If you are looking for a perfect destination to enjoy the sun, the sand and the sea, look no further than Lugo. This province in Galicia, Spain, boasts a stunning coastline of over 100 kilometers (60 miles) and a treasure chest of beaches to choose from.

But how do you decide which ones to visit? Don’t worry, we have done the hard work for you and selected the 12 of the best beaches in Lugo that will make your holiday unforgettable. We’ve selected these 12 beaches as they each provide something a little different. However, to be absolutely honest, it’s pretty difficult to a beach in this area which isn’t jar-droppingly awesome!

Whether you prefer secluded coves, wide sandy stretches or rocky cliffs, you’ll find we have something for everyone. Read on and discover the beauty and diversity of Lugo’s beaches!

Cathedral Beach

Let’s start with one of the most iconic and impressive beaches on the Lugo coast: Praia das Catedrais (Cathedral Beach). This beach is named after its spectacular rock formations that resemble Gothic cathedrals rising from the sea. When the tide is low, you can walk under these arches and admire their intricate shapes and textures. You can also explore some of the caves and pools that dot the beach. But be careful: when the tide rises, these natural wonders are submerged and inaccessible. So make sure you check the tide times before you go.

Read our Guide to Cathedral Beach HERE

Praia das Catedrais is a very popular beach, especially in summer and Easter week. To protect its fragile ecosystem, access is limited to 4,812 people per day during these periods. You need to book your visit online (for free) at ascatedrais.xunta.gal at least 15 days in advance. You’ll receive a QR code that you need to show at the entrance of the beach. If you don’t have a reservation, you can still admire Praia das Catedrais from above, from one of the viewpoints along the coastal path.

Playa de Xilloi (Xilloi Beach)

If you’re looking for a quieter and more secluded beach on the Lugo coast, head to Playa de Xilloi in O Vicedo. This kilometre-long beach has fine white sand and clear turquoise water that will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean. It’s surrounded by dunes, cliffs and pine forests that add to its natural beauty. You can also spot some small islands offshore, such as Isla Coelleira, which has an ancient monastery on it.

Playa de Xilloi is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. There are no facilities on this beach, so bring your own food and drinks if you plan to spend some time here. You can also walk along the coastal path that connects Playa de Xilloi with other nearby beaches such as Playa de Abrela or Playa de Area Grande.

Porto de Rinlo (Rinlo Harbour)

Porto de Rinlo is not exactly a beach but rather a charming fishing village with a small harbour on the Lugo coast. It’s worth visiting for its picturesque houses painted in bright colours, its scenic views of the sea and its mouth-watering seafood restaurants.
Porto de Rinlo is famous for its arroz caldoso con bogavante (rice stew with lobster), which is considered one of the best dishes in Galicia. You can enjoy it at one of the local eateries such as A Mirandilla or O Cabazo do Rei.

Porto de Rinlo is also close to some beautiful beaches such as Playa de Os Castros or Playa de As Illas

Os Castros (Ribadeo)

Os Castros (Ribadeo) is a stunning beach located in the municipality of Ribadeo, in the province of Lugo, Spain. It is one of the most beautiful and well-equipped beaches in the country, with a blue flag status and good facilities for surfing. Os Castros beach is also a place of great historical and archaeological interest, as it is home to the remains of an ancient fortified settlement from the pre-Roman age. The castro (castra) was surrounded by ditches and walls, and had circular constructions inside. It was built on a vantage point with amazing views of the sea and the coast. When the tide is low, Os Castros beach is connected to another beach called Das Illas, forming a spectacular natural landscape. Os Castros beach has an attractive viewpoint where visitors can admire its beauty and learn more about its history.

Playa de Area (Viveiro)

This beach is located 4 km from the city of Vivero, and it has 1150 meters of fine white sand and clear blue water. You can enjoy the calm waves and the gentle breeze, as well as the stunning views of the mountains and the Ria de Viveiro. Playa de Area is also known for its special microclimate that makes it warmer than other beaches in the area. You can find free bathrooms, showers and foot washes on the beach, as well as some bars and restaurants nearby, but the facilities are not open all year round.

Playa de Rocas Blancas

This small and secluded beach is located near Illa Pancha, a fantastic spot with impressive cliffs and heavy waves. You can enjoy the fine sand and the crystal clear water, but be aware that it’s only accessible on low tide! There’s a timetable on top of the stairs that lead to the beach, so you can check when you should leave. There’s also parking right behind the beach and picnic tables with fireplaces to grill on top. Playa de Rocas Blancas is part of the Camino del Norte, one of the routes of the Camino de Santiago, so you can also experience some of the culture and history of this pilgrimage.

Arealonga (Vicedo)

This is one of the most popular beaches in the area, with its long and sandy shore, its clear and calm waters, and its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Arealonga is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing day with family or friends, as it offers plenty of space, shade, and facilities. You can swim, sunbathe, play sports, or explore the nearby forest and cliffs. Arealonga is also a great spot to admire the sunset

San Román (Vicedo)

Playa de San Román, which is decorated with rocks and caves, offers opportunities for surfing, fishing and hiking . You can also enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby cliffs of O Fuciño do Porco, a natural wonder that resembles a pig’s snout. San Román (Vicedo) Lugo also has a rich heritage that dates back to Roman times.

Playa de Covas (Viveiro)

This stunning beach is 1,500 meters long and has free access to the facilities and services found on its promenade. You can enjoy the sun, the sea breeze and the views of the green hills that surround the bay. You can also discover some surprises along the way, such as a bridge that connects two rocks or cliffs in the middle of the sea, or some dunes with grassy spots where you can relax and have some privacy. Playa de Covas is one of the most popular beaches in Viveiro, especially in summer, so you might want to go early to find a good spot.

Lóngara (Benquerencia)

Lóngara beach has fine white sand and crystal clear water, ideal for swimming, surfing or kayaking. It also has a recreation area with picnic tables, benches and a playground for children. You can enjoy amazing views of the sea and the mountains from there. Lóngara is not only a beach, but also a cultural and historical site. It has a Romanesque church dedicated to San Pedro de Benquerencia, dating back to the 12th century. You can also visit the nearby villages of Abadía, A Cancela Vella or Suaiglesia, where you can admire traditional architecture and rural life.

A Rapadoira (Foz)

This beach is located next to the mouth of the estuary, offering scenic views of the fishing boats that come and go. You can also see the lovely village of Foz and Altar Beach directly opposite. A Rapadoira Beach is a nice sand beach with clear water and gentle waves. It is a place to walk, relax, bath or sunbathe (if you come here in summer), after or before a very good dinner in one of the restaurants located near here . The beach is well equipped with facilities such as a modern new promenade and wheelchair ramps providing access to the beach.

Playa Caolín (Vicedo)

This small cove has fine white sand that contrasts with the turquoise water and the green trees that surround it. It is a hidden gem on the right side of the O Vicedo estuary, named after an old ceramic factory that used to operate nearby . You can access it from the fishing port of O Vicedo, by a narrow road uphill for 1 km. It is very clean, with showers and not too crowded even in July. Next to it, you can also enjoy another beautiful cove, Playa de Vidreiro.

We hope you enjoyed this list of the 12 of the best beaches in Lugo. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, a family-friendly spot, or a surfing adventure, you’ll find it in this beautiful province of Galicia. Lugo has something for everyone: stunning scenery, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. So don’t wait any longer and book your trip to Lugo today! You won’t regret it!