Hendaye’s Grande Plage is the longest beach on the Basque coast, with about 3 km of sand, from Les Deux Jumeaux to the harbour wall.
Its gentle waves make it one of the best-known spots in the Basque Country to learn, with more than ten schools. For the other spots, read our guide to surfing in Hendaye.
At a glance: Hendaye’s Grande Plage
| Wave type | Beach break, several peaks |
| Bottom | Sand |
| Level | Beginners and all levels |
| Swell | North-west |
| Wind | South-east to south (offshore) |
| Best period | October to March |
| Hazards | Crowds, loose boards and a few rocks to the east; respect the surf zone |
About Hendaye’s Grande Plage (Hendaye, Basque Country)
The beach is very flat, which slows the swell down: the waves are gentle and rarely get big. The best waves are in the middle of the beach, near the casino.
It needs a minimum of swell to work. It is also a backup spot when the swell is too big elsewhere.
My take on Hendaye’s Grande Plage
Thanks to its wide bay, it is a good backup spot, especially in a strong swell. But the spot is not that easy, especially in winter.
Watch out for rocks that are not always visible in the water. Depending on the tide, getting out of the water by the casino steps can be dangerous.
When to surf Hendaye’s Grande Plage?
From October to March, the swells are bigger and more regular. In summer, the sea is often small. In summer, the sea is often small or even flat, and it is busy.
Hendaye Grande Plage surf calendar: swell size by month
Hendaye Grande Plage forecast
Before you paddle out, check the swell, wind and tide: here, the level of the spot changes with the size of the waves.
- Windy weather map (43.378, -1.764): swell, wind and live conditions.
- GoSurf webcam at Casino beach and Les Deux Jumeaux : the waves live before you go.
Hendaye’s Grande Plage: what level?
Beginners: yes, in small swell
The gentle waves and many schools make it one of the best-known spots in the Basque Country to learn.
Intermediate surfers: with a medium swell
Aim for the middle of the bay, near the casino, when the swell comes in.
Experienced surfers: a backup spot
With a big swell, the beach stays surfable. On normal days, go to Les Deux Jumeaux.
How to get to Hendaye’s Grande Plage?
The beach runs along the Hendaye-Plage seafront. From Hendaye station, Txik Txak buses reach the beach.
The beach has lifeguards every day from mid-June to mid-September, and on some weekends in spring and autumn.
Spot location
GPS coordinates (approximate): 43.378° N, 1.764° W. Hendaye’s Grande Plage, Hendaye, Basque Country.
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Where to stay near Hendaye’s Grande Plage?
Stay in Hendaye-Plage to walk to the water, or in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a few minutes away.
What to do near Hendaye’s Grande Plage?
Visit the Abbadia castle and observatory, take the boat shuttle to Hondarribia, or the Topo train to San Sebastián.
FAQ: Hendaye’s Grande Plage
Yes, it is one of the best-known spots in the Basque Country to learn, with gentle waves and more than ten schools.
From October to March, when the swell is big enough. In summer, the sea is often small.
The high-speed train goes to Hendaye, then Txik Txak buses reach the beach.
In short
Hendaye’s Grande Plage is a long beach break with gentle waves, one of the best-known spots in the Basque Country to learn, at its best from October to March, when the swell is big enough.
Other spots to check out nearby: Les Deux Jumeaux surf spot and Sokoburu surf spot. To compare with other regions, see our guide to surfing in France.
Information may change. This guide is for general guidance only: surf conditions, temperatures, access, opening hours and prices can change. Before your trip and every session, check the forecast, local conditions and information from local providers. A spot description and its suggested level are no guarantee of safety: always match your session to your level and the conditions on the day. Learn more
Sources: Ultimate France, The Surf Atlas, Surf-Report, Tourisme 64, Routard.