What do you think of when you think of Northern Spain? Is it the 40 shades of green? Is it the majestic mountains? Might it be the amazing gastronomy? Or could it be the beaches? Do you even associate Northern Spain with having amazing beaches? If not, then you really should. Northern Spain is a beach lovers paradise. The quantity, quality and variety of splendid beaches to be found in the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia is hard to match. If you fancy a swim or a barefooted stroll along a soft sandy beach, here are a few of our Totally Spain favourites. Beaches we love and know you will too – from buzzing iconic city beaches to little known crowd-free gems. So, let’s dive in and go beach hopping in Northern Spain.
Beach Hopping in Northern Spain
1 Rodas Beach, Cies Islands (Galicia)
Although this is an island off the mainland, it has become the darling of the travel media so you will find it very busy during July and August. But if you travel on a schoolday in June, you’ll have the catamaran over and back to Vigo (or Cangas) and the beach itself to yourself! The picture below just about captures the beauty – Rodas really is a stunning place. Read more about it here in our post on What to See in Galicia.
No, it’s not the Caribbean – it’s Rodas Beach on the Cies Islands in Northern Spain which can be accused by boat from Vigo and Cangas! photo credit: tunante80 O paraíso chámase Rodas via photopin (license)
2 Limens Beach, Cangas (Galicia)
Galicia is perfect for beach-hopping and you’ll find dozens of great ports and fishing villages to explore after your swims. We are partial to the charms of Limens beach which is a small cove in Cangas in Pontevedra. It’s an area that’s popular with Spanish tourists in the Summer months but hasn’t really attracted many international visitors – so you can really switch off and enjoy being away.
Limens is a charming cove that’s rarely busy. Stop off at the ‘camping’ for a refreshing beer after your swim. photo credit: Lares, Cangas Playa de Liméns. Cangas. Rías Bajas. via photopin (license)
3 Arousa Island (Galicia)
Another island but this time you can reach it by car from the mainland. This is mussel and clam territory so after you’ve explored the sand and taken a swim, cross the sandbank to the mainland and head to Cambados for a seafood platter and a delicious crisp local white wine. Relax overnight at the parador in Cambados or drive over to Santiago to explore this enchanted city.
The island of Arousa can be reached by car – and is perfect for a secluded swim and picnic! photo credit: sergei.gussev via photopin (license)
4 Cathedrals Beach (Galicia)
Because this is a protected landmark, you need to reserve a place to visit these stunning rock formations on the beach between July 1 and September 30 when access is restricted (you can book online here). This system ensures that you get to enjoy the geological structures as well as the beach itself – without crazy crowds. If you choose a day in early June, you’ll have it to yourself! (NB We can handle all this admin if you choose to travel with us…)
A busy beach but the Cathedrals Beach is well-worth a stop-over for its majestic cliffs and rock formations. photo credit: jl.cernadas 2046-Praia das Catedrais en Ribadeo (Lugo) via photopin (license)
5 Silencio Beach, Castañeras (Asturias)
Cudillero is an iconic fishing village in Asturias where you’ll experience Green Spain at its best and, after doing so, we think, Silencio Beach, just 15 mins drive, is the icing on the cake to any visit. You will need to walk down some steep steps to get to the actual water (and NB this is a pebble strand rather than a sandy beach) that means you don’t find huge crowds here. It’s best known for its dramatic sunsets. Top up your phone battery as you’ll want to capture the beauty again and again! Read more about Cudillero and Green Spain’s other pretty fishing villages here.
Dramatic cliffs and coastline at the aptly named Silence Beach. photo credit: Ines Álvarez Fdez Playa del Silencio via Unsplash
6 Toró Beach, Llanes (Asturias)
This horseshoe-shaped beach is dotted with characteristic rock formations against the backdrop of the limestone cliffs. Near Llanes, where you’ll find many other coves and beaches as well as wonderful restaurants and artisan shops to pick up some picnic treats or enjoy a sit-down meal with a difference.
Toró is one of the many picturesque beaches near Llanes in Asturias. photo credit: locuig Beach Llanes Toró via pixabay
7 Comillas (Cantabria)
Very popular with Spanish holiday-makers, this town is home to remarkable architecture and a wonderful beach too. Spend the morning visiting the Capricho de Gaudi museum and Sobrellano Palace or the Town Cemetery (yes, really!) before picking up some picnic essentials and spending the afternoon at the beach. Enjoy an evening meal at a nearby village beside a small chapel overlooking the sea.
A huge beach just a few mins stroll from the charming town of Comillas that features a Gaudi gem. photo credit: Lumiago Un día de playa!!! via photopin (license)
8 El Puntal, Somo (Cantabria)
Although technically not one of Santander’s beaches, you can hop on a ferry right beside the brand-new Botin Centre designed by Renzo Piano, and enjoy this quiet and picturesque beach. It’s actually a long sandbank so it’s perfect for walkers – if you like a swim, you’ll can choose to face the Magdalena Palace or the mountains and the bay. During the Summer months, the chiringuito bars serve rolls, seafood platters and salads – as well as snacks and drinks. Insider Tip: It’s perfect for anybody who wants away from the city beaches without having to hire a car!
El Puntal is an amazing sandbank that can be reached by boat from Santander – or on foot from Somo, across the bay from the city. photo credit: VEINN Palacio de la Madalena via photopin (license)
9 Loredo Beach (Cantabria)
Make sure you don’t confuse Loredo with the larger Laredo beach also in Cantabria which is a much busier beach. Why Loredo? We love to see the Derby on the beach, but there’s lots to enjoy and do when the horses aren’t around. It’s hugely popular with surfers and you’ll see surf classes taking place here during the Summer months and at weekends during the winter. The views are wonderful – and you can glimpse the picturesque Picos mountains and the cosmopolitan city of Santander from the comfort of your beach towel. Plenty places to eat here and you can also check out nearby Hoznayo and Villaverde de Pontones for Michelin-star dining. If you like live music, stay in Loredo til dusk to check out BlueMoon Loredo.
Famous for the annual horse derby on the sand, Loredo is 99% of the time, a quiet beach boasting great views of the bay, Mouro Lighthouse and Santander. photo credit: Jose Castanedo En la contrarrecta-Derby de Loredo via photopin (license)
10 Langre Beach (Cantabria)
Langre is very popular with surfers and families who love playing in the rock pools. It’s about a 30-min drive from Santander but you’ll find lots of bars and restaurants in the Ribamontan al Mar neighbourhood to keep you in this area long after your swim. Stay at Somo, another popular beach town popular with surfers, where you can also take the passenger ferry across to the city of Santander during the day.
Popular with surfers, Langre beach is in Cantabria – a short drive from Santander city. photo credit: txindoki 2007040613401 via photopin (license)
11 Mundaka Beach (Basque Country)
If you’ve ever surfed, you’ve probably heard about Mundaka. This patch of sand is not only pretty but it’s 30-mins by car to Bilbao Airport so if you’re flying in or out here, you can easily squeeze in this patch of coastline! It’s also just 30 mins from Gaztelugatxe – as seen on the Game of Thrones. Read What to See and Do in Bilbao here – including the Guggenheim and the great Food Market.
Mundaka – famous for its surfing but also a charming port. photo credit: Pablo Alejandro Araujo Granda via Flickr
12 La Concha Beach, San Sebastian (Basque Country)
La Concha is absolutely buzzing with people in July and August – keen to enjoy the most iconic piece of coastline in Northern Spain. When you’ve had a swim, you’ve plenty to see, do – and eat – this is the Basque Country after all! Check out our guide to the city and its gastronomy here.
One of Northern Spain’s prettiest city beaches and iconic also – it’s La Concha in San Sebastian. photo credit: Spain – San Sebastian / Donostia – view from Monte Igueldo via photopin (license)
Want to continue touring Spain’s coastline? Check out our pick of 8 beaches on mainland Spain. And if you are driving in Spain, you might want to read our 50 Facts about Driving in Spain & Portugal.