Top 10 Hendaye: the must-sees for your vacation!

On the border of Spain, in the southeast of the Basque Country, is the charming town of Hendaye, renowned for its natural living environment and sunny seasons. Ideally located for lovers of water sports, hiking, golf and cycling, it attracts many tourists each year looking for an escape. Stroll on the beaches and admire the pretty seafront neighborhoods, we reveal the top 10 things to do in Hendaye.

Opening photo of the article: AdobeStock_chromoprisme

Article Summary

1. Go to the beach in Hendaye
2. Walk along the coastal path
3. Visit the Abbadia Castle-Observatory in Hendaye
4. Tease the waves and go surfing
5. The superb Hendaye corniche and its views
6. The city center for strolling and shopping
7. Enjoy the restaurants of Hendaye
8. Discover the seabed by diving
9. See Hendaye from a boat, stroll or cruise?
10. 1On an electric scooter to see everything and have fun!
    

1- Discover the beaches of Hendaye

With its 3 kilometers of fine sand, Hendaye beach is one of the largest on the Basque Coast. Also called Pointe de Sokoburu Beach, it is ideal for families who want to enjoy the sea air. In the water, surfers can have fun on the waves, under the eyes of bathers who enjoy the mild climate. Beach tents, beach mattresses and children's clubs, the services are adapted in summer where the beach is supervised. As an integral part of the Grande Plage, the Plage des 2 vins is characterized by the presence of two rocks that rise out of the sea. With disabled access and many restaurants and cafes nearby, it is always pleasant to stroll at the beach.

2- Walk the coastal path in Hendaye

Stretched over 25 kilometers along the beaches, the coastal path offers magnificent panoramas to admire throughout the route. Between golden beaches, blue sea and rocky areas, reach Bidart from Hendaye on a path which can be done in several stages. Make a stop at Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a fishing port which reveals the charm of the Basque Country and at Guéthary, an authentic village neighboring Biarritz to take some pretty shots of the landscape.

3- Visit the Abbadia Castle-Observatory in Hendaye

Located on the Basque corniche north of Hendaye, the Château-Observatoire d'Hendaye rises above the ocean. Built between 1864 and 1884 , it offers neo-Gothic architecture to its admirers, who can visit around ten of its rooms all year round. Library, observatory or chapel, the site was imagined as a scientific laboratory for a great traveler, astronomer and ethnologist, Antoine d'Abbadie. Visit this incredible monument perched on the cliffs before strolling through the landscaped gardens and agricultural park that surrounds this beautiful building.

4- Discover surfing in Hendaye

Lining the Grande Plage d'Hendaye, many surf clubs offer board rental for a few hours, for the week or for the weekend. Clip your leash to your ankle and dive into the waves before gliding across the water. Hendaye is the perfect spot for lovers of aquatic sensations who like to surpass themselves in a sport that mixes acrobatics and balance. Are you intimidated? Sign up for surf lessons to progress. Rest assured, the teachers are all passionate.

5- Walk on the Corniche d’Hendaye

The Corniche d'Hendaye joins Ciboure, a wild and preserved part characterized by rocky landscapes and vast meadows which surround this natural and protected area of around ten kilometers. The “ twins ”, two famous rocks on the Hendaye corniche, have also given their name to the beach which overlooks them. At the foot of the Pyrenees, the coves and beaches are the starting point of magnificent cliffs that rise above the ocean. Take the paths that crisscross the site to admire the marvelous panoramas that stretch out before your eyes, incredible contrasts of colors and textures in the Basque Country.

6- Walk around the city center of Hendaye

Wander the streets and center of Hendaye to discover its past. A route is recommended so as not to miss anything, a loop in the city which takes you towards the emblematic sites of Hendaye. The Saint-Vincent church is a must-see with its 3 wooden galleries in the nave and its white walls. Maison Pierre Loti , built in 1860, is a beautiful architect's residence which cannot be visited, called " Bakar Etxea " for the house of the solitary. The ruins of Fort Vauban, the Villa Mauresque and the Fronton Gaztelu Zahar are also to be discovered during your lovely stroll in Hendaye.

7- Eat at a restaurant in Hendaye

It's not complicated to enjoy yourself in Hendaye, where Basque cuisine mixes with Spanish specialties. Tapas, glasses of wine, sangrias, seafood and sheep's cheese, immerse yourself in Basque traditions with the conviviality that is required. Spicy, colorful, fragrant and tasty, the recipes are made from regional products. Sit down facing the sea to enjoy a magnificent view of the ocean, a timeless moment reserved for taste buds and tasting. In the summer, take advantage of the pretty terraces for lunch or dinner with friends or family.

8- Go scuba diving in Hendaye

Observing marine biodiversity and colorful fish, what a magnificent moment to experience in Hendaye. With your masks and fins, we dive to meet the inhabitants of the ocean. Rest assured, you will be well supported by patient and educational instructors, who will be able to introduce you if you are a beginner with a first dive. Do you dive regularly and want to admire the seabed of Hendaye? The instructors adapt to your level for a colorful diving exploration. Snorkeling or apnea, you can vary the pleasures in Hendaye.

9- Take a boat trip from Hendaye

Escape for a day to visit the surroundings of Hendaye aboard a boat. From the bay of Txingudi to the bay of Loya at the foot of the magnificent Abbadia castle, the sea trip is incredible and offers even different panoramas of the town of Hendaye, which spreads out before your eyes like a postcard between the cliffs. Observe the play of color reflected on the blue ocean water, or book your cruise after dark to admire the stunning sunset. Sailboat or boat rentals are also available to allow you to sail freely on the sea of Hendaye.

10- Ride an electric scooter in Hendaye

A few kilometers from Hendaye, in Urrugne, experience thrills for a day on an electric scooter. The courses are adapted to your level and your desires, with 2 off-road wheels that can take you anywhere. Each hike is organized in a group and accompanied for a safe ride along the Basque Coast. Calm or sporty walk, the choice is yours. Put on your helmet and turn on your scooter , we'll take you for a fun outing.

The Basque Country is rich in lively and dynamic small towns like Hendaye, which offers a unique setting between sandy beaches and cliffs . Let yourself be transported by a Basque atmosphere with Spanish accents, and don't miss our top 10 things to do in Hendaye.

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