Are you ready for a beach like no other that will leave you breathless? Look no further than Galicia’s world-famous Cathedral Beach (as we say in English) but known as Playa de las Catedrales in Spanish and Praia das Catedrais in Galego!
This awe-inspiring beach is not only considered one of the best in Spain, but one of the best in the world. It’s even been designated a national monument!
About Cathedral Beach
Cathedral Beach, also known as As Catedrais or Praia das Catedrais in Galician, is one of the most spectacular and unique beaches in Spain. Located on the north coast of Galicia, near the town of Ribadeo, this beach is famous for its impressive rock formations that resemble the arches and buttresses of a Gothic cathedral.
The beach is only accessible during low tide, when the sea reveals a vast expanse of sand dotted with caves, arches, pillars and tunnels carved by the wind and water over millions of years. You can walk along the beach and admire these natural wonders up close, or climb up to one of the viewpoints on the cliffs for a panoramic view.
The History of Cathedral Beach
Cathedral Beach is located on the northern coast of Galicia, near the border with Asturias. It is part of the Natural Monument of As Catedrais (The Cathedrals), which covers a stretch of coastline between Ribadeo and Foz estuaries. The name of the beach comes from its impressive rock arches that rise up to 30 meters high and span up to 15 meters wide. These arches were formed by the erosion of wind, water and weather over millions of years.
The beach has been a popular tourist destination since the 1980s, when it was discovered by surfers and hikers. In 2005, it was declared a natural monument by the regional government of Galicia. Since then, it has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world who come to admire its beauty and mystery.
Information for Visiting Cathedral Beach
This really is an exceptional beach! The location and the formation of the clicks and rocks mean that there are some important things to take into account when visiting. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Galicia’s Cathedral Beach.
Visit at Low Tide
Why visit at low tide…?
In a nutshell – because the beach doesn’t exist at high tide!!
The best time to visit Cathedral Beach is during low tide when you can access all parts of the beach including its famous arches at its western end. You can check the tide times here – Tides4Fishing This will give you tides for the area that covers the Cathedral Beach.
You should arrive at least an hour before low tide so you have enough time to explore before high tide comes back. The beach is about 1 km long and has several sections with different features. You can walk along it or join a guided tour that will explain its history and geology.
During low tide, you can walk along the beach and explore its caves, tunnels and crevices. You can also admire the different shapes and colors of the rocks, which range from gray to red to green. Some of them have names such as “The Altar”, “The Organ” or “The Chapel” because they resemble religious structures.
You will also hear some interesting sounds coming from the rocks as they are filled with air pockets that make whistling noises when water flows through them. It is a truly magical experience that will make you feel like you are in another world.
Book in Advance During Summer
Due to its popularity and fragility, Cathedral Beach has some restrictions on visitor numbers and access times. Since 2015, you need to book a free ticket online if you want to visit during semana Santa (Holy Week) and peak season (July 1st – September 30th). You can do so on the official website HERE.
You can book up to two tickets per person for one day at least one day in advance. Each ticket allows you to stay on the beach for one hour during low tide. You need to show your ID card or passport at the entrance along with your ticket confirmation. You can book up to 30 days in advance.
If you don’t book online or if there are no tickets available for your desired date or time slot, you can still try your luck at one of the nearby tourist offices where they might have some spare tickets left.
However, booking online is highly recommended as Cathedral Beach receives around 5,000 visitors per day during summer and tickets run out quickly.
Follow the Rules!
There is a tricky balance between opening this spectacular beach to the public and also preserving and protecting the area. You will see notices when visiting, instructing visitors to stay on the designated paths. This is for our own safety as well as for protecting the cliffs as the cliffs are high with steep drops.
Most of the signage is in Galician, Spanish and English.
The wooden paths give another view of the beach and are a great way to get a different view looking down on the beach and ocean.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Another thing to consider before visiting Cathedral Beach is what kind of clothing and footwear you should wear. The weather in Galicia can be unpredictable and changeable so it is advisable to dress in layers and bring a raincoat or umbrella just in case.
As for footwear, you should wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking on sand and rocks. Flip-flops or sandals are not recommended as they can get stuck between stones or cause injuries if you slip or fall. You should also avoid wearing heels or shoes with laces as they can get wet or dirty easily.
If you want to swim or sunbathe on Cathedral Beach (which is allowed but not very common), you should bring your own towel, sunscreen and bathing suit as there are no facilities or services on site.
To make the most out of your visit it is best to avoid the periods when a great number of visitors is to be expected, such as Easter, long weekends, or the first two weeks of August.
How to Get To Cathedral Beach
Cathedral Beach is located on the N-634 road between A Coruña and Santander, about 10 km west of Ribadeo. There are several exits that lead to parking areas, scenic overlooks and entrances to the protected area. You can also take a bus from Ribadeo or Foz to one of these stops.
If you are driving, be aware that parking can be limited during peak season (Easter and summer), so it is advisable to arrive early or late in the day. Alternatively, you can park in Ribadeo or Foz and take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Cathedral Beach.
There is a bus service provided by the Ribadeo Local Council (concello) and a railway service: the FEVE line, stopping at Esteiro (Ribadeo Council) or Reinante (Barreiros Council). Further
parking areas can be found close to the Monument, such as the one next to Arealonga Beach (Barreiros).
If you are visiting from other cities in Spain, you should know that Cathedral Beach is about 200 km away from Santiago de Compostela , 250 km away from A Coruña , 300 km away from Oviedo , 500 km away from Madrid and 800 km away from Barcelona.
Food and Drink at The Cathedral Beach
If you are planning to make a day trip to Cathedral beach, you are likely to want to plan a snack at the very least. Here are some suggestions:
Cafe’s and Bars
If you want to enjoy a hot drink and a snack while admiring the views of Cathedral Beach, you can head to one of the cafes near the parking area or along the road that leads to the beach entrance. There are several options to choose from, such as Cafe Bar As Catedrais, Cafeteria Restaurante La Playa or Cafeteria El Mirador. These cafes offer coffee, tea, hot chocolate, pastries, sandwiches, salads and other light dishes at reasonable prices. They also have indoor and outdoor seating areas where you can relax and watch the tide come and go.
Picnics
Another option for eating at Cathedral Beach is to bring your own food and have a picnic on the sand or on one of the many picnic spots along the cliffs. This is a good idea during the busy periods when eating establishments can also crowded. There are several supermarkets and local shops in Ribadeo where you can buy fresh bread, cheese, ham, fruits, vegetables and other ingredients for your picnic basket. Some of them are Supermercado Froiz, Supermercado Gadis or Mercado Municipal de Ribadeo. You can also find some specialty shops that sell local products such as honey, jamon iberico (cured ham), queso de tetilla (a local speciality) or empanada gallega (savory pie filled with meat or fish). Some examples are Casa Chao, Casa Fidalgo or La Tienda de Ana Maria.
Once you have your picnic ready, you can enjoy it on one of the wooden tables near the parking area or on one of the grassy areas along the coast. You can also spread a blanket on the sand and eat under one of the majestic arches if you time it well with low tide. Just make sure to clean up after your feast and respect nature as well as other visitors.
Where Else to Visit When Visiting Cathedral Beach
The Cathedral beach is not the only attraction in this area. There are many other places to visit nearby that will make your trip even more memorable, including historic towns, ancient monuments and even more beaches!
Here are some suggestions for more things to do while visiting Cathedral Beach:
- Ribadeo: This charming town is the closest to Cathedral beach and offers plenty of services and amenities for tourists. You can stroll along its picturesque harbor, visit its historic center with its elegant mansions and churches, or enjoy its lively nightlife with bars and restaurants.
- Foz: This coastal town is located about 20 km west of Cathedral beach and has a long sandy beach that is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. You can also visit its lighthouse, its Romanesque church or its medieval castle.
- Mondoñedo: This inland town is about 30 km south of Cathedral beach and has a rich cultural heritage. It was one of the seven ancient capitals of Galicia and has a beautiful cathedral that dates back to the 13th century. You can also see its old city walls, its museum or its botanical garden.
- Viveiro: This town is about 50 km east of Cathedral beach and has a stunning location on a bay surrounded by mountains. It has a medieval old town with narrow streets, stone houses and monuments such as the Santa María church or the San Francisco convent. You can also enjoy its beaches, its fishing port or its festivals such as Semana Santa.
- Beaches: You are never far away from stunning beaches ranging from quiet out-of-the-way beaches to surfer-friendly beaches through to busy family beaches. Find our pick here – 12 of the best beaches in a Mariña (the Lugo Coast). Every beach on this list is within a comfortable 2 hour drive from Cathedral Beach,
As you can see, there are many reasons to visit Cathedral beach in Galicia and explore its surroundings. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, history buffs or anyone who wants to experience something different and amazing.
We hope you have an incredible visit to this magical place! And don’t forget to share your photos with us using #LugoWaves and #playadelascatedrales