Cala Sonabia is a hidden beach located in Castro-Urdiales, Spain. The beach is surrounded by beautiful hills and a large limestone promontory known as "la Ballena" (the Whale) due to its cetacean-shaped profile emerging from the waters.
The beach is well-known for its unique natural characteristics, including whale-like rock formations and a distinctive feature known as the 'eye of the devil' atop a nearby mountain. This scenery offers impressive views of the surrounding area, making it a popular spot for visitors. In addition to its natural beauty, Cala Sonabia offers a range of activities for visitors such as trekking, snorkeling, and surfing.
The beach is situated near Mount Cándida, which is famous for its vulture reserve - one of only two in Europe. This makes it an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and those interested in bird watching.
Despite its natural beauty, the beach has been the subject of mixed reviews. Some visitors have raised concerns about overcrowding and cleanliness. The shoreline has been reported to be covered in excrement, contributing to a strong smell in the surroundings. Some visitors have recommended that authorities create a parking area for campervans and vans, located 500 meters away from the beach, with mandatory use of toilets, in order to preserve the environment.
The beach is known to be nudist, particularly in the summer, and is characterized by a bohemian atmosphere of freedom. It has a history as one of the first where people would sunbathe naked without fear of being fined for public indecency. The beach is also frequented by bathers who prefer to be more covered up.
Reaching Cala Sonabia requires a considerable walk as cars are not allowed to reach the beach. To get there, one must take the Oriñón detour and continue for about 3 kilometers towards El Pontarrón. However, despite the walk and the lack of amenities, many visitors find the tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty of Cala Sonabia to be well worth the visit.
