Sea bathing and beaches

Bathing in the sea has countless benefits, owing to the relaxing, healthy effects of the sea water. Deba’s beaches, Santiago and Lapari, are ideal for bathing.

It is likely that the origins of holidaymaking in Deba have much to do with its proximity to the spa resorts of Alzola and Zestoa, and that those first visitors came to Deba, to enjoy what were then known as “wave baths”. A trip to cure diseases that became a tradition.

For most mortals, bathing in the sea is a summer thing. However, there is no shortage of brave souls here who do it all year long. Yes! In winter too!

The Lapari Spa Club at Hiru Uhinak Hotel The Lapari Spa Club at Hiiru Uhinak Hotel features a saltwater pool for those who prefer warmer water. An unparalleled oasis of tranquility.

The beaches of Deba

In addition to the beaches of Santiago and Lapari in the centre of Deba, the municipality has beautiful natural pebble beaches, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.

Santiago beach (Beach of Deba)

Santiago beach is one of the best known on the Basque Coast, with a long tradition, and very close to the town centre.

It is 400 metres long and 150 metres wide. At low tide it joins Lapari beach and forms a wide sandy beach. It is ideal for swimming and the quality of its waves is perfect for surfers of all levels.

It is located in a beautiful natural setting, next to the mouth of the River Deba, surrounded by mountains, impressive cliffs and beautiful walks.

The large limestone blocks of Lastur protect the beach from the influence of the sea. On the breakwater, the Corten steel sculpture Etxola 15 by artist Willy Berasaluze blends with the coast and the surrounding landscape.

To stabilize and protect the ecosystem and the coast, an artificial dune was created in 2013. Dunes accumulate sand and mitigate storm damage. They also help establish vegetation and promote biodiversity.

Features and services:

• Parking (free from October to April)

• Toilets, fountains and trash bins

• Bars

• Webcam

• ISO 14000:1

In summertime (from 15 June to 15 September):

• Showers and locker rooms

• Lifeguards

• Ramps to facilitate access

• Adapted bathroom chair

• Awnings

More information: Environment Department of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa

Lapari beach

Lapari Beach is located on the far right of Santiago Beach and is generally quieter than the latter.

At low tide, the two beaches join together to form a wide extension of sand measuring 80,000 square meters. The sand disappears at high tide, so it is important to be careful and check the tide times before visiting.

It is accessed via the promenade dedicated to the composer Pablo Sorozabal.It is necessary to descend stairs in order to reach the beach. There is no accessible passage for people with reduced mobility. Overlooking the beach is the sculpture created by Koldobika Jauregi in homage to the San Sebastián musician. A perfect viewpoint to contemplate the spectacle of the Cantabrian Sea breaking against the coast.

Services:

• Parking 400 meters away.

• Being close to Santiago Beach, its services are available.

In summertime (June 15 to September 15):

• Showers

• Lifeguards

If you are interested in geology and want to learn more, you can follow the Black Flysch trail of Lapari. Surrounded by impressive layers of flysch, you can discover the Recumbent fold of Punta Aitzandi. This enormous fold formed 100 million years ago and shows how the tectonic plates structure folded and deformed the materials accumulated on the seafloor. However Lapari Beach also hides a unique natural geological treasure: Septarian nodules of Deba.

You can visit a beautiful collection of septaria stones at the tourist office of Deba.

Aitzuri beach

It is one of the Basque coast's undiscovered treasures. A wild pebble beach nestled between impressive cliffs. It is 8 kilometers from the center of Deba and 700 meters from the Itxaspe campsite. It is only accessible on foot, following the PR-GI 5001.

It is dangerous for swimming, as it is very rocky. It is also important to be cautious with the tides. If you plan to visit, do so during low tide and check the tide times beforehand.

It is a place of interest for geology lovers. In addition to spectacular flysch layers, this is where the Andutz Fault is located. It divides the Geopark's two main flysch units: the Lower Cretaceous black flysch to the west, and the Cretaceous and Tertiary sequence to the east.

Do not miss the Mendatagaina viewpoint. Located above the beach, from where you can enjoy a truly impressive panoramic view of Mendata and Sakoneta.

Mendata eta Sakoneta beaches

The great temples of geomorphology

They are located between cliffs, in a protected natural setting, and surrounded by spectacular layers of flysch, some of the most spectacular in the Basque Coast Geopark. At low tide, the rock slabs are exposed, revealing one of the largest intertidal platforms in Europe.

Sakoneta and Mendata are located 9 kilometers from the town center of Deba. Access is only possible on foot. It's one kilometer from the Uzkanga recreational area to Sakoneta, and 300 meters from the Mendatagaina parking lot to Mendata, but the path is steeper.

They can be dangerous for swimming. There are interesting waves for surfers, but experience is required. Pay close attention to the tidal cycle, as beaches can disappear at high tide. We recommend checking the tide schedule if you wish to visit them.

In addition to their geological value, the tidal plain has a high biological and ecological value. More than 250 living beings live in this rich, yet also fragile, marine ecosystem. We offer guided tours to learn about its biodiversity.

There is a small recreational area in Sakoneta, with no other services.

These are ideal for enjoying nature and for those seeking tranquility, as well as for photography lovers.

Do not miss the panoramic view of Mendatagaina; it is undoubtedly one of the best views of the Basque Coast. Please be careful! To get from one beach to another, always follow the GR-121.

Baratzazarrak beach

It is a wild and little-known beach, with little sand and many stones. It is located 12 kilometers from the center of Deba and 3 kilometers from the Elorriaga rest area. It can only be reached on foot, and the path is quite steep.

It is advisable to check the tide times before visiting, as the beach can disappear during high tide.

It is dangerous for swimming due to strong currents and shallow water. Furthermore, there are no services.

The surrounding cliffs and flysch formations create a rugged and fascinating landscape, of great interest for geology and nature enthusiasts.

On the way to the beach, do not miss the impressive panoramic view from the Baratzazarrak viewpoint.

Tidal Cycles: High and Low Tide

Tidal cycles are one of the most striking phenomena. On our coast, the difference in sea level between high and low tide is considerable. During spring tides, this difference can reach five meters. Therefore, if you plan to go to the beach, keep this in mind, especially on beaches like Lapari, Aitzuri, Mendata, Sakoneta, and Baratzazarrak, which can disappear at high tide.