Laida beach is a large sandy area of fine golden sand located on the right bank of the Mundaka estuary, within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and in the municipality of Ibarrangelu. Its layout changes with the tide: at low tide it gains a lot of surface area and reveals a very open estuary landscape, while at high tide the sea comes in more strongly and the beachfront narrows. From the beach you can see the mouth of the estuary, the island of Izaro on the horizon and, on the other side of the estuary, the surroundings of Mundaka. The beach is known for its shallow waters in a good part of the bathing area, making it comfortable for families, and also for its currents and waves, appreciated by surfers and windsurfers, canoeists and sailors. Laida appears regularly in the Urdaibai guides and in the official tourist information of Bizkaia as one of the most representative beaches in the area. Its interest is not only scenic: it also summarizes well the natural dynamics of a tidal estuary, with sandbanks, coastal variations and a human use closely linked to the sea. The best time to visit is usually in the morning or late afternoon, when the relief of the sand and the width of the estuary can be better appreciated. In summer it is advisable to avoid the central hours if you are looking for less people; out of season, the beach offers a quieter reading of the coastal landscape.
