Mundaka

Mundaka is a small fishing village on the Basque coast of northern Spain, renowned among surfers for its legendary left-hand wave that breaks off the point at the mouth of the Urdaibai estuary. With its medieval old town, pintxos bars, and dramatic setting where the green hills meet the Cantabrian Sea, Mundaka offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and world-class surf. Despite its fame, the village retains an authentic, laid-back Basque character that rewards travellers who linger beyond the waves.

Highlights & What to See

• Mundaka Left – One of the world's longest left-hand waves, breaking for up to 400 metres on a good day. Even if you don't surf, watching from the cliffs or the harbour wall is a spectacle.
• Santa Catalina Lighthouse – A short coastal walk from the village leads to this photogenic lighthouse with sweeping views over the estuary and the Bay of Biscay.
• Old Town (Casco Viejo) – Wander narrow cobbled lanes lined with traditional Basque houses, whitewashed with green balconies, leading to the 15th-century church of Santa María.
• Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve – This UNESCO-protected wetland is a haven for birdwatchers, especially for migratory species like ospreys and herons. Kayak or hike the trails around the estuary.
• Pintxos in the Port – Join locals for evening pintxos (Basque tapas) at bars along the harbour, such as Portuondo or Kaia, pairing local txakoli wine with seafood.

Suggested Time to Spend

Mundaka can be enjoyed as a day trip from Bilbao (45 minutes away) or as a relaxed overnight stop. To truly soak up the atmosphere, spend one to two nights: a full day to surf or hike the biosphere, and a second morning to explore the old town and watch the sunrise over the wave. If you're on a Basque coast road trip, three hours for a walk and a pintxos lunch is enough for a quick taste.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Gernika – A 15-minute drive inland, this historic town is famous for the Guernica oak tree and its poignant role in the Spanish Civil War, now a symbol of peace.
• San Juan de Gaztelugatxe – A dramatic islet with a hermitage connected by a stone bridge, reachable by a 241-step staircase. About 30 minutes west by car.
• Bilbao – The cultural capital of the Basque Country, home to the Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo, and world-class dining. A 45-minute drive or bus ride.
• Bermeo – A lively fishing port with a colourful old town and the Basque Fishermen's Museum, just 10 minutes east along the coast.
• Zarautz – Another surf town with a long sandy beach, a 40-minute drive west, ideal for a different wave experience.

Please check official sources for current details.