Spanish Northern Fairy Tale: Ten Super Beautiful Seaside Places

The northern part of Spain is an amazing paradise, full of breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and stunning sea views that resemble fairy-tale stories. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the northern region of Spain and introduce ten of the most beautiful seaside places, each with a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere that will immerse you in the wonders of nature, allowing you to enjoy pristine beaches and mesmerizing panoramic views.

Playa de las Catedrales

Ribadeo, located in the province of Galicia, is one of the most photographed beaches in Spain, documenting the changes in sea-eroded cliffs over millions of years. Here, numerous arches and caves form a Gothic cathedral sculpted by nature. The beach's beauty varies with the tides. During high tide, you can admire the spectacular scenes of waves weaving through the rocks and caves. During low tide, you can walk, swim, and bathe in the magnificent rock caves. The city of Ribadeo is only ten kilometers away, with clear and easy-to-follow signs.

Playa de Rodas, Islas Cíes

Located on the Islas Cíes in Galicia, Playa de Rodas has been rated as the 'best beach in the world' by The Guardian. This beach, with its one-kilometer-long fine white sand and turquoise waters, is mesmerizing. Islas Cíes is a nature reserve in Spain, home to precious flora and fauna. Due to conservation efforts, the number of visitors allowed on the island each day is limited, and accommodation on the island is very scarce. However, the nearby city of Vigo has daily boat trips to the island, taking only 50 minutes to reach.

Playa de Concha

Playa de Concha in San Sebastián is located in the city center and is named for its shell-shaped bay. The bay's gorge makes the waves calm, and the beach is suitable for strolling and various sports. Taking the cable car from Mount Igueldo, located on the west side of the bay, offers a spectacular view of the bay and Santa Clara Island in the center. Additionally, San Sebastián is particularly famous for having the most Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a must-visit travel destination in Spain.

Zumaia

On the coastline of Zumaia in the Basque region, an excellent example of earth science teaching is displayed—the Flysch formations, revealing 60 million years of Earth's history. The geological layers here are clearly visible, forming a part of Earth's geological history. Additionally, this location is also a filming site for the famous TV series 'Game of Thrones' as Dragonstone.
Gaztelugatxe in Spain is not strictly a beach, but rather a historic cultural heritage site. In the 9th to 10th centuries, monks built a monastery at the highest point of this small island. Later, the Catholic Monarchs of Spain decided to build a permanent stone bridge here, which is called the 'Dragon's Backbone Coast' by the locals. It is also a filming location for 'Dragonstone' in the series 'Game of Thrones', attracting many fans of the show to visit.

Playa de la Arnía

Playa de la Arnía is located in the municipality of Piélagos, near the city of Santander. It is a beautiful paradise beach known for its unique rock formations extending into the ocean, made famous by scenes from well-known movies. The sand is fine and golden, surrounded by lush green landscapes, creating a picturesque and pleasant scenery.

Playa de los Locos, Suances

Playa de los Locos in Suances is a beautiful surfing destination. Nestled between cliffs and surrounded by lush green landscapes, its clear waters and youthful atmosphere are sure to captivate you.

Playa de Torimbia, Llanes

Located in the town of Llanes, this beach also has a shell shape, but its uniqueness lies in the natural beauty situated between the sea and the mountains. Here you will find fine white sand and clear waters, as beautiful as a movie scene. If you want to experience the charm of nature, this is a great choice.

Playa de Rodiles, Villaviciosa

Located at the mouth of the Villaviciosa River, Rodiles Beach is a treasure in the hearts of locals. The wide and long sandy beach, protected by eucalyptus forests, is an excellent place for a vacation. The one-kilometer-long fine white sandy beach allows you to stroll along the beach from one end to the other, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery. Drinking Asturias' most famous cider is another tempting feature that makes this place even more attractive.

Playa del Silencio

Playa del Silencio, also known as the Silent Beach, lives up to its name and is truly enchanting. It is located 15 kilometers from the city of Cudillero. The beach is mainly covered with pebbles, making it unsuitable for swimming due to the numerous hidden reefs in the water. However, it is an ideal place to enjoy the scenery. The sea breeze from the Bay of Biscay between the cliffs is mesmerizing and unforgettable.