Spain Guide
Euskal Herria: the País Vasco & Navarra
Mundaka
The Río Mundaka flows from Gernika into a broad estuary fringed by hilly pinewoods and dotted with islets. There's a succession of sandy coves to swim in, but the best spots are at Sukarrieta and especially MUNDAKA. This lovely little village remains amazingly unspoiled, despite having achieved legendary status for its magnificent surfing, which includes the longest left break in the world.
Since Mundaka was first chosen in 1999 as one of only eleven sites to feature on the Billabong Pro World Championship circuit, it has become clear that its "Wave" varies considerably from year to year; it disappeared altogether as a result of dredging work but returned in full force in 2008. During peak season (Sept– Dec), you can often watch the surfers battle the waves from the plaza next to the church.
The Mundaka Surf Shop, close to the port (946 876 721, www.mundakasurfshop.com), sells and rents equipment and offers surf lessons. A passenger ferry plies across the river (June– Sept 10am–8pm; every 20min; €1.20) to Playa de Laída, an enormous area of white sand, which at low tide stretches across the mouth of the bay in an unbroken crescent.