The Basque Coast with children: beaches, activities and accommodation

With its family-friendly beaches, charming villages, vibrant culture and holiday atmosphere all year round, the Basque Country is an ideal destination for families with children. From the coast to the inland areas, via the towns on the Spanish side, there is so much to see that it’s best to plan your trip carefully. Which destinations and beaches should you choose, which activities should you book, which excursions should you plan, and what sort of accommodation is best? Here are our top tips for organising a simple, enjoyable holiday on the Basque Coast that’s suitable for the whole family.

Choosing the most child-friendly beaches on the Basque Coast

When going on a family day out, the choice of beach makes all the difference. It’s best to opt for beaches that are easy to access, have lifeguards on duty, plenty of space and, depending on the children’s ages, areas where the water is calmer.

There are a few beaches on the Basque Coast that are particularly well-suited to a family holiday:

Milady Beach in Biarritz: Convenient for families staying at the Ibis Styles Biarritz Plage. The hotel is right next to the beach, making it easy to spend the morning swimming, take a break back at the hotel, and then head back to the seaside later in the day.
The Main Beach at Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Ideal for families with young children thanks to its bay, which is sheltered by three breakwaters. The water here is calmer, and the beach is close to the town centre, the harbour and the shops.
The beaches at Ciboure and Socoa: They, too, benefit from the sheltered bay. It’s a good option for families looking for a more peaceful swim and a spot that’s less exposed to the waves.
Hendaye’s Grande Plage: With its 3 km of fine sand, it offers plenty of space to play, walk, build sandcastles or introduce children to the joys of the sea.

Plan activities that are easy to enjoy as a family

A holiday on the Basque Coast with children is often planned around activities that are easy to organise. The aim is to avoid over-packed days, whilst still including highlights that the whole family will enjoy.

Here are a few ideas to include in the programme:

The Biarritz Aquarium : A sure-fire hit with children. The visit lasts on average between 1½ and 2 hours and is a great way for the whole family to discover marine life. The seal feeding, which takes place every day at 10.30 am and 5 pm, is one of the highlights most eagerly anticipated by the little ones. The Aquarium is situated on the Esplanade du Rocher de la Vierge, about a 10-minute drive from the Ibis Styles Biarritz Plage.
The Bayonne Natural History Museum and the Plaine d’Ansot : The Museum is situated at 1 Chemin d’Ansot in Bayonne, within the Plaine d’Ansot nature reserve, a biodiversity conservation site managed by the City Council. It is closed on Mondays and has different opening hours depending on the season. From Le Bayonne, it’s an easy half-day outing to organise for a relaxing break.
The little train at Saint-Jean-de-Luz: A very practical way to explore the town without tiring the children out. The tour starts at Place Foch, opposite the media centre, right in the heart of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. From the Belha hotels in Ciboure, it’s an easy family outing to organise.

Focusing on sporting and recreational activities

The Basque Coast is also the perfect destination for families who love to be active. With the ocean, cycle paths, treetop adventure courses, leisure centres and water sports on offer, it’s easy to find an outing suited to your children’s ages and how energetic they’re feeling at the time.

A few ideas to bear in mind:

An introduction to surfing in Anglet: A great first experience for children and teenagers who want to try their hand at surfing, under the supervision of an instructor. The ES64 Anglet surf school, located on Plage des Cavaliers, offers lessons, beginners’ courses, advanced courses and equipment hire.
Oihana in Urrugne : The park offers tree-top adventure courses, with over 110 activities spread across six levels, ranging from 50 cm to over 20 m in height. It is situated in Urrugne, about 3 km from the village centre towards Hendaye.
The Pop Centre at Lac de Guiche : Water jump, water park, zip line, belly slide and inflatable obstacle course for a really fun-filled day. The site is in Guiche; it’s best to allow half a day or a full day for a family outing.
The cycle path on Boulevard des Plages in Anglet: An easy cycle ride along the coast. This cycle path links Anglet’s 11 beaches over a distance of 4.5 km, with plenty of opportunities to stop off depending on the children’s ages: a spot on the beach, a snack, watching the surfers or simply stopping to look at the waves.

Exploring the Basque Coast without tiring the children out too much

When travelling with children, the best days out are often those that are kept short, straightforward and easy to pace. A town in the morning, a beach in the afternoon, an ice cream on the way back: the Basque Coast is a joy to explore without turning your holiday into a marathon.

There are a few routes that are ideal for families:

The Biarritz – Bidart – Guéthary – Saint-Jean-de-Luz coastal route: A lovely way to explore the coast in stages. The Vélodyssée cycle route links Biarritz to Saint-Jean-de-Luz over a distance of 14.24 km, with a quieter atmosphere between Biarritz and Bidart, followed by some beautiful viewpoints towards Guéthary.
San Sebastián and Bilbao: Two day trips on the Spanish side, to choose from depending on how much time you have. San Sebastián is a lovely place to visit with children, thanks to La Concha Bay, Monte Igueldo, its funicular railway, the boats and the tourist train or bus. Bilbao is best visited over a full day, but offers a more urban experience with the Ria, the bridges, the funicular and the Guggenheim Museum, which also provides family-friendly facilities.
Espelette and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: A great combination for exploring the Basque Country. Espelette is sure to appeal to children with its Basque-style façades and hanging chillies. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port offers a more historic atmosphere, with its narrow streets, ramparts and role as a stop-off village. Best enjoyed on a mild day, allowing plenty of time to wander around.

Plan a family outing in the countryside

The Basque Coast is about more than just beaches. Forests, mountains, lakes, caves and panoramic views also make for lovely nature outings with the children, provided you choose suitable routes.

Here are a few ideas to consider, depending on age and how far you fancy walking:

The Rhune Railway: An iconic outing in the Basque Country. The journey takes around 35 minutes each way, with 1 hour 20 minutes at the summit to take in the views. It’s a great option for families with children; you can explore the mountains without breaking a sweat, whilst still enjoying the real feeling of a day out.
The Caves of Sare: An interesting underground tour for parents of curious little ones. The guided tour lasts around 1 hour and takes place in a sheltered environment at 14 °C deep within the cave. The site offers an introduction to geology, prehistory and the origins of the Basque people in a family-friendly format.

Organise an easy walk from your hotel

When you’re travelling with children, a good walk is often a straightforward one: a short journey, a clear route, opportunities for breaks, and something genuinely interesting to see once you arrive. The advantage of Belha Collection is that you can choose a hotel based on the type of walk you’d like to go on.

A few ideas for easy walks starting from the accommodation:

From the Ibis Styles Biarritz Plage: Head to Milady Beach, then carry on towards the Cité de l’Océan or the coastal viewpoints. An easy walk to enjoy Biarritz without having to get back in the car.
From Atlanthal in Anglet: Follow the Boulevard des Plages and cycle along the Anglet coastline. The cycle path takes you past Anglet’s 11 beaches over a distance of 4.5 km – ideal for a family outing combining a walk by the sea, stops at the beach and watching the surfers.
From Les Terrasses in Anglet: head to Chiberta Forest or the Pignada Greenway for a more nature-oriented walk, amongst pine trees, ferns, the golf course and Lake Chiberta.
From Le Bayonne: Set off on foot along the banks of the Nive, heading towards the historic centre, Les Halles, the bridges and the colourful streets of Bayonne. An easy stroll through the city, perfect for children.
From the Ibis Budget Bayonne: walk to the town centre for a short stroll taking in the historic sights, shops, a chocolate break and the quays.
From the Ibis Ciboure Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Set off towards Ciboure harbour, walk along the bay, head to Saint-Jean-de-Luz and enjoy a scenic stroll amongst the boats, the beach and the historic centre.
From the Ibis Budget Ciboure: to organise an easy walk around Ciboure and the bay, with the option of heading to Saint-Jean-de-Luz without having to plan a long day’s walk.

These short walks are often the easiest to manage with children. They allow you to get out and about without any pressure, enjoy the local surroundings and maintain a relaxed pace throughout your stay.

Choosing Belha accommodation to suit your family holiday

When visiting the Basque Coast with children, the right accommodation makes everything easier. It means shorter journeys, the chance to take breaks during the day, an easy return home after the beach, and a relaxed pace for the whole family.

Belha Collection comprises several establishments across the major destinations on the Basque Coast, allowing guests to choose the venue that best suits their plans:

Ibis Styles Biarritz Plage : A 3-star hotel with a seaside atmosphere, fully air-conditioned, with unlimited Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, an on-site restaurant and free private car park. It is ideal for families looking for a simple, comfortable stay close to the sea.
Atlanthal in Anglet : A 4-star hotel with a thalassotherapy centre, 99 rooms and access to the lagoon. An attractive option for families looking to combine a comfortable stay, wellness, the ocean and relaxation areas.
Les Terrasses in Anglet : A comfortable hotel, directly connected to the Atlanthal complex. The thalassotherapy centre is accessible via a semi-covered walkway, and the Lagon features a heated seawater pool, massage jets, micro-bubble seats and loungers, a sauna, a hammam and a fitness area.
Le Bayonne : A 4-star hotel on the banks of the River Nive, just a few minutes from the historic centre, with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar and gym. A convenient choice for families who want to enjoy Bayonne whilst enjoying a high standard of comfort on site.
Ibis Budget Bayonne : a more affordable option for short breaks with family or friends, ideal for enjoying Bayonne without breaking the bank on accommodation.
Ibis Ciboure Saint-Jean-de-Luz : A cosy place to stay on the bay side, with easy access to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Ciboure and the sheltered beaches.
Ibis Budget Ciboure : A simple and conveniently located option for exploring Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure with the family, offering practical and comfortable accommodation.