Playa de El Puntal

Playa de El Puntal is a quiet, small sandy beach situated in the parish of San Martín del Mar, about 7 km from Villaviciosa, in the region of Asturias, Spain. It is situated on the right bank of the Villaviciosa Estuary, a natural feature that is of significant environmental value and has been declared a Natural Reserve. The estuary is 8 km long and 1000 meters wide at the point near the mouth, and is a vital habitat for migratory and wintering birds, with over 150 species of birds observed in the area. The beach itself faces the beaches of Misiegu and Rodiles and is part of the Partial Natural Reserve of the Villaviciosa Estuary. Playa de El Puntal is surrounded by vegetation and is home to the main marina in the area. It is semi-urban with services and public transportation available from the nearby town of Villaviciosa. The beach is easily accessible by road and has signposted access points. Ample parking is available for visitors. Despite its amenities, the beach is not as crowded as other beaches in the region. The beach is unique in that it is dependent on the tide. During low tide, the beach has no water, but it recovers at high tide. A dike protects the beach, separating it from the estuary and the currents, which ensures a calm environment, especially suitable for young children as there are no currents. The sea conditions are generally calm, making it suitable for swimming. Playa de El Puntal is equipped with a variety of amenities for visitors. It has a promenade from which visitors can enjoy views of the estuary and the sea. The beach also has a wooded area with tables and benches, as well as showers, telephone, trash bins, and a cleaning service. The beach has surveillance, with marked dangers and a lifeguard team. There is also a yacht club in the vicinity. In the municipality of Villaviciosa, dogs and other domestic animals are not allowed on the beaches during the bathing season, which is from June 1st to September 30th. However, they are permitted between October 1st and May 31st.