TL;DR: Mundaka is a tiny Basque coastal gem that packs a massive punch. Famous for Europe’s best left-hand surf break, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve town offers epic waves, colorful fishing port vibes, killer pintxos, and authentic Basque culture – all just an hour from Bilbao. Whether you’re a hardcore surfer or just love charming seaside escapes, Mundaka delivers big time.
Why Mundaka Should Be Your Next Basque Adventure
Forget the crowds of San Sebastián – Mundaka sits within the Basque Country’s Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, an important wetland area, which has been listed by UNESCO. This isn’t just another pretty fishing village; it’s a place where surfers from all over the world come to surf one of the best left hand barrels and river-mouth waves in the world during autumn and winter.
But here’s the thing – you don’t need to surf to fall head-over-heels for this place. The town’s elegant summer homes and stately houses bearing family coats of arms compete for pride of place with the hermitage on the Santa Catalina peninsula and the parish church’s Renaissance doorway.
The Wave That Started It All
Let’s talk about what put Mundaka on the map: Mundaka is very proud of having the best left wave of Europe and one of the best in the world. Every autumn and winter Mundaka’s streets are filled with surfers from all over the world that come to surf that famous left wave. We’re talking waves that can reach up to four metres in height and four hundred metres in length, taking on a tubular shape – it’s basically nature’s own perfect tube ride.
From 1998 to 2009, this little town hosted the Billabong Pro Mundaca, an ASP World Tour event. Not bad for a place with barely 2,000 residents!
Pro tip: Even if you don’t surf, grab a spot at Mirador de la Atalaya (Atalaya Viewpoint) to watch the action. Trust us, it’s mesmerizing.
What to See and Do
The Postcard-Perfect Port
The port is the heart of Mundaka. It is definitely the most picturesque area of the village, surrounded by colorful Basque style houses and various bars and restaurants. During summer, locals get creative and extend their towels on the dikes that surround the old port to take in some sun – talk about making the most of your space!
Hermitage of Santa Catalina
Take a short walk to this hermitage located in a small green peninsula. While the hermitage has been damaged and destroyed many times due to its waterside location, the hermitage that we see today is from 1879. It’s Instagram gold with killer sea views.
Santa María Church
Right in the town center, this magnificent church was built in the 16th century, and is both Gothic and Renaissance, though there has been a church on this spot since the 11th century.
Beaches for Everyone
- Laidatxu Beach: One of the best beaches around Mundaka, with its fine golden sand and small bay, which is great for families and children
- Laida Beach: Perfect for a full day out – you can take a summer ferry across the estuary to reach it
Food That’ll Blow Your Mind
Pintxos Paradise
Forget Barcelona’s tapas – Pintxos are some of the Basque Country’s best treats – small pieces of bread, topped with a variety of ingredients – everything from sardines and peppers to ham, cheese and even croquettes.
Must-Try Spots:
- Bar Goika: Located in the centre of town, it serves a tasty array of beautifully-presented Basque specialities
- La Leñera: One of those bars frequented by people who live in Mundaka and know where to eat in the town. A local favorite, they have fantastic pinchos and nice cold beers
- Portuondo: Located in a traditional 19th-century home, this is a quality establishment that serves classic fare with innovative contemporary touches
Fresh from the Sea
Being a coastal town, Mundaka’s cuisine revolves around incredible seafood. It’s easy to find quality fish such as hake, turbot, sea bream, and tuna, the latter of which is used to make marmitako, one of the region’s most popular stews.
Where to Stay
Boutique Charm:
- Hotel Branka: Located in a historic building in the heart of Mundaka, the “Simitur” Palace, a neoclassical building, year of construction 1783
- El Puerto Hotel: Located in the center of the pretty Basque port of Mundaka. A restored fisherman’s house, it offers free Wi-Fi and a terrace bar with harbor views
Budget-Friendly:
- Hotel Atalaya: Centrally located next to Santa Maria Church and 656 feet from Mundaka’s Marina and the Bus Station
- Eco Hotel Mundaka: A family project that works with care day by day to offer the best service and offers eco-friendly stays
Shopping Like a Local
Mundaka BC is your one-stop shop for everything cool. It stocks all different local Basque brands and sells everything from T-shirts and souvenirs to books and surf gear. Plus, they host changing exhibitions, featuring works by various local artists and even organize concerts.
Nature & Day Trips
Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
This UNESCO site is home to an amazing array of birdlife including Eurasian bitterns, spoonbills and fish eagles. Hit up the Urdaibai Bird Center for the best spotting tips.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Game of Thrones Alert!)
Just 35 minutes northwest, this small island is connected to the mainland by an old stone bridge. Climb the steep narrow pathway of 241 steps to reach the hermitage. You might recognize it as Dragonstone home of Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones.
Gernika
The Basque Country’s symbolic capital and a place bombed by Franco and later immortalized by Picasso in his painting Guernica.
Getting There & Getting Around
From Bilbao:
- By Train: EuskoTren on the Bermeo line
- By Car: About an hour’s drive
- By Bus: Regular service available
From Airport: El Aeropuerto Internacional de Loiu dista solo 25 km (30 min en coche)
When to Visit
For Surfers: Surfing conditions are best September to April For Everyone Else: Spring through early fall for the best weather and most activities Budget Travelers: March and May, when hotel prices are generally the lowest
Festivals & Events
Don’t miss the Basque festivals of Euskal Jaiak on the last weekend of August – it’s an absolute blast that attracts thousands of visitors.
Final Thoughts
Mundaka isn’t just about the waves (though they’re pretty spectacular). It’s about sipping txakoli wine while watching the sunset paint the harbor in gold, chatting with locals over pintxos, and feeling like you’ve discovered a secret that not everyone knows about yet.
Whether you’re paddling out at dawn to catch that perfect wave, wandering through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, or simply soaking up the authentic Basque atmosphere with a cold beer in hand, Mundaka offers something genuinely special. It’s the kind of place that gets under your skin and makes you start planning your return visit before you’ve even left.
So pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a surfboard), and get ready to fall for this little Basque gem. Trust us – once you experience the magic of Mundaka, you’ll understand why surfers and travelers from around the world keep coming back to this incredible corner of the Basque Country.
Getting that Mundaka itch? Start planning your trip to this incredible Basque destination where world-class waves meet authentic culture, and every sunset feels like a masterpiece.
