The Most Beautiful Beaches In Galicia

Spain’s northwestern region of Galicia is surrounded on two sides by water – the Cantabrian Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It enjoys 1200km of undulating coastline, full of tiny bays and inlets, so no wonder it’s home to some spectacular beaches. Here are some of the most beautiful.

As Catedrais

One of Spain‘s most well-known and famous beaches, As Catedrais means Cathedral’s Beach and is located along the north coast of Galicia, close to the border with Asturias. It’s named Cathedral’s Beach because of its spectacular rock formations that appear to be stone cathedrals towering over the sand.

Carnota

Galicia‘s longest beach, Carnota stretches for a total of seven kilometres and is situated on the western coast, approximately 70km from the city of Santiago de Compostela. As it’s so long, you’re always guaranteed to find a stretch of sand all to yourself. It’s ideal for swimming too, with many parts having lifeguards.

Playa de Rodas

Playa de Rodas is located on the Islas Cies, which can be found just off the coast of Vigo on the west coast of Galicia. Stretching for more than one kilometre and over 60 metres wide, this crescent-shaped beach connects the islands of Monteagudo and Faro. It has beautiful soft powder-white sand and sapphire blue waters, perfect for swimming or sunbathing. There are also facilities here such as restaurants and a campsite.

Playa de Riazor

Playa de Riazor is one of A Coruña‘s main beaches. Hugging the city, it’s a pretty moon shape with fine white sand, fronted by aquamarine waters. A Blue Flag beach, it’s ideal for a range of sports such as swimming, windsurfing and sailing.

Playa Chanteiro

A pretty bay with a white sand beach, Playa Chanteiro is located on a peninsular, jutting out above the city of A Coruña. Not far from Ferrol, it is known as one of the Playas (Beaches) de Ares. 150m long and 60m wide, it has clear, tranquil and shallow waters, making it ideal for families.

A Lanzada

One of Galicia’s most well known beaches, A Lanzada is located on the finger of land that connects the island-like municipality of O Grove with the mainland. It’s located just over half an hour’s drive from the city of Pontevedra. Stretching for more than two kilometres, it has fine white sand and facilities such as showers, changing rooms and lifeguards. Water sports are also particularly popular here, including bodyboarding, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Pantin

Backed by rolling green hills, this Blue Flag beach sits right on the top northwestern corner of Spain in Valdoviño. One of the country’s premiere surfing destinations, it’s wild and windswept and produces great swells and excellent wave conditions.

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