Playa de Arrigorri

Introduction

Today we venture into the coast of Bizkaia to discover one of those gems that, while not always making headlines, hold a special charm. We are talking about Playa de Arrigorri, located in the picturesque fishing town of Ondarroa. This beach, modest in size but with great personality, is a true oasis for those seeking to combine the tranquility of a natural setting with the comfort of being a step away from the urban center. It is the perfect place to disconnect, for children to play safely, and for us adults to relax under the Cantabrian sun.

Playa de Arrigorri is not one of those immense, wild beaches that characterize other areas of the Basque coast. It is, rather, a neighborhood beach, an accessible and family-friendly corner that integrates perfectly with the life of the town of Ondarroa. Its orientation and the natural protection provided by the landscape elements often make its waters calmer than one might expect from the fierce Cantabrian Sea, making it an ideal destination for all ages. Here, the sound of the waves mixes with the distant bustle of the port and the seagulls, creating a unique atmosphere that invites us to stay and enjoy every moment.

How to Get to Playa de Arrigorri

Getting to Playa de Arrigorri is relatively easy, especially if traveling by car, although there are also public transport options that bring us close to this charming corner of Ondarroa. Its location, very close to the town center, facilitates access and makes it a very convenient option for the town's residents and for visitors staying in the area.

By Car

If we come by car, the best route will depend on our starting point. From Bilbao, we will take the AP-8 highway towards Donostia/San Sebastián and then take the exit indicating Ondarroa (BI-2405 or BI-633, depending on the stretch). From Donostia/San Sebastián, we will also use the AP-8 towards Bilbao, taking the exit towards Deba/Mutriku and continuing along the coastal road (BI-3438 or N-634) until reaching Ondarroa. Once in the municipality, the beach is well signposted and is located in the eastern part of the town. In the vicinity of the beach, as well as in the town itself, we will find available parking, although in high season it can be a bit more difficult to find a spot, so we recommend arriving early. Some parking areas are paid, but there are free options in areas further from the center.

By Bus

For those who prefer public transport, Bizkaibus offers several lines connecting Ondarroa with other towns in Bizkaia, such as Bilbao (line A3915) and Lekeitio, as well as with neighboring Gipuzkoa (line DB03 of Lurraldebus, which connects with Deba and Mutriku). Once at the Ondarroa bus station, Playa de Arrigorri is a distance that we can comfortably cover on foot in a few minutes, enjoying a pleasant walk through the picturesque fishing town. It is an excellent way to soak up the local atmosphere before reaching the sand.

The Sand and Water

One of the most appreciated characteristics of Playa de Arrigorri is its sand. We find it to be a golden color and, above all, very fine to the touch, making it extremely pleasant for walking barefoot or for children to play and build sandcastles without difficulty. It is clean, well-maintained sand, which in some spots mixes with small areas of pebbles or rocks, especially at the ends, adding a touch of diversity to the coastal landscape. The predominant type of ground is, without a doubt, sand, which facilitates the enjoyment and comfort of all bathers.

As for the water, Playa de Arrigorri is known for its cleanliness and, in general, its quality. The waters of the Cantabrian Sea are usually cool, even in the height of summer, something we greatly appreciate for cooling off from the summer heat. Given its location in a semi-protected cove, the waves are usually moderate, making it a safe beach for swimming, especially for the little ones. However, as on any Cantabrian beach, it is always prudent to pay attention to the tides and the instructions of the lifeguards. The transparency of the water allows us to see the sandy bottom in many areas, inviting us to a relaxing and revitalizing dip.

Services and Facilities

Although Playa de Arrigorri is not a mega-beach with overwhelming tourist infrastructure, it does have a series of essential services that make our stay much more comfortable and pleasant. We always appreciate when a beach, even an urban one, makes an effort to offer the basics for the well-being of its visitors.

Among the services we can find, we highlight the showers and toilets/WCs, essential for freshening up after a swim and maintaining hygiene. These services are usually well-maintained, which is a plus for the overall experience. The presence of lifeguards during the bathing season is another crucial aspect that gives us peace of mind, knowing that professionals are watching over our safety and that of our loved ones. Their instructions are always important, especially on a coast like the Basque one where currents can be variable.

In the vicinity of the beach, and given that we are in an urban environment, we have parking (as already mentioned) and the possibility of accessing restaurants and cafeterias. Although there are no 'chiringuitos' directly on the sand like in other areas of Spain, the promenade and nearby streets of Ondarroa offer us a varied gastronomic selection where we can taste fresh seafood or have a drink. For families, l