Playa de Merón, Sandy beach in San Vicente de la Barquera, Spain.
Playa de Merón extends about 3 kilometers along Cantabria's coast with fine white sand and gentle slopes that invite swimmers of all levels. The shoreline features a broad sandy expanse that widens during low tide and is framed by rocky outcrops that create a natural boundary.
The beach sits near San Vicente de la Barquera, a town with centuries of fishing and maritime trade traditions rooted in this coastline. The proximity to the port and ancient fortifications reflects how central this stretch of shore has been to the region's economic life over time.
The place remains closely tied to fishing traditions, where visitors often see fishermen mending nets or unloading catches throughout the day. This work shapes daily life around the beach and influences the menu of nearby restaurants that source their ingredients from local boats.
The beach offers more than 100 parking spaces accessible from road N-634 and has lifeguards on duty during summer months. The gentle slopes and broad sandy area make it accessible for families with children and swimmers of varying ability.
As the tide recedes, natural tide pools form across the expanded sand where visitors can spot starfish, small fish, and other marine life. These temporary pools reveal glimpses of the coastal ecosystem without requiring any special equipment to explore.
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