As Catedrais beach, Natural rock formations at Ribadeo, Spain
As Catedrais is a beach on the Galician coast near Ribadeo where several natural stone arches and caves extend into the sea. The slate formations reach a height of about 30 meters (98 feet) and are connected by passages that become walkable only at low tide.
The Cantabrian Sea shaped these structures over millions of years through the erosion of slate and schist rock. The constant wave action and wind carved the arches and passages into the coastline and created the present landscape.
The Galician name Praia de Augas Santas means Beach of Holy Waters and points to a local connection with purity and spiritual renewal. Visitors often see walkers passing through the arches and using the backdrop for memory photos.
Access requires advance registration through the Xunta de Galicia website, and visitors must check tide times to reach the arches safely. Sturdy shoes are recommended because the sand leads through wet rocks and small pools.
The arches are visible only during low tide when the Atlantic retreats and reveals the connecting pathways between the sand sections. During high tide the entire formation disappears under the water and the coastline appears like an ordinary beach.
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