Contrast predominates in the beaches of Asturias, bathed by the Cantabrian. From East to West, none of the over two hundred sandbanks where the earth and the sea blend together is replicated. They are all different.
Their shapes and landscapes and their crystal-clear waters will surprise you, that make each visit a unique and different day. Their proximity to the mountains especially attracts attention as well as their different beauty depending on the tides.
The Asturian coast, the best preserved in the country for its un built-up beaches and the control of the buildings in the coastal area, offers a unique natural surrounding with many possibilities. In winter, you can become a spectator of luxury and embody in your photographs the ferocity of the sea; and in summer you will enjoy a relaxing day of sun and the therapeutic benefits of bathing in saltwater in a privileged setting.
As well as the acknowledgement of the local population and tourists, the excellence of the beaches on the Asturian coast is attested by the twelve blue flags awarded by the European Foundation of Environmental Education and by numerous stamps of quality. Asturias offers easily-accessible natural spaces, with car parks, services, recreational areas and nearby tourist accommodation.
Choose, if you can, between a secluded cove protected by the cliffs, an urban one, or an infinite sandbank to enjoy a paradisiacal day throughout the whole year. Or, if you prefer, between a secluded stay, a young atmosphere or a family one. As well as cooling off, most offer spaces for fishing and practicing sport.
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The Atlantic winds shape the beaches of the West, the wildest and most natural of the Principality.
The closest to the Eo Estuary, Arnao Beach (Castropol), offers you fantastic views of the Cantabrian coast; and surfing fans especially enjoy Penarronda (between Castropol and Tapia de Casariego) and Anguileiro (Tapia de Casariego), one of the most valued spots in the area, as well as Frexulfe. Navia stands out due to the influence of the tides and its darker sand. In the region of Valdés, Outur is another of the tourist references of the West, with spaces for nudists in the most far out coves towards the West; and the beach of L.luarca is sheltered from strong waves, whilst Cadavéu, also known as Ribeirona, stands out due to its peculiar shape. In Cudillero, la Concha de Artedo stands out, one of the most special in Asturias due to its shell shape, and El Silencio, another sandbank of great beauty, protected by cliffs.
The central section of the Principality, with Peñas cape as the northernmost point, boasts beaches such as Aguilar Beach, with golden sand surrounding by large rocks that bestow it a great attractiveness;
the extensive sandbank of Los Quebrantos, at the mouth of the river Nalón; the elongated urban facade of Salinas, (Castrillón), of reference for surfing lovers; the dunes of the beautiful setting of Xagó (Gozón), and Xibares (Carreño), ideal for all types of people. In Gijón/Xixón, the large seaside city, noteworthy beaches are San Lorenzo Beach, one of the most popular in the Principality that stretches from Santa Catalina hill to Piles river; Poniente, an excellent artificial sandbank created above the grounds of some old dockyards beside the marina, and L'Arbeyal, the scene of numerous sporting events.
The East is characterised by its fine, golden sand in a setting of indisputable beauty.
This area gathers many of the beaches renowned for being the most beautiful in Spain. The ones that stand out, to cite but a few, are the spectacular Rodiles, at the mouth of the Villaviciosa Estuary, and La Griega (Colunga), with its well-known dinosaur footprints. In Llanes, Gulpiyuri is a peculiar and unique beach separated by the rocks and the plants that receive water through an underground pipe; Buelna, a natural, family-friendly cove, and the one in Po, with the peculiarity of its protected and tranquil waters. Sandbanks of special uniqueness like the nearby blowholes of Pría, Arenillas and Santiuste. These are some of the examples of the richness of the Eastern area, such as La Franca Beach, popular since the 19th century for its old saltwater spa in the part closest to the Tina Mayor estuary.
The nature in Asturias is a succession of protected areas - including a national park and several natural parks - which has allowed to preserve over a third of the territory in magnificent condition and possess the best-preserved coast in Spain
