page_title: Sopela
section_title: Beaches
hierarchical_section_title: Sopela / Beaches
caption_attribution_description: English: Paragliding in Askorri / Azkorri, Getxo, near Barinatxe / La Salvaje Beach, with Sopelana at the background. Basque country (Spain). Español: Parapente en la peña de Askorri / Azkorri, Guecho, cerca de la Playa de Barinatxe / La Salvaje, con Sopelana al fondo.
context_page_description: Sopela, also known as Sopelana, is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of Basque Country, northern Spain.
  The town is roughly 820 hectares in area, located in the comarca Mungialdea on the north east side of Bilbao and due east of the Nervión river estuary. In the municipality, other former towns like Larrabasterra are now merged to make Sopela larger. The population is 13,878 people, as recorded in the 2019 census. The area of Sopela is situated among green hills and beaches. This makes it a very attractive suburb of Bilbao, with a short commute of 35 minutes on the metro.
context_section_description: Sopela is known for three beaches Atxabiribil, Barinatxe and Arrietara. They are rather exposed to the elements of the Bay of Biscay and have good conditions for surfers. A fourth beach, Meñakoz is of less appeal for sun worshippers and more for the surfer crowd due to the pebble bed ground. Sopela is frequently the host of regional surf competitions as conditions are adequate for surfing in its beaches. A less famous, but also internationally known event, is the yearly nude race on Barinatxe beach in the fall. Barinatxe is a clothing optional beach. Another special place in Sopela is a small creek called Ikatza known only by its citizens.
caption: Sopela beach, paragliding
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