With 1,500 kilometers of coastline and around 130 sandy areas, it is difficult to decide on a beach in Galicia. Still embraced by that temperamental ocean with rough waves that is the Atlantic, in Galicia there are also beaches where the sea surprises with its placidity and corners, such as the beaches of the Cíes Islands, which seem to have been taken from the Caribbean .
The Cathedrals
Unsurprisingly, As Catedrais (The Cathedrals) is easily the most popular beach in Galicia.
Beach of the Cathedrals.
We are facing a marvel of geology in the area of Ribadeo (Lugo), on the Cantabrian coast.
The sea has sculpted a symphony of arches, vaults and columns reminiscent of a gigantic Gothic temple.
The place has easy access and numerous information panels. But the only way to photograph this natural monument from the beach is taking advantage of low tide hours .
In this 15 -kilometre coastal stretch, it is recommended to visit the neighboring beaches of Os Castros and ports such as Rinlo.
Occurs
In the Cíes Islands , at the mouth of the Vigo estuary, there are some of the most beautiful beaches in Galicia.
One of them is Rhodes , which looks like a carbon copy of the Caribbean with its crystal clear waters and fine golden sand.
Rhodes Beach.
It is shaped like a half moon and is protected by a pine forest that is a welcome refuge if the heat gets too hot.
Rodas beach looks like a carbon copy of the Caribbean with its crystal clear waters and fine golden sand.
Due to the tourist attraction that these islands are, a quota of daily visits is established, which arrive by boat from Vigo, Bayona and Cangas del Morrazo.
Samil
Seven kilometers west of the center of Vigo, this urban beach is easily reached. Samil is a tongue of fine sand one kilometer long, which, thanks to its proximity to this Galician city and its abundant supply of services, is one of the most popular in Galicia.
Samil Beach.
To the north, the beach ends in a rocky area, interspersed with dunes, while to the south it merges with Calzoa, which then gives way to the mouth of the Lagares River.
To Launched
In the municipality of Sanxenxo, in the Rías Baixas of Pontevedra, is this beach that has won the Blue Flag on numerous occasions.
A Lanzada Beach.
It is located on the southwest face of the strip of land that joins the El Grove peninsula with the mainland . A few steps away is the tourist town of San Vicente del Mar.
A Lanzada beach, being an open area with continuous exposure to the wind, is popular for water sports
Its popularity is justified by the quality of its waters and the fine-grained sand that extends for two kilometers ; extension to which another kilometer is added with the inclusions of Áreas Gordas and Lapa.
Areas
Also in the municipality of Sanxenxo is Playa de Areas , which is straight along its 350 metres , except in the last section, which takes on a curved shape.
Beach of Areas.
With fine white sand, the place is a recommended spot for sailing sports such as windsurfing, as well as water skiing.
At its eastern end is the pretty little Cala dos Mortos , which can only be accessed at low tide. There is also Punta Cabicastro , a recommended watchtower to contemplate the Pontevedra estuary.
Montalvo
Sanxenxo never tires of having very popular beaches. The Montalvo beach is in a rural setting , surrounded by the point of the same name, which is an interesting natural viewpoint, and the Paxariñas beach, which separates it from the adjoining beach.
Montalvo Beach.
Here too, its sand is fine and very clear , which forms small dunes that are home to various native plant species. Being an open beach, the presence of the wind is constant and is appreciated by lovers of water sports .
In summer the aquatic landscape is usually populated with boats.
Riazor
This is the urban beach par excellence of A Coruña , located in the Orzán cove.
It is an open formation, with coarse sand, that extends for 600 meters and with rocky sectors that are ideal for the little ones to look for fish with the snorkel mask.Playa de Riazor.
In high season it can be a bit crowded . But it is understood by the proximity to the center of A Coruña and its excellent services and the display of bars, restaurants and beach bars.
Carnota
This is the longest beach in Galicia, seven kilometers long, and at low tide it reaches up to 500 meters wide in some sections.
With seven kilometers long, Carnota Beach is the longest in all of Galicia. In some sections, at low tide, it has a width of 500 meters.
Carnota Beach.
Its sand is white and fine, and it usually has a low occupancy in summer.
America
Perhaps this is the most important beach located to the south of the Galician coast. Although its official name is Playa de Area Loura, everyone knows it as Playa América.
America Beach.
The reason is the urbanization that took place a century ago, faced by the ‘indians’ who had returned to Galicia after having made their fortune on the other side of the Atlantic.
Its sands of fine white sand extend for almost two kilometers to Playa de Panjón , which is divided by the Muíños River.
