepted at beach bars and restaurants, though some smaller vendors may not accept all card types from Spanish banks. Having a small amount of cash is advisable.