Located at the mouth of the Bidasoa River, near the town of Irun, Plaiaundi Ecological Park is a 24-hectare coastal wetland of international significance. It lies within the Special Protection Area (ZEPA) “Txingudi” and the Site of Community Interest (LIC) “Txingudi-Bidasoa”, and is included in the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance.
Plaiaundi is recognised as one of the premier bird-watching sites on the Basque coast, thanks to its strategic position where migratory routes funnel through open marshes and tidal lagoons. The park features two inland tidal lakes that are connected to the sea by sluice-gates, an intertidal beach, and a freshwater pond, offering a variety of habitats for water-birds and migratory species.Wading birds, ducks, terns and shorebirds are abundant, especially during spring and autumn migrations, and over 250 bird species have been recorded in the broader Txingudi area.
Access is straightforward: the park lies adjacent to Irun’s urban area and is served by major roads (N-1, A-8) and rail (Euskotren/RENFE). A well-marked 2-km circular trail passes by 17 educational panels, bird hides and observation platforms, making it extremely accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. At the entrance you will find the “Txingudi Ekoetxea” Interpretation Centre, where guided visits, bird-watching courses and equipment hire are available.
Whether you are an experienced birder or simply enjoy nature, Plaiaundi offers a compact and high-value wetland experience. The water-levels change with the tides, creating exposed mudflats at low tide that attract foraging shorebirds, while at high tide the birds roost safely on islands or in vegetated margins. The mix of salt and freshwater habitats, combined with the park’s location at the meeting-point of coast and mountain barrier (the western Pyrenees), makes it a unique stop-over site during spring and autumn migrations.
Posted on October 27, 2025
