Located just across the estuary, the lovely golden sands of Laida Beach make a fine setting for a fun day out. Where the water meets the shore, it's fairly shallow, making Laida a great place for children. Further out, you'll find good breaks for surfing. From Mundaka, it's a 23km drive, but a mere 200m-or-so paddle.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
15.45 MILES
Shimmering titanium Museo Guggenheim Bilbao is one of modern architecture's most iconic buildings. It played a major role in helping to lift Bilbao out of…
16.02 MILES
On the waterfront, this interactive maritime museum brings the watery depths of Bilbao and Basque maritime history to life. Start with a 10-minute video…
15.74 MILES
The Museo de Bellas Artes houses a compelling collection that includes everything from Gothic sculptures to 20th-century pop art. There are three main…
25.12 MILES
Although Getaria is mainly about sun, sand and seafood, don't miss a visit to the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa. Local boy Cristóbal became a giant in the…
5.88 MILES
One of the most photographed features of the Basque coast, 10km to Bermeo's northwest, is the small, rocky isle of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Accessed from…
13.05 MILES
The world's first underwater winery, Crusoe Treasure, ages its vintages 20m below the surface on an artificial reef. Tastings of its whites and reds are…
15.48 MILES
The compact Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s atmospheric old quarter, is full of charming streets, boisterous bars and plenty of quirky and independent shops. At the…
22.41 MILES
Running from Zumaia west to Deba and Mutriku, this narrow coastal strip encompasses meadows, forests, caves and, most importantly, 13km of dramatic cliffs…
Nearby The Central Basque Coast attractions
0.98 MILES
A short walk northeast of town takes you on a path out to this striking stone church, which dates from 1879 but looks much older. Although it's often…
2.23 MILES
This replica of a whaling ship (not quite full size) gives a taste of what life was like for the 60 or so sailors aboard this triple-masted vessel of the…
2.3 MILES
Small but absorbing, the Arrantzaleen Museoa has model ships, shipbuilding tools and implements such as harpoons that provide an overview of the history…
2.43 MILES
Once a lookout for spotting whales off the coast, this small leafy park has recently been decorated with massive murals depicting the whale hunt. Artists…
3.9 MILES
The Urdaibai estuary snakes north of Gernika to kiss the sea at Mundaka, covering around 220 sq km of constantly evolving water flows, mud banks, marshes…
4.46 MILES
The walls of this cave system, 6.5km northeast of Gernika, are decorated with around 50 different Neolithic paintings depicting bison, horses, rhinos and…
4.5 MILES
The artist Agustín Ibarrola has created an unusual work of art by painting striking designs on a swath of trees inside the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. A…
5.79 MILES
Every Monday, trade folk from across the region descend on Gernika to sell their wares in a sprawling market. You'll find over 350 stalls of fruits,…