7 of the best things to do during your stay at our surf hostel
Guéthary is a beautiful Basque Country village located on the coast of South West France, about 20 minutes drive or 45 minutes on the bus south of Biarritz. Known for its world-class surfing, stunning coastline, and charming Basque architecture, Guéthary is home to L’escale Surf Hostel and is a must-visit destination for backpackers seeking a place to call home for a few days or more. L’escale is a 5 minute walk from the train station making it easily accessible from all major cities in France and Spain as well as the smaller coastal towns such as San Sebastian and Bordeaux. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your stay with us.
7 of the best things to do in Guéthary
Surfing
Hiking and day walks
Try the local food
Visit the beautiful beaches
Soak up the Basque architecture
Watch the sunset
Festivals and local markets
1. Surfing
While most people have heard of Biarritz, Guéthary is also one of the best surfing spots in France, attracting surfers from all over the world. There are plenty of local surf schools offering lessons for beginners, and the experienced surfers can test their skills on the excellent reef breaks nearby. We have surfboards and wetsuits for hire and can also arrange your surf lessons for you. There are waves for all levels whether you are brand new to surfing or a more experienced surfer seeking bigger waves (if you have car a day trip up the coast to Hosseger is well worth it if conditions are right).
2. Hiking and day walks
The Coastal Path is one of the best ways to explore Guéthary and the surrounding area. It starts in Bidart and ends in Saint Jean-de-Luz (although it also connects with the Camino Del Norte which goes all the way to San Sebastian in Spain and beyond). It offers stunning views of the Basque coast and takes you through the countryside. You can follow the path to nearby villages like Bidart or walk to the nearby lighthouse for a panoramic view of the area.
Walks vary in length from 10 minutes to full day hikes. You can go one or both ways as there are regular trains and buses between the towns located along the trail and only cost a few euros. The trails are marked with paint and finding the markers is actually as much fun as the walk itself! We know all the trails well so can advise you on the best path to take.
3. Food
The Basque Country is known for its delicious food, and Guéthary is no exception. The village has plenty of restaurants serving traditional Basque dishes like pintxos, seafood, and Basque-style grilled meats. Be sure to try the local specialty, Basque cake, a delicious almond cake which we recommend buying from Maison Paries in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
We love sharing our favourite recommendations such as Au Fournil de la Licorne in Bidart for the best croissant and Heteroclito in Guéthary for the best seafood.
Something to be aware of is that our local people take siesta very seriously - this means a lot of shops and restaurants are closed or not serving food between 2:30-6pm. The local supermarket in Guéthary is also closed on Tuesdays however there are several larger supermarkets open in Bidart which you can reach by bus.
If you are looking for something specific or need help, just ask Ella, your friendly local host and owner of L’escale Surf Hostel who is always happy to provide advice.
4. Beaches
Guéthary has several beautiful beaches, including the Plage de Cenitz, which is one of the best surf spots in the area. Other nearby beaches include the Plage de Parlementia and Plage Des Alcyons. If it’s windy there is a really sheltered spot by the sea wall at the beach by our little port just 5 minutes from L'escale Surf Hostel.
5. Basque architecture
Guéthary is known for its traditional Basque architecture, with many of the buildings featuring half-timbered facades and red shutters. Take a stroll through the village to admire the architecture and stop by the church of Saint Nicolas, which dates back to the 16th century.
6. Watch the sunset
Watching the sunset from the terrace (just a 5 minute walk from L’escale Surf Hostel) or one of the cliff top bars in Guéthary is an experience not to be missed.
One of our favourite spots to watch the sunset is Bibam bar which has a great beer garden and also serves local beer. It's a 20 minute, beautiful walk along the coast to get here.
7. Local festivals
The Basque Country is known for its festivals, and Guéthary is no exception. In August the village hosts La Fête du Port à Guéthary where you can eat our local speciality, mussels and fries. Guéthary also has a regular market where you can buy fresh produce and local specialties such as saucissons and cheese. The market runs every Sunday 8:30 am - 1pm from mid-May until the end of September. Every Saturday there is also a flea market where you can find some interesting antiques and collectables.
Book your stay at L'escale Surf Hostel
Guéthary is a beautiful and charming destination that should not be missed by backpackers travelling through the Basque Country. With its stunning coastline, world-class surfing, delicious food, or just a place to chill for a while, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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