Without doubt the area known as Urdaibai represents one of the most beautiful and varied areas in the whole territory. A natural reserve with an extension of 220 km2, where the fauna and flora are of special interest, as well as its sand dunes and inlets formed by the sea. There are several beaches here, with their corresponding waves. The most famous is Mundaka, which is on one side of the estuary. Opposite are the much frequented beaches of Laga and Laida, and not far away is the municipality of Bakio, where the sea provides interesting wave activity all the year long.

Bermeo, an important fishing village between Bakio and Mundaka, guards a treasure that is well worth a visit: the beautiful Hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, situated on a small island and surrounded by the islands of Izaro and Aketxe. An undeniably scenic route that can be completed by road and has various viewpoints.

Mundaka

Famous the world over, it is considered done of the top 10 left-hand waves in the world, and the best in Europe. Over the last 30 years, its perfection and beauty has attracted surfers from all over the world. Among them, the world´s top 45 surfers, thanks to the elite World Championship contest that has been held here over the last decade.

The wave is perfect because of the sea floor: a consistent and very sheltered sandbar that, given the right conditions, provides long tubular waves that can reach 15 feet in height.

The small coastal town of Mundaka, undeniably pretty and a great tourist attraction, has been transformed and re-defined by surfing. The reason? It is here where they jealously guard a renowned wave, considered a local treasure, which is, on the other hand, also unpredictable.

It is a wave suitable only for experienced surfers that unfortunately does not break as often as one would like, which is part of its charm. Autumn and particularly winter are the periods when you can best enjoy Mundaka. When there are optimum sea and wind conditions the spectacle barely lasts 3 hours, due to the tides. In this brief period it is possible to find 200 surfers in the water enjoying its unique qualities.

Getting to Mundaka.

Forty minutes by road from Bilbao, the capital of Bizkaia province, it is on the limit of the metropolitan area. This means you can enjoy all the different aspects of this small paradise only a few kilometres away from the provincial nerve centre. It has a train service to Bilbao and a bus service to the neighbouring locations of Bermeo and Gernika. The latter is important historically, as it was bombed during the Spanish Civil War, an event represented in a painting named after the town by Picasso, and with numerous references elsewhere.

In the summer the public transport services in the various locations throughout the Urdaibai Reserve are stepped up, as it is a well-known summer destination for many Basques and also for visitors from other places.

As well as surfing, the area is known for other outdoor activities, such as fishing, saliling, or trekking, among others. In other words, it is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life.