What campsites are around Ainhoa in the Basque Country?
The Basque Country is rich! Rich in wonderful and diverse landscapes such as the mountains and the ocean, rich also in its cultural and architectural heritage such as its red half-timbered houses, and consequently rich in its tourism and its campsites. There are many campsites of all categories in the Ainhoa area. We've put together a selection to help you make your choice and save precious time, which should be spent enjoying your stay.
Atlantica campsite **** in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Mobile home rental
Camping Atlantica **** in Saint-Jean-de-Luz is located 22 km from the village of Ainhoa. Open between March and September, it's a quiet, friendly campsite, ideal for families looking for peace and quiet. The sea is 650 meters away, and you can choose from 200 pitches and 123 rentals. Bungalows, chalets and mobile homes are all available. A lovely outdoor heated swimming pool awaits you here, with a slide and paddling pool for the little ones. A children's club, entertainment, dances and shows will bring the family together in the evening. Those who want to keep the Olympics going can enjoy a basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball and football pitch for as long as they like!
Campsite Ibarron *** à Saint-Pée-Sur-Nivelle
Located in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, Camping Ibarron *** is 14 km from the village of Ainhoa. It is open from the end of April to the end of September. Its location between the sea and the mountains is idyllic. Hiking trails close to the campsite allow walkers to discover the mountains of the Basque Country. Camping Ibarron has a beautiful heated outdoor swimming pool and a paddling pool. For your walks or visits, there is a bus stop in front of the campsite. Bikes can be hired on site, as can table tennis, volleyball and beach volleyball. Enjoy your camping holiday.
Camping Biper Gorri **** in Espelette
(located in the Ainhoa region)
Biper Gorri campsite **** in Espelette, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region famous for its famous chilli pepper, and just 7 km from Ainhoa. The ideal campsite for visiting both places. There are 149 pitches and almost 80 accommodation units (mobile homes, chalets, etc.). The campsite has an outdoor swimming pool, a wellness area for a relaxing moment with hammam, jacuzzi and Spa, as well as a horse-riding reception. Sports enthusiasts can play volleyball, table tennis and basketball on site. Entertainment and a mini-club will keep your children busy during the day, while evening dances will keep you entertained.
Camping Arotxa Karrita ** in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle (France)
Cheap camping near Ainhoa
Camping Arotxa Karrita ** is also in Saint-Pée-Sur-Nivelle and just 10 km from the village of Ainhoa. Open from April to the end of September and located 3 km from the lake. Take advantage of the outdoor swimming pool and paddling pool reserved for children. During the day, pétanque, table tennis and a games room are also available on site, as are lively evening entertainment during the summer season. The campsite has 40 comfortable accommodation units and an infinite number of outdoor activities, including hiking on the GR10 trails, and horse-riding and cycling. Swimming in the lake or in the ocean just ten kilometres away. In season, there are lively dance evenings with films, concerts and more.
Campsite Ilbarritz **** in Bidart
Chalet hire
Camping Ilbarritz **** in Bidart is 24 km from the village of Ainhoa. It is only 900 metres from the beach. It boasts a beautiful water park with indoor pool, outdoor pools and slides. There is entertainment for all, as well as a restaurant, hairdressing salon and fitness room. The campsite has 378 pitches and almost 340 mobile homes, chalets and bungalows to rent. Finally, dance evenings and shows will make your camping holiday unforgettable.
Campsite Bixta-Eder *** at Cambo-les-Bains
Camper park
The Bixta-Eder *** campsite is open from April to November for rentals (25 mobile homes + chalets). Located 10 km from the village of Ainhoa, 4 km from the mountains and the river. It has 68 pitches and 30 for campervans. You can play table tennis and there is a play area for children.
Campsite La Petite Rhune *** at Sare
Campsite with swimming pool
La Petite Rhune *** campsite is located 10 km from the village of Ainhoa. It is open from June to September for pitches and all year round for rentals. A small campsite, it has fewer than 40 pitches, including around twenty rentals. An outdoor swimming pool is available on site. Ideal for exploring the caves of Sare.
Must-sees in and around Ainhoa
The single street of this ancient bastide town, built in the 13th century and almost entirely rebuilt in the 17th, is undoubtedly what makes Ainhoa so original, as well as being a veritable concentration of the Basque Country on the road to Santiago de Compostela. When you arrive, the white facades with red half-timbering typical of Labourdine houses, alternating with those with green shutters, are an immersion in the culture and heritage of this region. It is, of course, the remarkable upkeep and preservation of these magnificent buildings that has earned the village its place among the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
As you stroll along, you'll be sure to admire the superb church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, starting with its magnificent square bell tower. Built in the 13th century, it was also partially destroyed and rebuilt in the 17th century. The interior of the building is a must-see and is listed as a Historic Monument for its decoration.
The discoidal (hilarri in Basque) and tabular stelae in the landscaped cemetery are a perfect example of Basque funerary art. On each of them you can see drawings, rather than the dates usually depicted on tombs, which have a very special meaning.
A magnificent washhouse, spotted by Napoleon III and his wife, Princess Eugenie, when they visited Ainhoa in 1858, is also worth a visit as you stroll through the village.
From the village, the more energetic can take the path up to Mount Atsulai. It's a relatively tough climb, taking almost an hour, but you won't regret it when you discover the panoramic views it offers... Breathtaking views of the Pyrenees, the village of Ainhoa and the river Rhune. You can even see the ocean when the weather's right.
The chapel of Notre Dame de l'Aubépine (Aranzazu in Basque) is the second most important place of worship in the village of Ainhoa. It stands on the summit of Mount Atsulai, thanks to a legend that tells of a young shepherd who spotted the Virgin Mary in a burning hawthorn bush. The chapel was built on the site and processions are still held there every year.image
Mount Atsulai also features other discoidal stelae and three large Christs on a cross dating from the late 19th century.
Close to Ainhoa and set against the Rhune massif, the small village of Sare (campsites nearby and on site) is not lacking in charm - quite the contrary! Located less than 9 km from Ainhoa, Sare is also one of France's most beautiful villages, thanks to its architectural and natural heritage, such as the imposing church of Saint Martin! There's also the charming Ortillopitz house, typical of the Basque country, and the famous caves of Sare, a must-see for all the family.
Espelette, famous for its chilli pepper, now protected by two labels, is just 6 kilometres from Ainhoa. Although Espelette chilli peppers can be found all over the Basque Country today, the traditional façades of the picturesque houses on which the bunches of chilli peppers dry in the sun are still something to behold. Its magnificent built heritage and charming landscapes also make the area around the village of Ainhoa a place not to be missed.
There are campsites nearby and in Espelette itself (see above).