Plizio Visual Lab

Hendaye

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

—°10 6 12

ℹ️

Practical info — Hendaye

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Take the small river shuttle (navette maritime) across the Txingudi bay for a cheap and scenic ride to the Spanish town of Hondarribia.
Book your tickets for the Château d'Abbadia well in advance during the summer, as they sell out very quickly.
Parking near the beach is paid and crowded in summer; park further inland and use the free local shuttle buses instead.
The Basque weather changes fast on the coast; always carry a light windbreaker in your bag, even on perfectly sunny days.
The expansive, flat sandy beach is one of the best spots in the region for beginner surfers due to its gentle waves.

🍽 Food

🍽

Basque Pintxos

Head to the tapas bars near the marina, or take the short boat trip to Hondarribia for the most authentic bites.

🍽

Gâteau Basque

Look out for this traditional almond or black cherry-filled cake in any of the artisanal bakeries in town.

🍽

Fresh Chipirones (Baby Squid)

Enjoy local seafood dishes in the restaurants lined up along the port area facing the bay.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍

Authentic Espadrilles

Pick up a pair of traditional Basque canvas shoes from the small boutiques near the beach.

🛍

Marché des Halles

Open daily in the summer; go here to buy local Ossau-Iraty sheep cheese and Espelette pepper.

🛍

Local Surf Shops

Browse the shops along the Boulevard de la Mer for Basque Coast branded surfwear and beach gear.

🧘

Domaine d'Abbadia

A protected coastal nature reserve offering impressive cliff walks (note that dogs are strictly forbidden here).

🧘

Baie de Txingudi Promenade

A peaceful walking path right on the water with clear views over to Spain and the Pyrenees.

Highlights of 2026

2026-06-13

Sagarno Eguna - Cider Day

Celebrate the Basque cider tradition in Hendaye with tastings and a vibrant local festive atmosphere.

2026-06-17

Show - Charly and his drag queens

A dazzling and humorous drag show in Hendaye for an unforgettable evening full of glamour.

2026-06-18

Start of the Race Across France 2026

Be there in Hendaye for the grand departure of this legendary ultra-cycling race across France.

2026-06-21

Fête de la Musique - Music Festival

Hendaye celebrates music with numerous free open-air concerts taking place all across the city.

2026-06-25

Concert with the Itsasoa choir

Enjoy the melodic harmonies of the Itsasoa choir during an atmospheric performance in Hendaye.

2026-06-2619:00

Apéro Lasai with Raf

Relaxed appetizer in Hendaye with a chill musical accompaniment by Raf for a perfect summer evening.

Marking the absolute southwestern edge of France, right on the border with Spain, Hendaye is a glorious seaside resort that embodies the bustling spirit of the Basque Coast. The town is famous for boasting one of the longest and safest sandy beaches in the region, stretching for three kilometers and offering a gentle slope that makes it a true paradise for beginner surfers and families alike. Overlooking the ocean from a rugged cliff, the spectacular Château d'Abbadia stands as a fascinating architectural masterpiece. Built in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic, orientalist style by explorer Antoine d'Abbadie, the castle features an astrological observatory and panoramic coastal views. The Txingudi Bay, which separates Hendaye from the Spanish town of Hondarribia, provides a memorable backdrop for sailing and stand-up paddleboarding, with regular boat shuttles connecting the two countries in minutes. The town's architecture features distinct Basque elements, with whitewashed houses and dark red or green timber frames. With its laid-back surf culture, superb seafood restaurants serving freshly caught fish, and striking natural setting, Hendaye is an unmissable destination.

Location: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Top sights: Abbadia Castle · Hendaye Beach · Abbadia Estate
Nearby: Urrugne (6 km)
Population: ~18.102

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	9	9	11	13	15	18	20	21	19	17	12	10
Rain mm	126	96	90	86	82	68	48	51	64	94	149	117

Geography

Population

14,415

Coordinates

43.35860, -1.77440

Facts

Beach length: approx. 3 km
Total area: 7.95 km²
Located in the historical Basque Country
Key stop on the Sentier du Littoral trail
Home to the Château d'Abbadia and its observatory
Postal code: 64700

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Hondarribia2 km · WExplore →

📍Urrugne6 km · EExplore →

📍Ciboure9 km · EExplore →

Errenteria11 km · SWExplore →

Pasai Donibane12 km · WExplore →

📍Bidart17 km · NEExplore →

San Sebastián17 km · WExplore →

📍Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle18 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Hendaye (6)

Abbadia Castle 🏺 historical

A unique Gothic Revival castle built by Viollet-le-Duc for scientist Antoine d'Abbadie overlooking the sea.

Hendaye Beach 🌿 nature

Expansive and inviting, the Grande Plage d'Hendaye stretches gracefully within a protected French bay. Its family-friendly environment and gentle waves cultivate a deeply relaxed and accessible atmosphere. Beyond carefree swimming, beginner surfers will find fantastic conditions here to catch their very first waves. For long days out by the ocean, bringing plenty of sun protection is highly advised.

Abbadia Estate🌿 nature

A protected coastal natural site offering spectacular cliffside views and diverse Basque flora and fauna.

Saint-Vincent Church ⛪ religious

A 16th-century Basque church known for its wooden galleries and traditional white exterior architecture.

Pheasant Island 🏺 historical

A historic river island where the Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed between France and Spain in 1659.

Arrizurreta ur-biltegia 🌿 nature

Arrizurreta ur-biltegia in Hendaye is a reservoir surrounded by hills and hiking trails.

Frequently asked questions

Which beach is the best in Hendaye?

The Grande Plage is convenient with its 3 km of fine sand. It is considered one of the safest beaches in the Basque Country due to gentle waves.

Is it easy to get to Spain from here?

Yes, by ferry in 5 min to Hondarribia or by the 'Euskotren' train directly to San Sebastián. The border runs through the Bidasoa river.

What is the main sightseeing attraction?

The Château d'Abbadia, a neo-Gothic castle on the cliffs. It was built by scientist Antoine d'Abbadie and houses an observatory.

Is Hendaye good for beginner surfers?

Absolutely. The bay is protected from strong winds, creating long, gentle waves, excellent for the many local surf schools.

What should you eat in Hendaye?

Try fresh fish 'à la plancha' and the Gâteau Basque. Tapas (Pintxos) are also very popular due to the proximity to the Spanish border.

Hendaye: where is it located?

Hendaye is located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.

Hendaye: what is there to see?

Highlights include Abbadia Castle, Hendaye Beach, Abbadia Estate.

Hendaye: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Hendaye: why is it worth visiting?

Marking the absolute southwestern edge of France, right on the border with Spain, Hendaye is a glorious seaside resort that embodies the bustling spirit of the Basque Coast.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →