The Biarritz beaches are at the heart of the city’s identity — and they are all different. Six beaches follow one another along the Biarritz coastline, each with its own character, exposure, atmosphere and uses.
Find all our recommendations in the complete Biarritz guide. For transfers from BIQ airport with luggage and beach equipment, Smart Moov provides a private driver in Biarritz — fixed fare, van available.
Biarritz Beaches: Complete Guide to All 6 Beaches
From the powerful waves of the Côte des Basques to the sheltered calm of Port-Vieux tucked between the cliffs, from the long stretches of the Grande Plage to the wilder coves of Marbella: choosing the right beach is part of the Biarritz experience.
Here is the complete guide to the Biarritz beaches, with characteristics, access and practical tips for each.
Biarritz Beaches: Map and Overview
The six Biarritz beaches stretch from north to south over approximately 4 kilometres of coastline. From north to south: Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, Plage du Port-Vieux, Côte des Basques, Plage de la Milady and Plage de la Marbella.
The distance between the northernmost (Grande Plage) and the southernmost (Marbella) is about 4 km on foot along the seafront.
To move between beaches without searching for parking, a pre-booked private driver in Biarritz is the smoothest solution in high season.
Grande Plage — the Most Iconic of the Biarritz Beaches
The Grande Plage is the absolute symbol of Biarritz. 450 metres of fine sand framed by the Hôtel du Palais to the north — Napoleon III’s former imperial villa — and the Art Deco Casino Municipal to the south. It is the most central, most accessible beach, and the most animated.
Patrolled by lifeguards in season (June to September), with a permanent rescue post and swim zone markers. The promenade running alongside the beach is one of the finest on the Atlantic coast — ideal for an evening walk or a coffee facing the ocean.
Striped tents and parasols are available to rent by the hour or day. Practical: direct access from the city centre, nearby parking (saturated in summer), rinsing stations available.
Visitor numbers: peak in July-August, very pleasant in May-June and September.
Plage du Miramar — Beyond the Lighthouse
Just north of the Grande Plage, on the other side of the Biarritz Lighthouse, the Plage du Miramar is a quieter and less tourist-known extension.
Separated from the Grande Plage by the Pointe Saint-Martin and the Lighthouse, it offers a more residential setting, with the Point villas as a backdrop.
Same Atlantic exposure, same quality sand. Patrolled in season. Access from Rue du Port-Vieux or the seafront promenade. Ideal for those seeking an alternative to the Grande Plage without straying far from the centre.
Plage du Port-Vieux — the Most Sheltered of the Biarritz Beaches
Tucked between the cliffs near the Virgin Rock, the Plage du Port-Vieux is the most unusual and most sheltered of the Biarritz beaches. Its position between the rocks shields it from waves and the dominant wind — making it the calmest beach in the city, particularly suited to young children and families.
The water is generally calmer here than elsewhere. Note: access is via a staircase from Rue du Port-Vieux, and the beach disappears at high tide.
No equipment rental or bar directly on site, but several restaurants and cafés just steps away. Very local atmosphere, frequented by Biarritz residents year-round. A confidential address well worth discovering.
Côte des Basques — the Mythical Surf Beach of European Surfing
The Côte des Basques is the most iconic of the Biarritz beaches for surfers — and one of the most photographed on the Atlantic coast.
This is where surfing was introduced to France in the 1950s by American filmmaker Peter Viertel. The beach faces due west, receives a consistent swell and offers ideal conditions for all levels, with waves of 1 to 3 metres depending on conditions.
A wooden promenade overlooks the beach from the cliffs — this is where the best sunsets in Biarritz are watched. Important: at high tide, the Côte des Basques almost entirely disappears under water. Always check tide times before planning your visit.
Patrolled in season; several certified surf schools offer lessons on site. Access from Avenue du Président J.F. Kennedy.
Plage de la Milady — Large and Family-Friendly
At the southern end of Biarritz, the Plage de la Milady is the largest beach after the Grande Plage. It is particularly valued for its easy access (parking, promenade, pushchair-friendly), its more family-oriented atmosphere and its slightly lower visitor numbers than the city centre.
The beach is wide at low tide, with a large expanse of sand for games, walks or simply settling in comfortably. Patrolled in season.
The restaurant Debololo nearby offers a lovely view over the beach for lunch or an aperitif. A particularly good spot for families and couples seeking a quieter setting.
Plage de Marbella — the Wildest of the Biarritz Beaches
At the southern edge of Biarritz, on the border with Bidart, the Plage de Marbella is the wildest and least visited of the Biarritz beaches.
Less developed than its neighbours, it attracts those looking for a more natural setting away from the summer crowds.
The dune vegetation and cliffs framing it give it a preserved atmosphere that is rare on this stretch of coastline.
Access via the cliff path on foot — walking route recommended. Not patrolled. Ideal for a wild walk, a more discreet surf session or simply a quiet moment away from the tourist areas.
Practical Tips for the Biarritz Beaches
Tide times — essential information for Biarritz beaches
In Biarritz, tides have a direct impact on beach usability. The tidal range can reach 4 metres. The Côte des Basques and Plage du Port-Vieux almost entirely disappear at high tide.
Always check tide times before heading out — available on the Biarritz Tourism Office website and on marine weather apps.
Safety flags — what they mean on Biarritz beaches
On patrolled Biarritz beaches, the standard French flag system applies.
Green flag: swimming authorised, favourable conditions.
Orange flag: swimming authorised but dangerous, enhanced supervision.
Red flag: swimming forbidden.
Outside the zones delimited by flags, swimming is at your own risk. Lifeguards are on duty from June to September.
Which Biarritz beach should you choose?
Grande Plage for atmosphere, services and proximity to the city centre. Port-Vieux for families with young children and those seeking calm.
Côte des Basques for surfing and spectacular sunsets. Milady for families with easy access and a quieter setting. Marbella for nature and solitude. Miramar for a discreet alternative to the Grande Plage.
Getting between the Biarritz beaches
In high season, parking between the beaches is very difficult.
The most practical solution for moving without constraints between Grande Plage, Côte des Basques and Milady is a pre-booked private driver in Biarritz — van or saloon, fixed fare, available for short trips or full days with several stops.
FAQ — Biarritz Beaches
How many beaches are there in Biarritz?
Six official beaches: Grande Plage, Miramar, Port-Vieux, Côte des Basques, Milady and Marbella. Each has its own character and suits different types of visitor.
What is the best Biarritz beach for children?
Port-Vieux is the calmest and most sheltered — ideal for young children. Milady is the most practical for families with pushchair access and parking. Grande Plage is the most animated with all services nearby.
Are the Biarritz beaches patrolled?
Grande Plage, Miramar, Port-Vieux, Côte des Basques and Milady are patrolled by lifeguards from June to September. Marbella is not patrolled.
Can you surf on all Biarritz beaches?
No. Surfing is mainly practised at the Côte des Basques (the reference spot), the Grande Plage (in designated zones) and Marbella. Port-Vieux is off-limits for surfing as it is too busy with swimmers.
Find our complete Biarritz guide, our article on what to do in Biarritz and our guide on when to visit Biarritz.
