Gorrondatxe, Rock beach and type locality in Biscay, Spain

Gorrondatxe is a beach along the Basque coast that stretches for about 844 meters with distinctive rock outcrops and olive-toned sand. The shoreline slopes gradually toward the Atlantic and offers varied areas that accommodate different visitor preferences.

In 2011 the International Union of Geological Sciences fixed the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point for the base of the Lutetian stage in the rocky outcrops of this beach, dated at 47.8 ± 0.2 million years. The site, the second stage of the Eocene, is the world reference for that chronostratigraphic unit.

Azkorri is the reference beach for the LGBTIQ+ community in the area, and nudism is practised there. Its other name, Gorrondatxe, is the one used in geological literature for the rock section.

Azkorri lies at the end of a coastal road from Sopela and Getxo, with parking above the sand and steps or a ramp down to the beach. The sand area shrinks from 96,374 m² at low tide to 51,774 m² at high tide, so check the tide before settling near the water. The dune regeneration plot with sand traps and planted vegetation is fenced off; keep to the paths.

The rock outcrops at Gorrondatxe hold the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point for the base of the Lutetian stage, fixed by the International Union of Geological Sciences at 47.8 ± 0.2 million years. The same beach is a nudist beach and the reference beach for the LGBTIQ+ community in the area.