Ondarraitz beach, Sandy beach in Hendaye, France
Ondarraitz is a wide sandy beach in Hendaye on the French Atlantic coast, characterized by fine sand and shallow waters. It stretches over several kilometers and is bounded by gentle coastal features that make it an open and welcoming space.
Hondarraitz runs about 3 km from Sokoburu to the Dunbarriak and Abadia areas of Hendaye. At low tide the sand widens to more than 100 m, and a boat service crosses the Bidasoa between Hendaye and Hondarribia. The beach takes its name from the Basque words for sand and stone.
The Basque name reflects the region's deep cultural roots, and locals have long gathered here for fishing and maritime activities that shape daily life. The beach remains a meeting place where traditions tied to the sea continue naturally through the seasons.
The beach runs about 3 km from Sokoburu to the Dunbarriak and Abadia areas, and at low tide it widens to more than 100 m, so the water's edge lies far from the town-side access points. A boat service crosses the Bidasoa between Hendaye and Hondarribia, useful for walkers continuing on the Spanish side.
The beach sits at the border between France and Spain, offering views of the Pyrenees and the bay beyond. This border location makes it a rare place where two countries and their landscapes meet directly.
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