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