Meñakoz, Shingle and naturist beach in Sopela, Spain

Meñakoz is a shingle and naturist beach in Sopela, on the Biscay coast of the Basque Country, about 270 metres long at the foot of the cliffs between Sopela and Barrika. The cove is reached on foot and is made up of rounded stones and pebbles rather than sand, with rock ledges at either end.

Meñakoz lies at the foot of the cliff between Sopela and Barrika, on the boundary of the two municipalities, and has no buildings or promenade behind it. Its shingle bank and rock platforms have kept the cove in the same form, and the beach is reached only on foot along the coastal path from Sopela.

Meñakoz is a well-known nudist beach, and nudism is practised along most of its shingle, especially away from the access path. Bathers share the cove with surfers, who favour the strong waves at this exposed stretch of Sopela's coast. The beach lies between Sopela and Barrika, and its name is Basque.

Reaching the beach requires walking down coastal trails that can be steep and slippery in places. Bring water and supplies with you, as there are no shops or facilities nearby.

Meñakoz is one of the few Sopela beaches where the seabed drops off quickly close to shore, so waves break hard over pebbles and rock. Local surfers know it as a heavy, fast break best suited to experienced riders, and it holds swell when tamer nearby beaches close out.