Is La Restinga, Asturias a good place for a beach holiday?
La Restinga in El Hierro (Canary Islands), not Asturias, is a small fishing village known for its tranquility, making it a good destination for those seeking sun and beach away from large crowds. Its beach is protected by a harbor breakwater, making it suitable for families. The area is also a popular diving destination. Asturias, a region in northern Spain, is also a great beach destination with a rugged coastline and many beautiful beaches, though it has a different climate and character than the Canary Islands.
What are the beaches like in La Restinga?
The main beach in La Restinga, El Hierro, is Playa de La Restinga. It is an urban beach with dark volcanic sand and some gravel. It's protected by the port's breakwater, resulting in calm waters suitable for families. The area is also known for its black sand beaches and clear waters, ideal for diving and snorkeling. While La Restinga itself is in El Hierro, Asturias in northern Spain also boasts numerous beaches, often characterized by golden sand, dramatic cliffs, and lush green surroundings.
Can you swim in La Restinga and what is the water like?
Yes, you can swim in La Restinga, El Hierro. The main beach is protected by a harbor breakwater, making the waters calm and suitable for swimming, especially for families. The water is generally clear, making it excellent for snorkeling and diving. The water temperature in La Restinga allows for comfortable swimming year-round, generally not dropping below 20°C (68°F). In May, the average water temperature is around 20.9°C (69.6°F).
What is the best time of year to visit La Restinga for beaches?
La Restinga in El Hierro enjoys a mild climate year-round, making it suitable for beach visits at any time. The swimming season lasts all year, with water temperatures consistently comfortable. For Asturias in general (though La Restinga is in El Hierro), the best time for beaches is typically between May and September, with July and August being the warmest months. However, September and October can also offer pleasant beach weather with fewer crowds.
What are the accommodation options like near La Restinga's beach?
In La Restinga, El Hierro, there is a range of rental apartments available. Many are located close to the beach and port area. The village also offers some holiday homes. Being a smaller, quieter destination, you won't find large resort hotels, but rather more intimate and locally-owned accommodations.
Are the beaches in La Restinga family-friendly?
Yes, the main beach in La Restinga, El Hierro, is considered family-friendly. It is protected by the harbor breakwater, which creates calm waters suitable for children. The village itself has a relaxed atmosphere. El Hierro also offers playgrounds in La Restinga for younger children.
What kind of activities can you do at La Restinga beach?
Besides swimming and sunbathing, La Restinga, El Hierro, is renowned for its diving and snorkeling opportunities due to its clear waters and rich marine life within the Mar de las Calmas marine reserve. You can find diving centers in the village. Kayaking and sailing are other water sports available. The village also has a promenade with restaurants and shops.
How do you get to La Restinga?
La Restinga is a fishing village on the southern coast of El Hierro in the Canary Islands. The easiest way to reach La Restinga from the island's capital, Valverde, is by car via the HI-4 road, a journey of about 45 minutes. Public buses also connect Valverde to La Restinga, but services may be infrequent.
Are there nudist beaches near La Restinga, Asturias?
While La Restinga itself is in El Hierro, Canary Islands, the region of Asturias in northern Spain does have several nudist beaches. Some notable ones include Playa de Torimbia (near Llanes), Playa de Ballota (near Llanes), and La Vega Beach (near Ribadesella). Serín and La Cagonera Beach is another secluded nude beach in Asturias. These beaches are known for their natural beauty and acceptance of naturism.
What is the Mar de las Calmas near La Restinga?
The Mar de las Calmas (Sea of Calms) is a marine reserve located off the coast of La Restinga in El Hierro. It is one of Europe's premier diving destinations, famous for its crystal-clear waters, rich marine biodiversity, underwater caves, and volcanic arches. Divers can encounter species like turtles, rays, barracudas, and occasionally dolphins and whales. An underwater volcanic eruption in 2011 further enriched the marine ecosystem.
Are there many tourists in La Restinga?
La Restinga, located in El Hierro, is known for being a quieter, less touristy village compared to hotspots on larger Canary Islands like Tenerife or Gran Canaria. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere, appealing to those looking to escape large crowds. While it attracts divers and those seeking tranquility, it has not experienced mass tourism.
Is La Restinga beach (El Hierro) different from beaches in mainland Asturias?
Yes, La Restinga beach in El Hierro (Canary Islands) is quite different from typical beaches in Asturias on mainland Spain. La Restinga features dark volcanic sand and is in a subtropical, volcanic island setting. Asturian beaches, part of 'Green Spain,' often have golden or lighter sand, are backed by dramatic green cliffs and lush vegetation, and experience a more temperate, Atlantic climate with cooler waters on average.
What facilities are available at Playa de La Restinga?
Playa de La Restinga in El Hierro is an urban beach and offers several facilities. These include a promenade, restaurants, bars, shops, showers, restrooms, and parking. Being in the village, services are readily accessible.
Is the beach in La Restinga (El Hierro) good for surfing?
While La Restinga is renowned for diving due to its calm waters within the Mar de las Calmas, it's not primarily known as a surfing destination. The breakwater protects the main beach, leading to calmer conditions. Beaches in Asturias on the mainland, however, are well-known for surfing due to the Atlantic swells.
What is the general vibe of La Restinga village and its beach?
La Restinga in El Hierro is a small, tranquil fishing village. The vibe is relaxed and laid-back, far from the hustle of major tourist resorts. It's a place for those seeking peace, natural beauty, and excellent diving. The beach shares this calm atmosphere, being family-friendly and protected.
