Guadamía Beach, also known as Playa de Llames, is a unique coastal location in Ribeseya, Asturias, Spain. The beach is nestled between the municipalities of Ribadesella and Llanes and is formed by the Guadamía River, which descends from the Sierra de Cuera and creates a narrow gorge before reaching the Cantabrian Sea. The beach is part of the Costa Verde Asturiana beaches and is included in the Paisaje Protegido de la Costa Oriental de Asturias, signifying its environmental and geological importance.
The natural characteristics of Guadamía Beach are quite impressive. The area is known for its karstic formations, including deep dissolution marks and caves on the cliffs. These formations are further highlighted by the famous "bufones de Pría," vertical chimneys through which water and air erupt forcefully. The beach also features a long and narrow channel between the cliffs that is contested by the river and the sea, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.
During low tide, Guadamía Beach extends into a vast sandy area, measuring approximately 800 meters in length and 80 meters in width, perfect for beach games and sunbathing. The sand is white and fine, and the water is calm, with little to no waves or currents, free of rocks and algae. This makes the beach one of the safest in eastern Asturias for swimming, especially for children, as the water is shallow at the beginning of the channel. When the tide is high, the beach transforms into a spectacle of nature, with the sand completely submerged and impressive jets of water shooting up through the rocks.
Despite its natural beauty, Guadamía Beach offers minimal amenities, with only regular cleaning services provided. However, it is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, making it a popular destination for families with children, groups of friends, couples, and surfers.
Access to Guadamía Beach can be obtained through the nearby villages of Llames de Pría (in Llanes) or Cuerres (in Ribadesella). From Llames de Pría, the beach can be reached by road, although the last stretch is recommended to be covered on foot due to limited parking availability. From Cuerres, a paved road leads to a recreational area, just a few meters from the beach. Visitors are advised to arrive early in the morning to secure a parking spot and to check the tide times before visiting to fully enjoy the unique tidal phenomena and the beach's family-friendly environment.
