Top 5: Beaches in Northern Spain

Northern Spain is often overlooked as one of the world’s most dramatic coastlines. No longer! There are more than 220 beaches in Asturias alone (not to mention the other principalities), each unique with its own flavor and charm. Here are five beaches in northern Spain that you can’t miss.

Torimbia Beach © Oscar Paradela | Flickr

Torimbia

Really, you can’t go wrong with any of the Llanes beaches. Each offers something unique and incredible. But Torimbia is one of the best. Virgin, easily accessible (which is not necessarily the case of all Llanes beaches) and nudist. Yup.

La Concha

La Concha is the city beach of San Sebastian, but you would never know it. Its pristine sands, azure waters and beautiful people make this a destination. Plus you just have to walk up the stairs to be at one of the world’s gastronomical hotspots.

Rodiles Beach © Clavio Lorenzo Sanchez | Flickr

Rodiles

One of Asturias’ most popular beaches, Rodiles is well-deserving of the title. It’s one of the larger beaches on the northern coast and one of the only ones that has lifeguards, a boardwalk, toilets and other amenities. Explore the estuary and you may find yourself in a forgotten, secluded corner of the coastline!

Gulpiyuri

This unique spot in Asturias is a beach that isn’t actually on the ocean. Really. The ocean wore tunnels through the limestone rocks on the coastline and drilled its way landward to form a small, secluded and totally rad beach near the Naves village.

Playa de las Catedrales, Esteiro, Galicia, Spain © Tuscasasrurales | Flickr

Playa de las Catedrales

This spot really earned its name: Cathedral Beach. The soaring arches and deep caves certainly lend the beach a religious-like feel. Make sure you visit at low tide to appreciate the incredible geology of this Galician beach.