Hendaye this summer: sea excursions, canoeing and sailing in the heart of the Basque Country

This summer of 2026, the Atlantic Basque Country opens wide to lovers of the great outdoors and marine sensations. Hendaye, on the border between France and Spain, offers a rich program for those who want to experience the coast in a different way. Between boat trips, paddles in hand and yoga sessions in front of the waves, each day becomes a parenthesis in its own right.

Sailing along the Corniche Basque aboard the Hendayais II

From April to October, the Hendayais II pleasure boat cruises along the shale cliffs of the Corniche Basque. The views of the ocean and mountains are breathtaking on every outing. The secret bay of Loya is revealed at the foot of Château d’Abbadia, while the two Twins appear as you sail along.

Local wildlife sometimes invites itself to the show. Curious dolphins, seabirds and other inhabitants of the Atlantic waters fascinate the passengers on board. What’s more, the geological history of the cliffs and the legends of the coastline add real depth to every glance.

The walk lasts approximately 1h30 to 2h, with a departure at 14h30 every day from April to October. Prices are €20 per adult (over 10), €10 for children aged 5 to 10, and free for children under 5. Reservations are recommended via hendayais.com.

“Between majestic cliffs, luminous beaches and dancing waves, every moment is savored like a poem in motion.”

A canoe trip to the Spanish cliffs

From the Bay of Txingudi, Atlantic Pirogue offers a guided canoe trip between France and Spain. Departing from Decathlon, participants paddle along wild creeks, the Bay of Pigs and Cape Figuier. As a result, the border disappears and the Atlantic becomes a shared playground.

The day runs from 10am to 4pm and combines sailing, swimming and contemplation. A coffee and a picnic punctuate this iodized and sunny immersion. Rates are €57 per adult and €47 for under-18s, via atlantic-pirogue.com.

• Mondays: toes-in-the-sand fitness, Sokoburu beach at 10 a.m. – free, from July 13 to August 24, 2026.
• Tuesday: initiation to Basque pelota at the Daniel Ugarte fronton – €8 per person, from July 21 to August 25, 2026.
• Wednesday: Family sandcastle contest, Sokoburu beach at 10:30 am – free, from July 15 to August 26, 2026.
• Thursday: Coastal longe at Cabane de la Baleine at 9:15am – €5 per person, from July 16 to August 20, 2026.
• Friday: yoga session by the sea, Sokoburu beach at 10 a.m. – free, from July 17 to August 28, 2026.

The 2026 summer diary: a daily activity on the Basque coast

Throughout the summer, the Basque country seaside resort brings each day of the week to life with a different activity. On Mondays, a fitness session facing the Atlantic gently kicks off the week. On Fridays, on the other hand, yoga invites you to refocus, lulled by the sound of the waves.

On Wednesdays, young and old get together to carve castles and sculptures on Sokoburu beach. These convivial moments, accessible to all, make each week a new experience. Bookings can be made at hendaye-tourisme.fr.

Basque pelota remains a Tuesday staple. Supervised by instructors, this cultural practice is open to beginners and the curious alike. What’s more, the tradition can be experienced from the inside, at the Daniel Ugarte fronton, with three sessions each morning.

Thursday’s longe-côte is also well worth your attention. Walking in the ocean, resisting the waves, feeling the sea on your legs: it’s both invigorating and rejuvenating. At €5 per person, this activity is both accessible and original.

Captaining a sailboat with Spi en Tête

Glide over the waves and take the helm of a sailboat: that’s the experience offered by Spi en Tête from Basque waters. For two hours, beginners and budding sailors learn the basic maneuvers under the watchful eye of a passionate instructor. The price is €45 per person, for a complete sensory immersion.

The initiation alternates sail adjustments, moments of contemplation and sensations of freedom. In this way, the coastal resort is experienced from a new angle, from the open sea. The Basque coast takes on a whole new dimension, far from the beaten track.

Where to sleep in Hendaye in summer 2026

Camping Village Eskualduna**** offers fully-equipped natural wood chalets for 4 to 6 people, with covered terrace and forest views. Rates start at €540 per week (from April 30 to May 5). An ideal option for a family holiday in the heart of nature.

For more urban comfort, Club Azureva welcomes guests just a five-minute walk from the beach, in a warm Basque atmosphere. The typical rooms make you feel right at home. Rates start at €1,042 per week for two people, via azureva-vacances.com.

For a more original overnight stay, Aparra Surf Camp offers recycled wood tipi cabins for two, from €50 per night. The atmosphere is soft and friendly, close to the camp’s common areas. This formula, however, appeals above all to lovers of nature and simplicity.

So, whether you prefer the comfort of a residence, the warmth of an ecolodge or the charm of an unusual accommodation, the Basque destination knows how to adapt to every traveler’s profile. The options are varied and accessible, to make the most of summer on this stretch of Atlantic coast that has nothing to envy its neighbors.

• Hendaye