After spending a few days touring some of the best beaches in the world (Pantai Bira, ChoronĂ, Cifuncho…) today we return to Spain to introduce you to a stunning beach surrounded by green cliffs located very close to Bilbao (so close that you can get there by metro): La Salvaje.
Also known as Barinatxe Beach, La Salvaje is close to the town of Sopelana. Specifically, it is located between the Biscayan municipalities of Sopelana and Getxo. This beach is made up of fine golden sand, which has earned it the European Union’s Blue Flag for several seasons. However, what makes it a special beach is its location: it is a windy sandy beach, with strong waves, embraced by a high cliff covered with vegetation, surrounded by meadows and orchards.
Hundreds of surfers
Because of its olejae, hundreds of surfers come to this 750-metre beach every year to test its famous waves, as well as paragliders, who jump from the top of the cliffs. In fact, there are two surf schools (La Salvaje and Quicksilver) and another paragliding school (Parapente Sopelana). In addition, many onlookers stand at the top looking at the sea and the boats that come in and out of the port of Bilbao.
A traditional nudist beach
But in addition to surfers, this beach is also frequented by many nudists, who have traditionally located themselves on the sides of the beach. In fact, since 1999, the Sopelana Nudist Race has been held annually, a free event divided into age and sex categories: male, female, veterans and children.
All kinds of services
In addition to public toilets, showers, litter bins and several bars, La Salvaje has a large car park (payable in summer) next to which there is a children’s play area. The only downside is that to get to the beach you have to go down a large number of steps which, of course, you then have to climb back up again.