Playa La Arena - Zierbena Pm1

Spain Transitional 1 - Excellent

Playa de La Arena is a semi-urban beach located between Punta El Castillo and Punta Lastra at the external part of the Barbadun estuary in Bizkaia, Spain. The beach is 966 metres long with an average width of 84 metres, composed of fine sand, and is oriented toward the northwest. It receives riverine contributions from the Barbadun River at its western end, forming a small estuarine system. The beach is partially confined by artificial structures and provides comprehensive recreational and support services including lifeguards, toilets, showers, and disabled access facilities.

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Water

Transitional water body at the external part of the Barbadun estuary. The beach has a surface area of 343,382 square metres at low tide and 86,382 square metres at high tide. Tidal range is 4.80 metres with a minimum tide of 1 metre. The estuary has a maximum depth of 5 metres at mean tide and extends 4.4 kilometres. The Barbadun River has a mean discharge of 1.6 cubic metres per second. Wave exposure is moderate with average predicted wave height around 1 metre. Water renewal time is equal to or less than 7 days.

Location

The beach is located in the municipalities of Muskiz and Zierbena in the province of Bizkaia, Spain. The beach is situated at the external part of the Barbadun estuary. Parking is available with 2,500 spaces. Access is provided by marked ramps and stairs for both vehicular and pedestrian entry.

Facilities

Lifeguards (7), surveillance towers (2), rescue boats (1). Toilets, showers, changing rooms, and lavatory facilities. Disabled access facilities including ramps, accessible changing rooms, toilets, showers, and assisted bathing. Eight sand-based facilities with 24 showers, 5 foot-washing stations, and 8 water fountains. Five information panels, public address system, first aid kit, and emergency medical team accessible by telephone. Five children's play areas, two sports areas, picnic area with tables, benches, barbecues, sinks, waste bins, water fountains, toilets, and lavatories. Ten bicycle racks, three public telephones, café and restaurant.

Water Quality

Water quality monitoring is conducted by the Basque Government's Public Health Directorate at three sampling points. The beach holds ISO 9001 certification for quality and ISO 14001 certification for environmental management since 2004, and is part of the Integrated Management System for beaches in Bizkaia.

Risks

The principal contamination source affecting the beach is the Barbadun River. High visitor numbers during summer months create pressure on the coastal sand through direct trampling and infrastructure installation, affecting potential habitats and natural beach morphological profile development.