Mundaka

A small fishing village world-renowned among surfers for having one of the best left-hand waves in Europe. It sits at the mouth of the Urdaibai estuary, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve rich in wildlife.

Things to do

• Surf the Mundaka river-mouth wave — Watch or paddle out at this world-famous left-hand barrel that breaks over a sandbar at the estuary mouth, best from autumn to early spring with a strong swell and outgoing tide.
• Climb to the Santa Catalina lookout — A short walk above the harbor leads to a small chapel and viewpoint with sweeping views over the wave, the breakwater and the Bay of Biscay.
• Wander the old fishing port — Stroll among the moored fishing boats and stone quaysides of Mundaka's compact harbor, still active with local txipiroi and anchovy boats.
• Cross the estuary to Laida Beach — Take the seasonal foot-passenger boat or drive around to Laida, a wide sandy beach on the far side of the Urdaibai estuary popular for swimming and sunset views.
• Birdwatch at the Urdaibai estuary — The tidal marshes and reedbeds of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve host herons, spoonbills and migratory waders, especially visible from hides near Gautegiz Arteaga.
• Visit Santimamiñe Cave near Kortezubi — Guided tours (limited daily entries, book ahead) show a short section of Paleolithic cave paintings inside this Urdaibai landmark just inland from Mundaka.
• Day trip to Gernika — See the symbolic Tree of Gernika, the Peace Museum and the lively Monday farmers' market in this historic Basque town a short drive away.
• Kayak or paddleboard the estuary — Rent a kayak in Mundaka to explore the calm inner waters of the Ría de Mundaka at low tide, weaving past sandbanks and marshland.

Food to try

• Bacalao al pil-pil — Salt cod slow-cooked in olive oil and garlic until the sauce emulsifies into a silky pil-pil, a Basque coastal classic found in Mundaka's small restaurants.
• Marmitako — A hearty Basque fisherman's stew of bonito tuna, potatoes and peppers, traditionally made aboard boats and still served in local taverns.
• Txakoli with fresh anchovies — Pair the crisp, slightly sparkling local white wine, Bizkaiko Txakolina, with anchovies or sardines landed just up the coast in Bermeo.
• Txipirones en su tinta — Baby squid stewed in their own ink, a rich dark sauce classically mopped up with bread in Basque coastal villages.
• Pintxos at the harbor bars — Graze on small counter snacks like stuffed peppers, cod croquettes or grilled txistorra at the handful of bars overlooking Mundaka's port.
• Bermeo-style seafood market visit — Head to nearby Bermeo's fish auction and market to see the daily catch that supplies Mundaka's kitchens, from hake to percebes (goose barnacles).

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the surf lineup — Mundaka's wave draws a dedicated local crew, so newer surfers should watch etiquette closely and avoid crowding experienced riders at peak swell.
• Tides dictate daily life — Boat crossings to Laida, the quality of the surf break and even walkable paths along the estuary all shift with the tide, so check schedules before planning.
• Basque language is everyday here — Euskara is widely spoken and seen on signage alongside Spanish, and a simple 'eskerrik asko' (thank you) is appreciated.
• Village pace slows outside surf season — Mundaka is small and quiet, with shops and restaurants keeping limited hours in winter outside the main summer and autumn surf months.