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Plage du Port Vieux
Best time to visit
Late morning on weekdays outside July and August for the lightest crowds. Golden hour in the evening is stunning, when the sun dips toward the cliffs and the sand warms with amber tones.
Budget tips
Entry is completely free, as with all beaches in Biarritz. Bring your own towel, snacks, and water, since the small kiosks nearby charge tourist-level prices for basic refreshments.
Recommended for
Families with young children, Swimmers who prefer calm water, Photography enthusiasts, Couples seeking a quieter beach
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: The beach sits on the Bay of Biscay, where Atlantic swells roll in year-round with average water temperatures hovering around 17°C (63°F). Surf culture here dates to the 1950s, and the small strip of golden sand is one of the few protected swimming beaches in the area thanks to its calm, sheltered cove position.
Highlights: At low tide, you can walk across exposed rocks to reach the rocky outcrops at the eastern edge, where crabs and small tide pools teem with life. The beach faces the iconic Grande Plage across the headland, but its protected curve means you can swim in relatively flat water while surfers work the waves just around the corner.
Insider tips
- Arrive before 10am on summer weekends to claim one of the few flat spots of sand near the waterline.
- Wear water shoes for the rocky eastern edge, where tide pools hide cool marine life but stones get slippery.
- Skip the middle of the beach in August high season; the far western corner near the rocks is quieter and shallower.
- Bring a wetsuit jacket if you plan to swim, since the Atlantic stays brisk even in July.
Practical info
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