Easy to access and particularly welcoming, Hendaye appeals to French and foreign families looking for a friendly and exotic holiday. Its long sandy beach, renowned as one of the safest on the Basque coast, its cycle paths, water sports and cultural riches make it a perfect destination for young and old alike. Choosing to camp in Hendaye means enjoying accommodation close to nature while discovering a unique way of life, combining Basque traditions, local cuisine and breathtaking landscapes. Here is our selection to help you make your choice:
What are the best campsites for enjoying Hendaye?
3-star campsite near the beach in the Basque Country
The Abaya *** campsite in Hendaye is a charming, friendly campsite, ideal for families wishing to enjoy a nature break just a few minutes from Hendaye beach and the Spanish border. You will find a variety of accommodation options – modern mobile homes, bungalows and pitches for tents or motorhomes – as well as a bar-restaurant, seasonal entertainment and activities for children in a green setting conducive to relaxation and walking or cycling. The campsite does not have a swimming pool on site, but swimming is possible in the sea or in nearby pools ; it is nevertheless an excellent starting point for exploring the Basque coast with your family. The campsite is open during the season, generally from early April to late September, perfect for discovering Hendaye and its surroundings.
4-star campsite with mobile homes in the heart of Hendaye (64)
The Ametza **** campsite in Hendaye is a family campsite ideally located between the sea and the mountains, about 900 m from the large sandy beach, perfect for family holidays on the Basque coast. Set in a wooded and flower-filled environment, it offers a wide range of accommodation: spacious pitches with private sanitary facilities, mobile homes, chalets or unusual accommodation for all types of stays, from the most authentic to the most comfortable. On site, families can enjoy a water park with a heated swimming pool and paddling pool (in summer), a kids' club, sports fields, a restaurant and a grocery store, all in a friendly and lively atmosphere during the high season. Open from April to the end of October, it is the perfect base for exploring Hendaye even out of season, with its beaches, activities and the riches of the Basque Country.image
Cheaper campsite near the beach in the Basque Country
Le Moulin ** campsite in Hendaye is simple and economical, ideal for families who want to enjoy a friendly holiday without breaking the bank. Located about 1.5 km from the beach in a quiet, natural setting, it offers around 81 spacious pitches for tents, caravans or motorhomes in a relaxed and accessible atmosphere. Facilities include a children's playground and a launderette, perfect for family holidays, as well as an indoor swimming pool where you can cool off whatever the weather. Pets are welcome. Open from May to September, it offers an accessible base for exploring Hendaye, its beaches, activities and the beauty of the Basque Country with your family.
4-star family campsite with swimming pool on the Basque Coast
The Suhiberry **** campsite in Urrugne is ideally located between the sea and the mountains on the French Basque coast, perfect for a family holiday exploring the region. This vast green estate of around 5 hectares offers spacious pitches for tents, caravans or motorhomes, as well as comfortable mobile homes, with a wide range of facilities: a water park with a swimming pool and paddling pool for children, playgrounds, sports activities and entertainment for all ages. Less than 10 km by car from Hendaye, it offers quick access to this renowned seaside resort. Open from May to the end of September, it provides a convenient base for exploring the beaches of the Basque coast, as well as the cultural and natural riches of the surrounding area.
What to see and do in Hendaye?
Hendaye beach, the joy of the ocean in complete serenity
A real gem of the Basque coast, Hendaye beach captivates visitors with the beauty of its natural setting: a huge stretch of fine sand bordered by the Basque mountains on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, with the iconic silhouette of the Deux Jumeaux mountains in the background. Renowned as one of the safest beaches in the Basque Country, it reassures families who are sometimes wary of the ocean, thanks to its gentle slope and closely supervised swimming area. Children quickly find happiness in the beach clubs, where games, entertainment and supervised activities punctuate the days, while parents enjoy a peaceful and friendly atmosphere. Hendaye is also an ideal destination for learning or improving your water sports skills: surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and bodyboarding can all be practised in conditions that are accessible to everyone. With its magnificent landscapes, relaxed lifestyle and seaside pleasures, Hendaye beach offers the perfect setting for a camping holiday dedicated to relaxation and a change of scenery.
Discover the town's well-being, heritage and Basque elegance
After enjoying the beach, exploring the town of Hendaye is a natural extension of your stroll, combining relaxation, culture and heritage. A stone's throw from the sand, the thalassotherapy centre invites you to enjoy a moment of well-being facing the ocean, while the Casino d'Hendaye, emblematic of the seafront, livens up the evenings with a friendly and elegant atmosphere. Right next door, the famous large palm tree at the roundabout, a true symbol of the seaside resort, intrigues and amazes: this unique specimen in Europe has become an unmissable landmark, ideal for a photo break before continuing your walk along the bay. Moving slightly away from the coast, the walk then leads to the majestic Château-Observatoire Abbadia, perched on the cliffs, offering spectacular views of the ocean and the Pyrenees. This fascinating place combines neo-Gothic architecture and science, as it was the home of Antoine d'Abbadie, an explorer and scholar with a passion for astronomy. Finally, Hendaye can also be discovered through its literary heritage with the Bakharetchea house, where Pierre Loti, a famous writer and naval officer known for his travel stories imbued with exoticism and poetry, once lived. This immersion in the ocean, history and culture makes Hendaye an endearing town, perfect for exploring with the family during a camping holiday.
The Abbadia estate, a spectacular nature getaway on the outskirts of Hendaye
Located on the outskirts of Hendaye, the Domaine d'Abbadia is an exceptional natural site that is definitely worth a visit during your stay. Easily accessible from the town centre on foot, by bike or by car, this vast protected area offers a breath of fresh air between the ocean and the mountains. The footpaths wind their way through meadows, cliffs and wild moors, revealing magnificent panoramic views of the Atlantic and the Basque coast. The landscape is marked by flysch, a spectacular geological formation composed of superimposed rock strata, visible in the cliffs: these layers tell millions of years of Earth's history and fascinate both the curious and nature lovers alike. Along the coastline, you can also see the famous Deux Jumeaux (Two Twins), two iconic rocks rising out of the ocean, which add to the magic of the site. The Abbadia estate is perfect for families: the paths are accessible, the distances reasonable and the safe environment allows children to enjoy the walk while discovering the fauna, flora and secrets of the landscape. Fun, educational and exotic, it is an ideal outing to raise young children's awareness of nature while sharing a special moment in the open air.
A gourmet invitation to discover the flavours of the Basque Country
A stay in Hendaye would not be complete without discovering the culinary specialities of the Basque Country, true emblems of a generous and authentic terroir. In the town's restaurants, markets and small shops, local flavours are served up with character and conviviality. It's impossible to miss the famous Espelette pepper, subtly spicy but never too hot, which flavours traditional dishes and everyday recipes alike. Another must-try is Ossau-Iraty, a sheep's milk cheese with a melt-in-the-mouth texture and delicate aromas, which can be enjoyed at the end of a meal or as part of a picnic by the ocean. For those with a sweet tooth, the journey ends on a sweet note with Basque cake, recognisable by its golden crust and generously filled with pastry cream or black cherry jam. These specialities, which reflect Basque identity, make every meal in Hendaye a moment of sharing and pleasure, ideal for discovering the region through its culinary traditions.
Basque authenticity in tune with local life
Beyond its landscapes and coastline, Hendaye charms visitors with its warm atmosphere and typical Basque lifestyle. Strolling through the town, you will discover colourful markets where local producers offer cheeses, charcuterie and regional specialities, Basque pelota games that enliven the frontons, and traditional festivals that punctuate the summer season. The architecture, with its white façades and red or green shutters, reflects the strong identity of the region, while the immediate proximity of the Bidasoa River and the Spanish border adds an extra touch of exoticism, without ever leaving Hendaye. This friendly, human-scale atmosphere is ideal for families who want to share simple, authentic moments rich in discovery.
With its safe beaches, unspoilt nature, fascinating cultural heritage and generous gastronomy, Hendaye has everything you need for a successful family camping holiday. The diversity of activities means there is something for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, in a setting that is both exotic and reassuring. Accessible, friendly and deeply rooted in Basque identity, Hendaye invites you to take your time, reconnect with nature and share precious moments together. A complete and endearing destination that makes you want to come back... and discover even more.
For those who would like to discover more, you will find all the campsites in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques here.