As Catedrais beach, Natural rock formations at Ribadeo, Spain
The stone arches and caves along the beach stretch for 30 meters high, creating formations that resemble cathedral architecture at low tide.
The Cantabrian Sea shaped these geological structures over millions of years by eroding the slate and schist rocks of the Galician coast.
The beach holds two names: Praia de Augas Santas in Galician language, meaning Beach of Holy Waters, and Playa de las Catedrales in Spanish.
Visitors need advance reservations through the Xunta de Galicia website and must check tide schedules to access the beach caves safely.
The natural arches remain visible only during low tide, when the Atlantic Ocean retreats to reveal passages connecting multiple sandy areas.
Location: O Rato, A Devesa, Ribadeo
Website: http://galicianaturaleunica.xunta.gal/gl/praia-catedrais
GPS coordinates: 43.55389,-7.15722
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:32
These beaches in Europe are located away from main routes. The locations include coves with cliff walls, sand beaches in nature reserves, and coastal sections with specific geological formations.
A selection of Spanish beaches with white sand, turquoise water, and natural rock formations. From the coves of Balearic Islands to the Atlantic shores of Cantabria, this list contains information about locations, characteristics, and local features.
Spain has more than 8,000 kilometers of coastlines home to hundreds of beaches with diverse characteristics. The Mediterranean, Atlantic, Balearic Islands, and Canary Islands feature contrasting marine scenery: coves sheltered between cliffs, extensive sandy areas, urban beaches, and protected natural zones. Each coastal region has developed its own identity influenced by local geology and climate. The Balearic Islands include bays like Cala Macarella in Menorca or Ses Illetes in Formentera, where white sand contrasts with clear Mediterranean waters. The Canary Islands display volcanic landscapes, with the Maspalomas dunes on Gran Canaria stretching over 6 kilometers, or Lanzarote’s red cliffs framing Playa del Papagayo. Along the Andalusian coast, the Cabo de Gata Natural Park houses Mónsul Beach with its black volcanic formations, while Bolonia near Tarifa features a 4-kilometer-long beach with Roman remains. The northern coast presents a different scene: La Concha urban beach in San Sebastián forms a 1.5-kilometer arc, the limestone cliffs of Asturias protect Playa del Silencio, and the Cíes Islands in Galicia are part of a marine national park.
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