Mundaka
Mundaka, Bizkaia
Mundaka may look like a quiet fishing village at first, but this Basque destination has an outsized reputation. That’s thanks to its world-class, left-hand barreling wave, considered one of the best in Europe, which has made the town a major international surfing destination. Other attractions include its beaches and old port.
Though it has medieval origins, the small town of Mundaka first gained widespread acclaim in the 1960s and ’70s, when international surfers discovered its famed left-hand wave. At its peak, that wave can reach heights of 16 feet (5 meters) and stretch 0.25 miles (400 meters) in length, and has drawn high-profile surfing competitions in the past.
This Basque village is more than just a surfing town, though. Locals and travelers flock to its vibrant old port area for swimming, dining, and relaxing, and historical attractions like the centuries-old Santa Catalina Hermitage and Santa Maria Church are worth visiting. The town is also located within the UNESCO-listed Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, making it a popular jumping-off point for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers.
One of the best places to pick up souvenirs locally is Mundaka BC, a gift shop that primarily stocks local brands.
Seafood is, unsurprisingly, the order of the day in Mundaka, and restaurants like Bar Goikoa offer a chance to taste local dishes.
While you’re here, don’t miss San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: The rocky island and hermitage (and Game of Thrones location) is one of the most popular stops on the Basque coast.
Mundaka has several local surf schools that supply gear and host courses.
The left-hand wave is generally best reserved for intermediate and advanced surfers; it can be powerful and also has a strong rip current.
Mundaka is about 23 miles (37 kilometers) northeast of Bilbao. If you’re driving, it’s roughly 45 minutes via the BI-631. You can also take the E4 train from the city’s Casco Viejo station, which takes about 75 minutes to reach Mundaka. Another way to combine the town with other sights is to take a tour from Bilbao.
If you’re visiting Mundaka for the surfing, be aware that its wave can be unpredictable. You’re most likely to find the best conditions for surfing from September through December. The town is also popular in the summer, when vacationers come to soak up the seaside charm and explore the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
A vast, UNESCO-listed tract of wilderness, the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve stretches from the Bay of Biscay inland, and contains marsh and river estuary habitats that welcome hundreds of rare bird species. Other highlights include historic villages like Gernika and Bermeo.
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