Playa de las Catedrales (Beach of the Cathedrals)

July 19, 2016
faro de isla pancha galicia españa spain

Playa de las Catedrales (Beach of the Cathedrals) has become one of the favorite Spanish destinations for locals and visitors alike. It is a magnificent example of nature's power. The Atlantic tides are responsible for creating unique arches (some of them are 30m high) and caves.

The beach is located in Galicia, northwest of Spain. If you'd like to visit, bear in mind that you have to go when the tide is low. Otherwise it's all covered by turquoise water. However, if you are looking for a beach to sunbathe and go for a swim this is not the place to go. Nobody is lying on the beach and swimming is not allowed. This is a place to go for a walk and to explore every corner of it. Go under the arches to hear the waves hitting the rocks, stand on a cliff to enjoy breathtaking views. Be sure to explore the tidal pools at the mouth of the grottos, as they are usually knee-deep and the water is warm.

galicia españa spain playa de las catedrales beach of the cathedrals

galicia españa spain playa de las catedrales beach of the cathedrals

galicia españa spain playa de las catedrales beach of the cathedrals

galicia españa spain playa de las catedrales beach of the cathedrals

galicia españa spain playa de las catedrales beach of the cathedrals

galicia españa spain playa de las catedrales beach of the cathedrals

The area is protected and it has been declared a natural monument. You can check the tide forecast to plan your visit here (English) or here (Spanish). Because of the amount of visitors, local authorities recently decided to restrict the number of people who can access it in order to protect it. So from July 1st to September 30th you have to get a free ticket online from this oficial website before you go. You can also find further information and how to get there on that site. 

galicia españa spain playa de las catedrales beach of the cathedrals

galicia españa spain playa de las catedrales beach of the cathedrals

galicia españa spain

Playa de las Catedrales is not the only place to see in the area. Let me suggest some other places to make the most of your visit. The Spanish beach is located in ten kilometers west from the town of Ribadeo. The Marquis of Sargadelos was the modern promoter of this city whose most outstanding building is the modernist Galician country house of the Moreno brothers (pictured below). From the port, there's is a pleasant walk to the lighthouse of Pancha island (the one you saw on the first photo of this post).

ribadeo galicia españa spain

You can stay at Parador de Ribadeo Hotel. Its magnificent location near the border between Galicia and Asturias offers unparalleled views of the Galician countryside, the Ria of Ribadeo, and the Asturian villages on the opposite shore, including this one of Castropol.

castropol asturias spain españa parador de ribadeo

San Damian fort is worth a visit too. This fort, one of the best examples of Ribadeo's military architecture, is sited at the mouth of the estuary. The fort was built in a difficult-to-access vantage point by Marquis de Cerralbo in 1624. The fort was meant to protect the mouth of the estuary from potential attacks by sea.Today it serves as an exhibition hall for the town. 

fuerte de san damian galicia spain españa

fuerte de san damian galicia spain españa

The last photo is from the little village of San Martiño de Mondoñedo. It is home to a Romanesque church which is considered to be the oldest cathedral in Spain.

san martiño de mondoñedo galicia spain españa

Would you like to visit Beach of the Cathedrals? Are there any other wonders of nature you can recommend?
Cristina xo

23 comments

  1. Wow, this beach is like paradise!

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  2. This place looks GORGEOUS! :) Great post!
    x Kenzie // Kenzieblogslife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow this looks amazing :D

    http://themidnightblonde.com

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  4. Absolutely magical place! Your photos are so breathtaking!

    XoXo,

    Tamara - LoveofMode.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow,..this place looks sooo beautiful... gorgeous clicks... great post hun...xoxo, Neha

    http://www.theinstylejournal.com/

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  6. Such a beautiful place to go for a walk. I love it.
    Xo, Christianne
    Http://simplychristianne.com

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  7. Marvellous place, really breathtaking!

    xo
    http://www.carinavardie.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your photos are always so breathtaking! Seriously, my jaw tends to drop with most of your scenery photos <3

    BlondieInTheCity.com

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  9. Such a fantastic place!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. These photos are heavenly! So glad you shared.

    XO, Jessi
    http://www.mywhitet.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Looks lovely, I've always thought of Galicia as unappealing as it seems colder and more wild. But these pictures and your descriptions certainly make it seem like a joy to see!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Such a fantastic place.
    Good vibes, FOX
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    www.rochellefox.com.au

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  13. wOW...amazingly gorgeous clicks...xo, Neha

    http://www.theinstylejournal.com/

    ReplyDelete
  14. These photos are so beautiful!

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  15. wow ... beautiful pictures!
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  16. Absolutely loving the new blog layout!! And these photos are gorgeous. Makes me wish I was on vacation!

    -Lor /
    www.acozyspace.org

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh wow! It looks absolutely stunning there! And anywhere with a lighthouse wins me over straight away hah! We're in the middle of converting a van into a campervan, and I'm looking for places that we can go on some roadtrips when it's done. Definitely adding this to the list!
    xo April | April Everyday

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  18. Nice pics, looks fantastic !
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  19. Wow,what the amazing place!!! All photos are so beautiful.
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  20. Wonderful photography!!! All piks are amazing, everybody love them.
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  21. All the snapped are excellent. What a photography!!! Thanks for excellent share.

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