Some places win our hearts from the moment we arrive: Asturias is one of them. Whichever way you look you will see mother nature at her wildest, the verdancy of the mountains fusing with the glistening blue of the Cantabrian Sea. Extending for over 340km, the coastline is defined by impressive cliffs, deep caves and - of course - beautiful beaches. Expansive, tiny, sandy, pebbly, nestled among the rocks: however you like your beach you will find it here. During your time in Asturias, you simply have to come and explore the treasures of the Cantabrian. That’s why we thought we’d put together a list of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Are you coming to discover them?
Gulpiyuri Beach
One of the best and, arguably, most unique beaches in Asturias is Gulpiyuri. So what is it that makes it so special?
Well, it is completely landlocked with the Cantabrian Sea nowhere in sight. A hundred metres from the coastline, Gulpiyuri looks, at first glance, like a small lake or natural pool. However, it is connected to the sea through an underwater channel and has 50m of sand, meaning that it is, indeed, a beach.
In 2001, the beach was declared a Natural Monument, measuring just 40m. It is also part of the Protected Landscape of the Eastern Coast of Asturias scheme. Another unique thing about Gulpiyuri is the tide. At high tide, there is hardly any sand at all whereas at low tide, the water escapes from the way it came in, leaving the scenery dominated by sand.
This beautiful Cantabrian beach has no services and the nearest village is Naves. To access the beach, you will need to walk along a country path through the green meadows. But it is absolutely worth the effort.
Torimbia beach
The second beach to make it onto our list of the most beautiful in Asturias is Torimbia. Located close to Llanes, this picturesque slice of the coastline is embraced by impressive cliffs reaching 50m into the sky. Since the 1960s, the beach has been a popular spot among the nudist community, meaning you can enjoy a total sense of freedom during your time here.
Over the years, Torimbia beach has aged gracefully. Shaped like a shell or crescent moon, the expanse of soft sand gives way to clear waters that beckon you to come and take a dip or two.
To get to Torimbia, you’ve got two options. You can either walk down a good path to the western part of the beach or take the wild trails down the slopes, ending up on the eastern part.
At high season, there is a chiringuito (beach bar) on the beach. If you’re on the look-out for a magical spot to enjoy the Cantabrian waters, Torimbia beach is it.
Beach of Cuevas del Mar
The spectacular scenery of Cuevas del Mar beach will blow you away. Perforated rocks and cliffs define the seascape, creating an intricate network of tunnels and caves (which gives the beach its name, in Spanish cueva means cave). As the tide goes down, nature’s masterpiece is revealed.
The beautiful beach is located at the mouth of the river Ereba close to Nueva de Llanes. Cuevas de Mar is a popular choice among tourists who love the white sands, stones and beautiful waters they find here.
It’s very easy to get to the beach and there is a carpark, so you don’t have to worry about where to leave the car. There is also a recreational area where you can spend hours gazing at the views and feeling the sea breeze caress your skin. Simply dreamy. Come and experience it for yourself.
El Silencio beach
No exploration of the Asturian coastline is complete without a trip to El Silencio beach. Extending for 510m, the beach is decorated with a unique line of islets that float along the shore, making it a truly spectacular sight.
The beach is principally formed of pebbles, rather than sand, imbuing it with a wild beauty that will leave you lost for words.
And then there are the emerald waters. Created by the lack of sand in this part of Asturias, this unique and attention-grabbing hue will get you reaching for your snorkel. As you put your head under the surface, an underwater world of wonder will be revealed to you. Everything you need is here: the seascape, the marine life, you. Breathe in the serenity and feel your soul be replenished.
Asturias is full of off-the-beaten track spots so make sure to explore the region from top to toe. At El Silencio, there is a trail that leads you to a viewing point at the top of a cliff, which affords the most spectacular vistas of the beach. Absolutely worth the effort.
Cadavedo/La Ribeirona beach
We couldn’t leave Cadavedo / La Ribeirona off our list of the most beautiful beaches in Asturias. This immense stretch of the coast extends for 53,000m2 at low tide, leaving plenty of space for you to enjoy a day of sun, sea and sand.
The scenery enveloping the beach will first capture your attention. Leafy woods and a small hórreo (a raised granary typical of the area) perch on the hillside, overlooking the waters. The beach has got an interesting past. In Medieval times it was a whaling spot while now it is a tourist destination, with visitors making their way to enjoy the shell-shaped sandy and pebbly beach.
There is a road connecting the beach from Cadavedo and a large carpark so you don’t need to worry about parking. So what are you waiting for? Come and enjoy this spectacular seascape.
AGUILAR BEACH, MUROS DE NALÓN
Continuing our journey through the coastal wonders of Asturias, we come to the impressive El Aguilar Beach in Muros de Nalón. This spot, flanked by majestic cliffs that plunge into the sea, boasts an unrivalled scenic beauty that captivates everyone lucky enough to visit it. Its powerful waves make it a paradise for surfers, adding a touch of thrill and adventure to the natural landscape.
What makes El Aguilar Beach even more special is its easy and convenient access. With services and ample parking areas, access by car makes it suitable for people of all ages to enjoy its charms hassle-free. What's more, this spectacular beach is the starting point for the Ruta de los Miradores, an stunning stretch of the famous coastal walking route that crosses the entire region of Asturias. This walk offers breathtaking panoramic views, allowing visitors to drink in the endless beauty of the Asturian landscape while exploring its rugged trails and towering cliffs.
RODILES BEACH, VILLAVICIOSA
Nestled in the Ría de Villaviciosa Nature Reserve, Rodiles Beach is one of Asturias' true natural paradises. Surrounded by an extensive pine and eucalyptus forest, and with a picturesque wooden promenade that stretches along the estuary, this beach enchants every visitor with its unique dual setting combining seascape and forestland.
As well as its scenic beauty, Rodiles Beach is also a favourite spot for surfing in the Cantabrian Sea. Its waters provide the ideal conditions for practicing this exhilarating sport, attracting surfers from all over the world in search of a challenge.
POO DE LLANES BEACH, LLANES
A list of the Asturias’ best beaches wouldn't be complete without Poo de Llanes Beach. Besides its natural beauty, this beach is particularly impressive due to its peculiar geography. Located at the mouth of the Vallina River, at low tide, this funnel-shaped beach conceals the sea from view on the horizon, presenting an intriguing spectacle. However, as the tide comes in, the sea emerges through a channel formed over centuries, creating a magnificent scene of emerald water and soft sand, perfect for families and children’s games.
Poo de Llanes Beach tends to get very crowded, so we recommend getting up early and securing a spot on this coastal haven to enjoy an unforgettable day.
BALLOTA BEACH: BETWEEN ORCHIDS AND AN ISLAND
At the heart of the Eastern Asturian Coast, we find the beautiful twin beaches of Ballota and Andrín, veritable natural gems that dazzle visitors with their wild beauty. Before setting foot on the golden sand of Ballota Beach, a visit to the La Boriza viewpoint is a must to take in the truly spectacular views of the Asturian coastline. With the Picos de Europa mountains in the background, and an abundance of flora filling the landscape with colour, this viewpoint offers an unrivalled and breath-taking view of the coastline.
The beaches of Ballota and Andrín, separated by the Punta el Pandón headland, are like two sister jewels, each with its own charm. While Andrín is well-known among surfers for its rolling waves, Ballota offers a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere, with calmer waters; the ideal place to relax and enjoy nature at its purest.
Visit beautiful beaches during your stay at ARTIEM Asturias
This list has just scratched the surface of the most beautiful beaches on the Cantabrian coast; there are many, many more to see and enjoy. All the beaches described here are no more than a 50-minute drive from ARTIEM Asturias. A wonderful place to stay if you want to enjoy the Asturian coast, mountains and cuisine. And if you have little time to discover the natural paradise, we propose the best plan of what to see in Asturias in 3 days. Book your stay today and start dreaming about discovering picture-perfect villages, verdant mountains and spectacular beaches. We can’t wait to see you.