What makes la Playa de las Catedrales special? Undoubtedly it is the incredible natural rock structures, caves, and tide pools. In all my travels I have never seen a beach quite like this one.
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Why is it called La Playa de las Catedrales?
Playa de las Catedrales translates to Cathedral Beach in English. It is called this due to the dramatic rock formations that mimic the gothic-style architecture of European Cathedrals. The rock arches look a lot like the famous flying buttresses of Notre Dame.
Is Praia das Catedrais or As Catedrais the same as Playa de las Catedrales?
Yes. Praia das Catedrais is the local Galician translation for La Playa de las Catedrales. While the English translation is Cathedral Beach.
As they all mean the same thing I will be using them interchangeably throughout this post.
How was As Catedrais beach formed?
As Catedrais was formed by natural erosion caused by the wind and the movement of the Cantabrian sea.
The waves carved away the softer stone and left behind these enormous rock arches and many secret caves that are waiting to be explored.
Where in Spain is Cathedral Beach?
As Catedrais is on the Northern coast of Spain. It is located on the western boundary between Galicia and Asturias.
The beach does fall into the Galician boundaries.
Its closest city is Ribadeo which is about 10 km or a 13- minute drive from the beach.
If you are coming from A Coruña the drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Cathedral Beach Spain map
I have marked essential places to know if you are visiting La Playa de las Catedrales.
Be sure to notice the location of the First Aid station. Since most of the exploring takes place in tide pools be aware of small animals that may be living in them, crabs, fish, etc. While I was here, my travel partner stepped on a poisonous fish and had to get treatment on their foot from the first aid providers.
Illa de Xangal
Illa de Xangal will be on your left when you walk down the stairs to the beach. This is one of the largest arches on the beach, and there is a pool that is probably about 4ft deep at its base. This is where we had our run-in with the poisonous stinging fish, so be careful in the water here!
Triple Arco
The triple arco is probably the most famous rock formation on the beach. Obviously, for a good reason. The size and form of these arches are truly impressive. However, this is easily the most crowded portion of the beach.
If you want a picture without people in it, you literally need to be one of the first people on the beach or really good at photoshop. Clearly, I was/am neither.
Don’t be afraid to walk past this, there are more secluded arches past the triple arco.
Visit Cathedral Beach / Visitar la playa de las catedrales
Cathedral Beach is a cannot miss, however, it may be difficult to reach for some travelers.
Here are your options:
Rent a car: This is clearly the easiest option, but also a more expensive one. I would say that even if it is for just the day a car will make your journey much easier, especially since your visit to the beach is time-sensitive. Additionally, there is plenty of space to park near the beach, so this is not an issue.
BlaBlaCar: This is a rideshare app that is popular in Spain, It could definitely get you to nearby Ribadeo, and from there you may have to take a taxi.
Bus or Train: There are also traditional buses and trains that run to Ribadeo, but they may not work with the time schedule you are hoping for.
Advice for Visiting Cathedral Beach (Consejos para visitar La Playa de las Catedrales)
La Playa de las Catedrales is not just a normal beach, and there are some things you need to know before you arrive at the beach.
- You need a reservation to be able to explore the beach.
- You can only visit the beach during the time leading up to low tide.
- Be careful while exploring caves and tide pools.
Playa de las Catedrales Reserva (reservations)
Reservations are required to access the beach. This is because it is a protected beach and they limit the number of visitors in order to aid with the conservation process.
As Catedrais Beach Tide Times
This means you can only access this beach for select several hours throughout the day, If you are taking public transportation and not driving yourself this will take some careful planning.
The reason behind this restriction is that the tides make the beach dangerous. When the tide comes in it creates intense rip currents and fills the caves quickly, making the beach extremely dangerous to the public. Additionally, the beach completely disappears during high tide and ultimately is inaccessible then.
It is usually safe to access the beach around two hours before the scheduled low tide.
Beach Safety
As I mentioned previously, there are some dangers involved with visiting the beach including tides, slippery rocks, and animals trapped in tide pools.
There is a first aid station in case anything should happen, however, I would highly recommend wearing water shoes to help protect yourself from some of these dangers. I did not have any, but I really wish that I did.
Water shoes can help protect your feet from getting stung by sealife and can also help you navigate the slippery rocks while exploring.
If you are looking for good, lightweight water shoes I have since found this great pair on amazon.
5 As Catedrais Beach Facts
- Only 5,000 people can visit the beach each day.
- The As Catedrais national monument actually stretches over 71.5 acres, although the part that people have access to is much smaller.
- Some of the rock formations that make the beach famous can reach up to 105 feet (32 meters).
- The rock formations are formed 100% naturally. Its key contributors are water and wind erosion.
- This beach is sometimes called Playa de Aguas Santas which in English means beach of the holy water.
Excursión a la Playa de las Catedrales Desde A Coruña (Excursions to Playa de las Catedrales from A Coruña)
Honestly, it took me a long time to find an excursion that leaves from the city of A Coruña and transports you to the Playa de las Catedrales. However, I did find one!
Viajes Breogán offers this service. For 35 euros the tour includes transport to and entrance to the beach. It also includes a set menu lunch at a restaurant, and additional stops along the Ruta de Faros.
This seems like a great deal and has great reviews. One thing I have noticed while looking at their website is that it is all in Spanish, so if you do not speak Spanish I would recommend asking if they offer tours in other languages before booking!
If you are looking to visit playa de las Catedrales but are coming from Santiago de Compostela, then the following tour would be perfect for you.
This includes transportation, entry, and several other notable stops along the way!
Donde Comer Cerca de la Playa de las Catedrales (Where to eat near the Cathedral Beach)
There is a small cafe near the entrance of the Beach if you are desperate for food before or after your visit to the beach.
However, if you are looking for more high-quality options here are a few:
Pulperia Mario appears to be a very local spot with a specialty in seafood. It is located right next to Praia de Reinante, and just a few minutes from the Cathedral beach entrance.
Restaurante Yenka is also located on Praia de Reinante and offers a range of food. It focuses mostly on seafood, but additionally offers many types of bocadillos (sandwiches). These would be fantastic to take away for a beach picnic!
O Lar de Carmiña is very close to the beach entrance and offers cuisine that is undeniably Spanish, including Pulpo de Gallego, Croquetas, and chorizo plates all for a very reasonable price. This would be a great place to stop on your way in or out of the area.
If you are looking for something more unique or maybe more trendy, try heading into the charming town of Ribadeo. Here you will find many, many more options!
Distancia de Ribadeo a La Playa de las Catedrales
It only takes about 13 minutes to travel between Ribadeo and La Playa de las Catedrales. Depending on the route you take they are anywhere from 10-14km apart. In miles that translates to 6.2-8.6 miles apart.
Ribadeo, Spain
Ribadeo is the closest town to the Playa de las Catedrales and has much of its own character. It is a peaceful port town that actually lies on the border between two Comunidades, Galicia and Asturias.
It is quite small, and peaceful. However, it could be a fun town to explore. It also is a welcomed break between your time at the beach and your next stop. Some notable places are:
O Cargadeiro is a historic mining bridge, that offers beautiful views over the bay and the river.
Forte De San Damián is a historic fort that was built on the Ría de ribadeo o del Eo. The fort was built in 1624, and ever since has been a key defense point for Spain. It has proved effective against the English invasion and was also a key defensive point in the Spanish Civil War.
Mirador Ribadeo is a scenic outlook that is one of the best sunset spots around. It is even complete with a beautiful Galician lighthouse.
Torre Dos Moreno is a group of old historic homes that surround the town’s main plaza, Plaza de España. The architecture is truly outstanding, and unlike anything, I have seen before!
Hoteles Cerca de la Playa de las Catedrales (Hotels Nearby)
There are 5 major options for hotels within walking distance of the Playa de las Catedrales.
Casa Azul is the closest option. It is only 550 m from the entrance of the beach. This option has 5 stars on google, It appears to be cute and cozy.
Hotel Playa de las Catedrales is just over 1 km from the beach entrance. For just $37 dollars a night you can stay in the conveniently located and highly rated accommodation.
Pensión Las Catedrales is another nearby option, although a little farther than the previously mentioned accommodations, this could still be a great option.
O Lar Carmiña is a great restaurant but also a reasonably priced accommodation with great reviews! This is definitely a great option nearby!
Casa Do Merlo is a bit of a higher-end option. This costs about 83$ a night but is directly oceanside. The rooms feel a bit more luxurious and are still just 3 km from the Playa de las Catedrales.
Where to next?
A Coruña
I started my journey in A Coruña, but you may be working from the opposite way. Either way, be sure to spend some time here. A Coruña is a city that is full of so much history, and the architecture is truly like nowhere else in Spain.
While in this city you will also have the freshest seafood of your life!
Cudillero
If you are headed on towards Asturias be sure to stop at some of the charming seaside villages. If you are only to choose one be sure to stop at Cudillero.
Cudillero is a colorful and tranquil city located directly on Spain’s northern coast. It has several delicious restaurants, cute shops and bright facades that you absolutely must see!
Gijón
Also in Asturias, Gijón is a larger city but it still has the Asturian coastal charm. Here you can swim, enjoy their beautiful parks, walk through their historic city center, and try the local hard cider.
It is a great place to spend a day or evening on your way to other areas. I also know that near Gijón there are several sea caves to explore if you are feeling adventurous.
Santiago de Compostela
If you are trying to stay in Galicia, be sure to head to one of Galicia’s best-known cities, Santiago de Compostela.
Santiago de Compostela is truly a special place with so much to offer, including stunning cathedrals, religious artifacts, and fantastic food.
Have you been?
Have you been to La Playa de las Catedrales? Are you going? I would love to hear from you if this post was helpful, or if there was anything I may have forgotten. Please leave a comment with any and all input, thank you!
UN PAISAJE PRECIOSO,TODA GALICIA MARAVILLOSA