Playa de Hondarribia

Playa de Hondarribia is the town beach of Hondarribia, a walled coastal town in Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country of northern Spain, about 20 km east of San Sebastian. The beach is a wide stretch of sand about 1.3 km long beside the mouth of the Bidasoa estuary, with the French coast visible across the water. Hondarribia sits right on the border with France, and the estuary gives the beach a distinctive setting, with the town's walled old town rising above it. The sand is golden and the beach is broad at low tide, with calm to moderate water that is generally suitable for swimming in summer, although it is open to the sea and the conditions change with weather and tide. The estuary mouth can create currents, so visitors should heed lifeguard flags. The beach is a family and local-oriented town beach rather than a surf or party destination, and the mood is relaxed, with promenade strollers and families through the summer. Amenities include lifeguards in the summer season, showers, public toilets and a seafront promenade with cafes. Behind the beach, the town offers a wide choice of restaurants and bars, particularly in the old town and the fishermen's quarter of La Marina, which is known for its pintxo bars and seafood. The old town itself, with its fortified walls, cobbled streets and castle, is a short distance away and makes the beach easy to combine with a half-day of sightseeing. Access from San Sebastian is by Lurraldebus regional bus towards Hondarribia (lurraldebus.eus; visitors should check the current line and timetable), which takes about 35 minutes, followed by a short walk or local bus to the beach. By car the journey takes a similar time, and parking is available in the town but fills up in summer weekends. The beach is close to Hondarribia's airport, so aircraft may be visible overhead. The combination of beach, old town and views across to France makes it a good day trip from San Sebastian.