Location
Spain
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to September
About Playa De Muriola
Muriola, also called La Cantera, is a small cove in Barrika on the Bizkaia coast between Sopelana and Plentzia, about 80 m long and backed by cliffs. Only a small part of it is fine sand; most of the beach is grit and small stones left over from an old stone quarry and washing site that once operated here. The Cantabrian Sea brings moderate surf. FEN notes that some older guides still mention a beach bar and a car park that no longer exist: the bar closed years ago and the private land used for parking has been shut off. Naturists have long used the cove, but on summer weekends it now draws many clothed bathers too, possibly pushed here by paid parking at nearby beaches. FEN records a lifeguard and showers in season.
Getting there
The nearest road is the BI-2122 through Barrika. The private field once used for parking is closed, so park on the street in the village and walk down; the last part is a path and steps to the cove, which the coastal authority has repaired and fitted with railings. Not suitable for wheelchairs. Metro Bilbao's line 1 serves Sopelana and Larrabasterra, from where it is a longer walk or a short bus ride.
Amenities
Legal context
Spain has no national law against public nudity. Muriola is a nudist-tradition beach listed by FEN; use is mixed, especially at summer weekends, and there is no local rule against nudity (checked 2026).
Naturism at Playa De Muriola sits under Spain's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Spain public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 43.4130, -2.9600
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Spain
Frequently asked questions
Is there still parking at Muriola?
No. The private parking field is closed; park in Barrika village and walk down.
Is there a beach bar?
No, it closed years ago despite what some older guides say.
Is it nude only?
No. It has a naturist tradition, but on summer weekends many clothed bathers come too.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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