Tourism
Visit Guéthary, between the fishing port and the ocean
Between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Guéthary is the smallest village on the Basque coast, and one of the most endearing.
A former whaling port turned world-class surf spot, it brings together a small fishing port, a panoramic Terrace from 1912, and beautiful Neo-Basque houses.
To visit Guéthary without missing a thing, here are the must-sees of this village, just 3 km from our campsite in the heart of the Basque Country.
Guéthary at a glance
- Guéthary is the smallest village on the Basque coast, between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- The Terrace, built in 1912, offers a panorama of the ocean and the surfers.
- The small fishing port recalls its past as a whaling village.
- The Parlementia wave attracts experienced surfers from all over the world.
- Saint-Nicolas Church and the Neo-Basque houses tell the story of the local culture.
Getaria
Guéthary
The port and the Terrace, the heart of the village
The heart of Guéthary beats around its fishing port and its Terrace.
A former whaling village, it has kept a picturesque little port where a few colorful boats recall the fishing tradition.
Just above, the Terrace, laid out in 1912, reveals a panorama from Biarritz to the Spanish coast.
At sunset, the ballet of surfers on the Parlementia wave below is worth the trip alone.
Good to know
The Terrace, a pretty Neo-Basque style building, can be reached on foot from Guéthary station. Parking fills up quickly in summer, especially at the end of the day. It’s better to arrive early, or come via the coastal path from Bidart or Saint-Jean-de-Luz. And you should know that the sunset from the Terrace is among the most beautiful on the entire Basque coast!
Guéthary’s beaches and surf spots
Guéthary owes its world reputation to its surf spots.
Offshore, the Parlementia wave, reserved for experienced surfers, forms on a rocky shoal.
More sheltered, Cénitz beach is better suited for families and beginners.
From our Merko Lacarra campsite, in the Acotz district, this beach is just 150 meters away and already marks the border with Guéthary.
3 beaches line the village’s seafront:
- Harotzen Costa, below the Terrace, delights sunset lovers.
- Parlementia welcomes experienced surfers on its reef wave.
- Cénitz, gentler, is perfect for swimming and beginner surfing.
Basque heritage: church, fronton, and museum
Beyond the seafront, Guéthary cultivates a true Basque heritage.
Saint-Nicolas Church, with its bell tower and wooden galleries, illustrates the typical religious art of Labourd. On the square, the fronton stands next to the town hall, an elegant Neo-Basque style house listed as a Historic Monument.
Art lovers can head to the municipal museum, located in the Villa Saraleguinea, which exhibits works by sculptor Georges Clément de Swiecinski and Roman remains from a former salting factory.
The team favorite at Merko Lacarra campsite
“The end of the day in Guéthary! We take the coastal path from Cénitz, settle on the Terrace for the sunset, then share a Basque cake in the village. It’s the authentic Basque Country, just a stone’s throw from the campsite!”
Antton, Campsite Manager
Looking for an ideal starting point to visit Guéthary? Our campsite near Guéthary opens its doors to you on foot via the coastal path. Book your stay and savor the Basque Country at the rhythm of the ocean!
frequently asked questions
FAQ – Visiting Bidart
What to see in Guéthary in one day?
In one day in Guéthary, start with the fishing port and the Terrace for the ocean view. Then head to Saint-Nicolas Church and the fronton in the heart of the village. Finish with the municipal museum and a Basque cake on a terrace, facing the surfers.
Can you surf in Guéthary as a beginner?
Yes, but not everywhere. The Parlementia wave is reserved for experienced surfers because of the reef and its size. For beginners, the gentler Cénitz beach is more suitable, as are the neighboring surf schools in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
How to get to Guéthary from Saint-Jean-de-Luz?
From Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Guéthary can be reached in 10 minutes by car or bus, with the Txik Txak line no. 3, which stops at the entrance to our campsite. On foot, the coastal path connects the two towns along the ocean, passing through Cénitz beach. Continuing north, the same path leads to Bidart, 5 km from our campsite near Bidart.
Where to park in Guéthary?
In Guéthary, several car parks exist near the center and the station, but they saturate quickly in summer. Aim for early morning or late afternoon. From our campsite, the easiest way remains coming on foot via the coastal path.
Is Guéthary worth the detour?
Yes, without hesitation! As the smallest village on the Basque coast, Guéthary charms with its port, its panoramic Terrace, and its surf atmosphere. Its Neo-Basque heritage and its sunsets make it a short but memorable stop, very close to Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Sources: Basque Country Tourist Office, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Guéthary page / En Pays Basque, Guéthary
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