What to do in Biarritz: surfing, tapas and luxury on the Basque coast

When better weather finally arrives, head for Biarritz! Cradled by the swell, let yourself be carried away to the rhythm of its white sand beaches, its legendary waves, its delicious Basque gastronomy and inimitable atmosphere.

Discover surfing under the watchful eye of the Rocher de la Vierge, take a trip on a vintage sailboat in search of colourful fish, set off on a seaside stroll from Bidart to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, on foot or by bike... Come aboard with Le Collectionist, and explore the best activities in Biarritz for a vacation of simplicity and refinement:

• • Top 3 must-do activities in Biarritz
  • What to do with family in Biarritz 
  • Where to go out in Biarritz: Our favourite bars and restaurants
  • The best excursions around Biarritz
  • Le Collectionist's tips for Biarttiz

TOP 3 MUST-DO ACTIVITIES IN BIARRITZ

Surf Biarritz's legendary waves

Grab your sun cream with one hand and your board with the other, and it's time to practice Biarritz's most popular activity: surfing! On large stretches of white sand, you can practice straightening up before plunging into the ocean for the ultimate thrill. And if surfing isn't your thing, take a parasailing or parasailing tour and discover the coast in a whole new way. 

Admire the Biarritz sunset from a catamaran

Before night falls, hop aboard a catamaran and sail out to the perfect spot overlooking the Basque city and coastline. There, with a glass of sangria in hand and your favourite music on the speakers, enjoy the last rays of sunshine and admire the sky painting itself in soft orange hues for a magical moment. 

Learn Basque cuisine right from home 

If you want to get the full flavour of Basque cuisine, what better way than to help create it yourself? From the comfort of your villa, have a chef at home to discover the region's produce and learn how to cook Basque chicken or piperade. The secret? Always add a little locally-grown Espelette pepper.

Are you looking for even more activities for your sunny afternoons on the Basque coast? Check out our article and follow us for an unforgettable getaway to Biarritz.

Villa Coline in Biarritz

Where to stay in Biarritz

To discover the essential activities of Biarritz, be in the heart of the action at Villa Coline. Overlooking the ocean, this haven of serenity, just 10 minutes from Milady beach, is the perfect place to challenge the waves with your family. 

What you need to know :

• Villa Coline in Biarritz, Basque Country
• Swimming pool, garden, close to the beach and the center 
• 10 people
• From 8755 € per week

What to do with family in biarritz

Galloping along the beach of Biarritz

As the sun sets, grab hold of your steed's mane and take to the beach, facing the unspoilt landscapes of the Basque coast. Once you've had your fill of speed, plunge your horse's legs into the ocean and bathe together as the sky fills with stars. 

Family initiation to Basque pelota 

Perfect for young and old alike, Basque pelota is a must-do activity during your Biarritz getaway. Discover this typical local sport with a professional pelotari, and learn to handle the chistera like a true expert. 

Cycling along the Atlantic coast

After a morning of surfing, hop on your bike and pedal along the seafront. Discover the towns of Saint-Jean de Luz, Anglet and Bidart, before settling down at a café terrace with your children for a well-earned lemonade. And if you're a big cycling enthusiasts, take the "voie verte" from Biarritz to Bayonne, for an hour's ride through the Basque country.

Villa Elaia in Biarritz

Où loger à Biarritz

Inland, a little set back from the bustling centre of Biarritz, enjoy the calm and family atmosphere of Villa Elaia. With its elegant and bucolic interior, this haven of peace in the colours of the Basque Country is the perfect refuge for children full of energy and parents in search of tranquility. 

What you need to know:

• Villa Elaia in Biarritz, Basque Country
• Garden, swimming pool, near Biarritz
• 10 people
• From €6505 per week

Where to go out in Biarritz: Our favourite bars and restaurants for a festive evening

Le Carlos Biarritz

Halfway between a Basque tapas bar and French cuisine, Le Carlos is a favourite with regulars and visitors alike. This address, with its exceptional views, it combines sparkling cocktails, tapas, live music and a tête-à-tête with the Atlantic Ocean. Our advice? Arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best tables. 

Le Carlos Biarritz, 7 Bd du Prince de Galles, 64200 Biarritz

Ilunabar Ghethary

This place's name means "sunset" in Basque; the Ilunabar in Ghétary is one of our favourite places to spend the evening with family or friends, with sunglasses on your nose and a glass of local white wine in hand. With the Pyrenees and the mythical Parliamentia surf spot as our only neighbours, you can enjoy some tapas to music in a joyful atmosphere facing the sun going down on the Atlantic. 

Ilunabar 50 Promenade de la plage, 64210 Guéthary

Bela Gorri

Lovers of French and Asian-influenced cuisine come together at Bela Gorri, a charming restaurant on Bidart's seaside. Here, you can enjoy a tuna mi-cuit or poke bowl, accompanied by a refreshing sangria as the sun sets over the ocean - an unforgettable moment! 

Bela Gorri, Plage de l’uhabia 52 Rue de l'Uhabia, 64210 Bidart

And, if your hunger still isn't satisfied, read our article to discover the best gourmet restaurants in Biarritz. 

Villa Elaura in Bidart

Where to stay near Biarritz

After a delicious lunch at the restaurant, the best thing is to find the exceptional view of Villa Elaura. Facing the ocean , it overlooks the pretty Erretegia beach, the perfect place to take a short digestive stroll. 

What you need to know:

• Villa Eulaura in Bidart, Basque Country
• Heated Pool, Beach, Frontline, Ocean Views
• 8 people
• From €9940 per week

DISCOVER THE REGION: THE BEST EXCURSIONS AROUND BIARRITZ

Guided tour of the Basque Country

From the rock of the Virgin in Biarritz to the arcaded houses of rue du Port-neuf in Bayonne , passing through the seaside resort of San Sebastian on the Spanish coast, soak up an inimitable atmosphere. For a day or a weekend, put on your red beret and your espadrilles and discover the rich Basque heritage during a tailor-made guided tour .

On board the little train from La Rhune to Biarritz

Attention, entrance to the station! It's time to embark on an unforgettable journey on one of the mythical jewels of the region: the Rhune train , a collector's cogwheel train. Between dense forests , ravines ,  bogs on the mountainside and green landscapes , discover the coast and the Basque Country in a whole new light just a few minutes from Biarritz . 

Ride on a vintage sailboat 

All sails out, navigate the calm waters of Biarritz in a vintage sailboat , like the navigators of yesteryear who ruled the coast. Installed on the deck, with a glass of patxaran , local aniseed alcohol, admire the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean to give way to the softness of the moonlight and thousands of stars. 

After discovering the French Basque Country , why not head to the Spanish coast and its legendary gastronomy? With Le Collectionist , discover the most famous Michelin-starred restaurants in Spain!

Villa Mendi à Guéthary

Where to stay in the heart of the Basque Country

In the heart of the Basque Country , on the heights of Guéthary, Villa Mendi is an island of sweetness perfect for unforgettable holidays with family or friends . Walk a few steps to the beach , cook up a la plancha dinner or have afternoon tea in its beautiful tree-lined garden before heading out to discover all the best excursions in the region. 

What you need to know :

• Villa Mendi in Guéthary, Basque Country
• View of the village and the mountains, garden, beach, near the center
• 8 people
• From €6450 per week

Le COLLECTIONIST'S TIPS FOR A SEAMLESS STAY IN BIARRITZ