Ribadesella Beaches

Overview

Ribadesella is a fantastic choice for your beach holiday in Asturias, Spain. This charming coastal town offers a wonderful variety of beaches. You will find everything from bustling urban sands to quiet, hidden coves, all set against a stunning backdrop where the sea meets the mountains.

The beaches here are wonderfully diverse. Playa de Santa Marina is the main town beach, a long stretch of golden sand perfect for everyone. For a quieter experience, the small cove of Playa de la Atalaya offers a peaceful retreat. Do not miss the truly unique Playa de Gulpiyuri, an incredible inland beach. Further afield, Playa de Cuevas del Mar impresses with its sea caves and dramatic rocks, while the vast Playa de Vega is a wilder option popular with surfers. Tides significantly shape Ribadesella's coastline, changing the beaches and sometimes revealing special features like the dinosaur footprints at Playa de Tereñes.

Whether you prefer easily accessible spots or more secluded shores, Ribadesella caters to all. The main urban beach, Playa de Santa Marina, is right in town, and Playa de la Atalaya is also nearby. Other gems like the unique Playa de Gulpiyuri or the expansive Playa de Vega are just a short journey away. For even more beautiful coastal spots, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches in this guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Ribadesella a good destination for a beach holiday?

Yes, Ribadesella is a great destination for a beach holiday, offering a variety of beaches from the large, urban Playa de Santa Marina with full services to more secluded and wild coves. It combines sea and mountain landscapes, providing a unique coastal experience in Asturias.

Playa de Santa Marina

What are the beaches in Ribadesella like?

Ribadesella's beaches vary: Playa de Santa Marina is a long, golden sand beach, urban and with a promenade. Playa de Vega is a large, wilder beach, part of a Natural Monument. Others like Playa de Arra or La Atalaya are smaller, some with pebbles, and offer quieter spots. Many are surrounded by dramatic cliffs and green landscapes.

Playa de Santa Marina

Playa de la Atalaya

Playa de Arra

Can you swim in the sea at Ribadesella's beaches? What's the water like?

Yes, you can swim at Ribadesella's beaches. The Cantabrian Sea water is generally clean and refreshing. Water temperatures in summer are typically around 18-20°C. Some beaches, like Santa Marina, have calmer waters suitable for family bathing, while others can have moderate to strong waves, popular with surfers. Lifeguard services are available at main beaches during peak season.

Playa de Santa Marina

When is the best time to visit Ribadesella for beaches?

The best time for a beach holiday in Ribadesella is during the summer months, particularly July and August, for the warmest weather and water temperatures. Spring and early autumn can also be pleasant with fewer crowds, though water might be cooler.

Are there good places to stay near the beach in Ribadesella?

Yes, Ribadesella offers various accommodation options near its main beach, Playa de Santa Marina. These include hotels directly on the promenade, apartments with sea views, and guesthouses within easy walking distance. Staying near Santa Marina is popular for its convenience and vibrant atmosphere.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Playa de Santa Marina

Is Playa de Santa Marina good for families with children?

Yes, Playa de Santa Marina is considered very good for families with children. It's a long, sandy beach with relatively calm waters, especially near the Sella river mouth. It offers many services including lifeguards, showers, toilets, and easy access. The promenade is also great for strolls.

Playa de Santa Marina

Are there surfing beaches in Ribadesella?

Yes, Ribadesella is a popular surfing destination. Playa de Santa Marina often has good waves for surfing and there are surf schools located there. Playa de Vega is another beach known for its surf conditions.

Playa de Santa Marina

How important are tides for Ribadesella's beaches?

Tides are very important and can significantly change the appearance and usable space of Ribadesella's beaches. Low tide reveals wider sandy areas and can expose features like dinosaur footprints at Playa de Tereñes or allow access to certain coves. High tide can cover much of the sand on smaller beaches. It's advisable to check tide tables.

People Also Ask

Are there quiet, less crowded beaches in Ribadesella?

Yes, while Playa de Santa Marina can be busy, Ribadesella has quieter options. Playa de Vega, due to its size, often allows for more space. Smaller coves like Playa de Arra, Guadamía, or La Atalaya (pebble beach) tend to be less crowded, offering a more tranquil experience. Some may require a bit more effort to reach.

Playa de Santa Marina

Playa de Arra

Are dogs allowed on Ribadesella beaches?

Dog access varies by beach and season. On Playa de Santa Marina and Playa de Vega, dogs are generally allowed outside the main bathing season or during specific hours (e.g., 9 PM to 8 AM) in summer, and must be leashed. Some smaller, more remote beaches like Playa de Arra might be more permissive year-round. Always check local signage and regulations.

Playa de Santa Marina

Playa de Arra

What facilities are typically available at Playa de Santa Marina?

Playa de Santa Marina is well-equipped. Facilities include lifeguard services, showers, toilets, accessible points with amphibious chairs, parking, beachside cafes/restaurants (chiringuitos), and a promenade. It has received a Q for Quality Tourism award.

Playa de Santa Marina

How do Ribadesella's beaches compare to Llanes' beaches?

Both Ribadesella and Llanes offer stunning Asturian beaches, but with some differences. Ribadesella's main beach, Santa Marina, is a large urban beach with a notable promenade and surf. Llanes has a greater number of smaller, picturesque coves and beaches, some quite unique like Gulpiyuri (inland beach) or the dramatic cliffs and blowholes (bufones) near its beaches. Both are excellent choices, with Llanes perhaps offering more variety in terms of numerous small coves.

Playa de Santa Marina

Playa de Gulpiyuri

Are there any nudist beaches in or near Ribadesella?

Yes, Playa de Vega has a sector, typically its western end, that is known to be frequented by naturists, where nudism is common. While not exclusively nudist, it's a well-established option. Other nudist beaches in Asturias might require a short drive.

Can I see dinosaur footprints on any Ribadesella beaches?

Yes, you can see dinosaur footprints (icnitas) on some beaches in the Ribadesella area. Playa de Tereñes is particularly known for them, and some have also been found at the western end of Playa de Santa Marina. These are best viewed at low tide.

Playa de Santa Marina

How easy is it to get to Ribadesella's beaches from the town centre?

Playa de Santa Marina is the main urban beach and is easily accessible on foot from most parts of Ribadesella town. Playa de la Atalaya is also within walking distance. For beaches like Playa de Vega or Playa de Arra, which are a few kilometers away, you would typically need a car or local transport, though some can be reached by scenic coastal walks.

Playa de Santa Marina

Playa de la Atalaya

Playa de Arra