Playa de Los Molinos de Barcia, Protected beach in Barcia, Spain
Playa de Los Molinos de Barcia is a protected shore on the Cantabrian coast featuring dark sand mixed with pebbles set against towering cliff faces. The roughly 250-meter stretch is defined by the Ricante stream that flows across it and drops as a waterfall into the sea.
The cove takes its name from water mills that once harnessed the Ricante stream to process grain for the area. Those structures have long since vanished, yet the name persists as a reminder of how the water course powered local livelihoods.
The name traces back to historic water mills that once served the local community along the Ricante stream. Today the cove retains a working relationship with its past through the natural flow of water that shapes daily conditions on the shore.
Reaching the shore takes a short walk of roughly 500 meters from the nearest villages, so wear sturdy footwear. High tide narrows the accessible sand, so checking water conditions beforehand helps you make the most of your visit.
A waterfall plunges directly from the cliff face into the sea, creating a rare sight where mountain water meets salt water. This natural cascade is one of few places on this coast where fresh water enters the ocean so visibly.
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