The name Asturias comes from the primitive settlers of the region, who lived along the Astura River, specifically on its banks; encompassing both the Asturians of the plateau or cismontanos, as well as the transmontanos to the north. Asturias is located in the northern part of Spain and is bordered to the south by the province of León, to the east by Cantabria, to the west by the province of Lugo and to the north by the Cantabrian Sea.
It has a population that barely exceeds one million and of which 189 are over 100 years old; within a territory that covers some 10,603.57 square kilometers. It is an autonomous community and the most mountainous in both Spain and Europe, located in what they call The Green Spain.
Therefore, it is a region with the most beautiful coasts and stretches of the country, with spectacular cliffs and a good variety of beaches, some quiet and others ideal for surfing; that is, there is something for all tastes and family enjoyment, finding in this principality of Asturias an authentic natural paradise.
Some beaches in Asturias with calm waters
Gulpiyuri Beach (in the municipality of Llanes)
This beach is located about 10 km from Llanes, exit to Naves. It is small with a semicircular shape, closed, white sand and has been formed by a depression in the ground; in addition, it is surrounded by cliffs. It is a beautiful beach, a little isolated and has no direct access to the sea.
The water of the Cantabrian Sea seeps subway through a cave, and thus gives way to both the tides and the waves. When the tide reaches its highest level or high tide, the sand is barely visible, but when it begins to get lower, it shows what is called the phenomenon of the drainage; that is, a good amount of sand. It is a Natural Monument of Asturias.
Barayo Beach
Towards the western coast of Asturias is located this paradisiacal and deserted beach, which has been formed by the mouth of the river of the same name; very close to the town of Vigo, between Valdés and Navia. Both the environment and the beach are considered a nature reserve, albeit partial, where it shares both dunes and marshes, which were altered with a boardwalk type walkway for biking or walking.
This beach has the finest sand of all the Principality and its waters are not dangerous and has few sea currents. To reach it can be accessed from the town of Vigo or by Sabugo; the car is left in the parking lot and then for the last stretch is reached on foot.
Luarca Beach (Valdés)
This beautiful shell-shaped cove is located within the West Coast and in the summer season is very frequented by tourists. It covers about 480 m. adding both the 1st and 2nd beaches; with dark sand and forming in the fishing village of Luarca, its urban beach.
Now, the 3rd beach completes the whole set and has an approximate length of 400 meters. All still retain their naturalness, also have good services, with toilets, showers, a lifeguard port, some places to cool off and several hotels with many offers and sea views.
Poo Beach (Llanes)
This beach is also part of the protected landscape, but of the East Coast, and is considered, according to National Geographic, one of the best in Europe. Its shape is very peculiar, funnel-shaped, surrounded by green areas and some cliffs. Its waters are calm and emerald green, almost like a swimming pool, being protected from the waves and leaving the water at high tide.
It has an extension of 150 m. and a lot of white sand. It is an ideal beach to enjoy with family and children. Another curiosity is that from the beach you can see a rock that is shaped like a sunken ship; also called the islet of Castro Poo.
Asturias beaches with moderate swells
Gavieru Silencio Beach
It is a beach that is shaped like a shell, located in the council of Cudillero, with crystal clear waters and 450 m long. Its closed and high vertical cliffs moderate both the waves and the wind and, of course, the sound; hence its name of beach of silence.
It is reached by going down a slope and stairs. It is also a protected beach of the West Coast of Asturias, therefore, has no showers, no lifeguards, and no toilets. It has no sand, the floor is rocky, so you should keep your feet protected to avoid injury.
Cuevas de Mar Beach
The beach is not that big, but it is like a mixture of stone and sand. Because it is protected, the water has a beautiful turquoise tone. It is about 125 m long, with white sand and karst landscape, that is, with cavities in the rock that have been carved by the waves.
It is ideal to walk in summer time and enjoy these beautiful stone formations. It is recommended to protect your feet so that you can walk without problems in this beautiful landscape that nature offers.
Peñarronda Beach
It belongs to the beaches of the West Coast, almost bordering Galicia. It is considered a Natural Monument, as it has some species that are in danger of extinction, such as the wallflower. The wallflower is a plant with a woody base and several stems.
The name of the beach is due to a boulder that is located in the middle of the beach, which is wide at low tide. It is located between Tapia de Casariego and Castropol. For its beauty you can not miss it.
Salinas Beach
It is one of the most extensive beaches of the Principality and one of the most visited in the Central Coast, with a little more than 2 km length and very fine sand, which continues with the beach of San Juan, reaching about 3 km. It has beautiful dunes and thanks to its extension you can take a pleasant walk or stroll.
It is one of the beaches where surfing can be practiced and is located near the town of Avilés; it is considered a semi-urban beach and close to the Real Club Náutico and the Balneario, which was rebuilt.
Asturias beaches with strong waves
Aguilar Beach
It is located in Muros de Nalón, bordering Cudillero. It has an extension of 360 m long, with fine sand and golden color. Surrounded by gentle cliffs and forests, with interesting rocks carved in certain silhouettes by the action of water.
The most striking is the famous Peña del Caballar, which is located at the center of the beach. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag of the European Community because it meets certain environmental, safety, educational and access criteria. It is a very crowded beach and has good equipment.
Verdicio Beach
Also known as Tenrero beach, it is located at the level of the Council of Gozón. It has an extension of about 330 m in length, has beautiful dunes and medium-grained sand of golden color. Its characteristic is that the waves break on the shore, perfect for surfers.
Also, in its vicinity there are some Paleolithic sites. Also, located on a hill, you can see the castreño enclosure of El Cuerno. It also has showers, security, parking and places to cool off. As we can see, it not only draws attention not only for its beach but also has historical findings of great interest.
Frejulfe Beach
This beach has a very extensive sand bank, about 820 m long, with dark sand and dunes. It is located near the town of Frejulfe, which belongs to the parish Piñera and here flows the river with the same name.
This sandy area has been considered a Natural Monument since 2002, with strong waves and towards the east side or right side of the beach you can see the mouth of the river, a kind of stream, which is the point where people are allowed to bathe without any danger.
Beach of Vega Berbes
It is considered one of the longest beaches in the region, about 1440 m long, with golden sand, landscapes with cliffs and beautiful dunes. It has strong waves for being so open and is located in the council of Ribadesella. Considered a Natural Monument.
In addition, it includes many elements of botanical value, such as the golden gnatcatcher, a unique plant, endemic to the dunes north of the Cantabrian coast, this coast of Asturias. It has flowers with a slightly pale yellowish tone. The left side of the beach is frequented by nudists; but if you are interested, towards the right or eastern side you can see some dinosaur footprints.
