Playas de El Riego y La Barquera, Protected beach in Novellana, Spain.
El Riego and La Barquera are two small coves on the Asturian coast, separated by rock outcrops and surrounded by cliff walls. Together they form a quiet stretch of shore with tidal pools and natural rocky formations.
These shores have served as fishing grounds for local communities for many centuries, playing a steady role in the area's maritime way of life. The protected status came later to preserve what was already a natural and valued place.
The fishing community here still works these waters as they have for centuries, keeping traditional maritime practices alive in the everyday rhythm of the coast. You will see their boats and nets as part of the landscape.
You can reach these beaches by walking down from Novellana village or by crossing over from nearby Playa del Silencio. Either way, wear sturdy shoes as the paths are rocky and the ground can be damp.
The tidal pools scattered across the rocky shore are home to small sea creatures that reveal themselves when the water recedes. The cliffs above shelter several bird species that are uncommon elsewhere on the coast.
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