Cathedrals Beach
Information
Playa de Las Catedrales is a breathtaking beach located in Ribadeo, northern Spain, famous for its magnificent rock formations resembling natural cathedrals. Here are some aspects highlighted by visitors:
- Unique Beauty: The impressive arches and caves are only visible during low tide, offering a surreal walking experience among these majestic structures.
- Accessibility: Entry is free but requires an online reservation, especially during high tourist season. Spot checks are conducted at the entrance, and it’s crucial to book well in advance to secure access.
- Crowd Management: Many travelers noted the overcrowding, especially in peak months. For a more peaceful experience, visiting early in the morning or during the offseason is recommended.
- Tips for Visitors: Bring comfortable footwear and check tide schedules for optimal exploration. Additionally, nearby amenities like toilets have faced criticism due to their management and fees.
In summary, Playa de Las Catedrales is a must-visit for its stunning natural beauty, but planning ahead is essential to fully enjoy the experience.
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Below you will find 214 reviews on this topic from people who have recently visited Playa de Las Catedrales.
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Fantastic experience: The Playa de las Catedrales, officially known as **Praia de Augas Santas**, is one of the most famous and spectacular beaches in Spain. It is located on the coast of the province of Lugo in Galicia, in the northwest of the country. Its name comes from the impressive rock formations that resemble arches and Gothic cathedrals, created by the erosion of the sea and wind over thousands of years. ### Main features: 1. **Rock formations**: The cliffs and natural arches are the main attraction. During low tide, you can walk along the beach and explore these unique structures. 2. **Tides**: It is important to plan your visit according to the tides. During high tide, the formations are submerged, while at low tide you can access the beach and enjoy its beauty. 3. **Natural environment**: The beach is part of a protected area and has been considered a **Natural Monument** since 2005. It is surrounded by a wild and authentic coastal landscape. 4. **Access**: To visit the beach, it is necessary to book in advance during the high season (from Easter to October) due to its popularity and to protect the environment. ### Tips for visiting: - **Reservation**: If you plan to visit during high season, make sure to book your free entry on the official page of the Xunta de Galicia. - **Proper footwear**: Wear non-slip footwear, as the rocks can be slippery. - **Tide schedule**: Check the tide schedule to make the most of your visit. - **Respect for the environment**: Avoid leaving trash and do not damage the rock formations. The Playa de las Catedrales is a magical place that combines nature, geology, and beauty, making it a must-visit destination for lovers of the coast and photography.
Fantastic experience: A place with spectacular views and walking around it. You have to book for access (Free). There is a charge for the restrooms.
Fantastic experience: Praia de Augas Santas. A very crowded wonder. I recommend visiting during the high tides of September and October. There are fewer people and access is free.
Fantastic experience: Incredible spectacular place easy parking a must if you are in the area
Fantastic experience: Nice place to visit. In the summer season, you have to make an appointment; if you don't have an appointment, you cannot access.
Below you will find 13 reviews on this topic from people who have recently visited Playa de Las Catedrales.
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Positive experience: Beautiful beach with its arches (note that you need to book in advance online to access it). We made the reservation where it was indicated that dogs are allowed on a leash, but upon arriving at the site, we found that dogs are not admitted from May 15 to September 15. We would have liked to know this before arriving with him (maybe this will help someone).
Positive experience: Too crowded. Very beautiful and worth a visit. The café is a rip-off and they also don't allow dogs. Eat in the village.
Negative experience: The place is a true geological wonder, it leaves you speechless. Furthermore, it is a spectacular spot for enjoying long exposure photography. However, it is a place that leaves much to be desired in terms of organization. We planned a vacation in the area, including our dog, looking for a hotel that allowed pets, etc. The website stated that dogs were allowed as long as they were on a leash. There are large signs on the beach with instructions regarding prohibitions (no music, no approaching the cliffs, no picking flora, no climbing on geological structures...) and nowhere does it prohibit access with dogs. Well, when it was our turn to go in, the rude, arrogant, and unprofessional workers managing the beach entrance prohibited us from entering because we had a dog (on a leash). We told them there were no signs prohibiting it and that it was allowed on the website. Their response was: 'I don’t care, you’re not coming in with the dog.' Why do you give work to people like this? Seriously, with all the people who want to work and would do a much better job. Besides being rude and unpleasant, they got their way, and my father had to stay outside with the dog, along with many other families with their dogs, just because the 'professionals' working there didn't feel like allowing us to enter. DISGRACEFUL. So, you go through the trouble of organizing a vacation with your dog, finding a hotel, and a thousand other things that allow you in, only for these unpresentable people to deny you entry. Very poorly organized, terrible workers, unpleasant, rude, and on top of that, arrogant and haughty, they talked to us with terrible manners. Awful organization and awful workers. Moreover, the place is overcrowded, what a shame. Since the place, despite being poorly managed, is very beautiful, I’m attaching some photos.
Fantastic experience: Probably one of the best natural wonders in Galicia. ⏰ Plan your visit: - Check the tide table. With high tide you won't be able to go down to the sandy area. - You need free authorization to go down to the sandy area. Search for: authorization beach catedrales and make the reservation. - Check the weather. - Arrive early during high season, there may be queues. - Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to go barefoot. Bring a towel and what you need to enjoy. - Bring a camera and free space to take thousands of photos, every corner is spectacular, the changes of light, the shapes, the sunset always gives spectacular shades. - If you can, avoid July and August. - Leave time to take a route along the coast. - Respect the rules and do not disturb the environment. - Be careful with landslides ⛰️. - Keep an eye on the children. - I don’t think dogs are allowed. - Access via stairs ♿️.
Fantastic experience: The beach is a spectacle. We went during the low season and found plenty of parking without any problem, as well as absolute solitude; it is perfect for walking and admiring both its colors and the small details. You can find some little animals on the sand, and there are also some quite interesting caves to see. It is undoubtedly a must-stop to take in the fresh air.
Below you will find 52 reviews on this topic from people who have recently visited Playa de Las Catedrales.
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Fantastic experience: THE BEACH OF CATEDRALS (Praia das Catedrais) was declared a natural monument by the Xunta de Galicia and is the second most visited place in the Galician Community. Its original name is BEACH OF HOLY WATERS (Praia de Augas Santas); however, it is known by its tourist name BEACH OF CATEDRALS due to the gigantic rocks shaped like colossal arches and towers, very similar to the archivolts of Christian temples. The arches, caves, grottos, and sandy passages between rocks can only be appreciated at beach level, with low tide. During high tide, the beach is relatively small, with fine sand, although it remains suitable for swimming. It is preferable to see the beach with the tide from the top of the cliffs, at the beach access point, and to go down to the beach at low tide, over the beach sand, to see the spectacular rocks, caves, grottos, and pools along its 880 mts. The entrance is always free, but since 2015, due to the large influx of visitors, THE CAPACITY IS LIMITED and access is only allowed with prior online reservation on the Xunta's website; therefore, it is recommended to reserve a few days in advance. I recommend seeing the beach from above with high tide and entering the beach 2-3 hours before the end of low tide in appropriate clothing (shorts and flip-flops or preferably a swimsuit and barefoot). Spectacular photos. It's sensational to walk among the rocks at low tide, despite the large number of people visiting them. A must-see if you visit the coast of Lugo (Mariña Lucense) despite its overcrowding.
Fantastic experience: A unique beach. It's also a lot of fun to walk through the nooks, puddles, crossing small rivers that form, etc... Water shoes are essential. No problem with parking. A must-visit if you're in the area. You need to request a permit to go down, it's better to do it in advance.
Fantastic experience: Spectacular place, impressive is saying little. We went thinking it could be seen in an hour, but no, it's recommended to spend half a day and see it calmly. It is necessary to book on the website, but we did it the day before and had no problems at all. A must-see place. It is advisable to wear sandals and go during low tide, as you will get your feet wet one way or another.
Fantastic experience: Visita indispensable si vas a Galicia. Paisaje natural increíble. Recomiendo ir sin prisa para ver subir la marea. Para ello, llevar comida o comer en la cantina que allí mismo hay (no comimos, así que no tengo opinión sobre el sitio).
Negative experience: Tuve que aparcar a 30 minutos andando de la playa y no había otra forma de acceso, solo recomendable para los domingueros sin complejos de caminar, los que quieran aparcar a pie de playa que vayan pensando en pernoctar al raso o en caravana, si es que ya no está prohibido
Below you will find 25 reviews on this topic from people who have recently visited Playa de Las Catedrales.
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Fantastic experience: Highly recommended 100%. Visit if you are nearby because it's worth it. It's very very beautiful. The controlled capacity is very well managed although it's a pity that we couldn't visit it in person; if there are no tickets, you can't access it, but you can see it perfectly from above where the restaurant is. The only downside is that you can't go down, but it's still worth going. It's incredible, the views are beautiful.
Fantastic experience: As Catedrais Beach, also known as Praia das Catedrais, is a breathtaking destination on the northwest coast of Spain in Galicia. Visiting this beach is an unforgettable experience. The beach is renowned for its impressive natural rock formations that resemble the arches and flying buttresses of a cathedral, especially visible during low tide. Walking through these natural arches and exploring the caves feels like stepping into another world. The combination of the rugged cliffs, crystal-clear water, and golden sand creates a stunning landscape that is perfect for photography. Make sure to check the tide schedules before visiting to fully enjoy the formations. The beach is well-maintained, and the surrounding area offers plenty of amenities, including parking, restaurants, and walking trails. It's an excellent spot for both relaxing and adventure, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Galicia. Highly recommended!
Fantastic experience: Incredible place. It is important to check the weather and tides before visiting, you can ask at the village restaurant/hostel called o lar do Carmiña, they will attend to you wonderfully or check online.
Fantastic experience: Essential. Book on the Xunta website in July and August. Free entrance. Free parking. Access NOT adapted for people with reduced mobility. To reach the beach, you have to go down a few stairs. Lifeguards during high season. Wooden walkway connecting to neighboring beaches and more parking. Self-service beach bar, poor value for money. INFORM YOURSELF BEFORE the tides. The maritime forecast is available and very complete on the meteogalicia website. The beach is visited at low tide, and even so, it is difficult to access some areas. Recommendation to go with swimwear or shorts, it is better to dip your feet in the water than to hurt yourself on the rocks.
Fantastic experience: The caves of this beach give an alluring and aphrodisiac air, great for adventures, with good restaurants. A natural wonder.
Below you will find 12 reviews on this topic from people who have recently visited Playa de Las Catedrales.
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Negative experience: The safety people pee on the beach instead of using the toilet... Gross.
Fantastic experience: Impressive, plus it was a great day. There were a lot of people and they wouldn't let you in without a pass. You have to be aware of the rising tides, as they are fast and strong, and people don't notice that, thankfully it's well controlled by the lifeguards.
Fantastic experience: Attention, only a limited number of visitors are allowed on this beach. It is so fascinating that many visitors want to come here. For conservation and safety reasons, you must register online.
Fantastic experience: It is a beautiful place. You should go at low tide, otherwise you won't be able to access all the corners. It's better to go in the afternoon than in the morning. It is worth mentioning that it is very clean and that despite the massive concentration of people and tourists, the lifeguards are attentive to everything.
Fantastic experience: The place is spectacular. To access it during the months of July to September and on Easter, you need to book through the Beach of the Cathedrals website. It’s best to book a guided tour (everything is free) at the time closest to low tide. You can find the tide schedule on the website tide table. On that website, you will also find all the climate information to better choose if you are going to stay several days in the area. In the guided tour of just 20 minutes, they will explain the origin, evolution and future of this natural wonder and the existing flora and fauna. We had a magnificent experience with Alba, the biologist who guided us. Bring water shoes like crocs or better yet, diving shoes and shorts since the sea doesn’t alert and you will definitely get wet. At the entrance, there are free parking areas, a café, and paid restrooms (the sign with the price is in Spanish, English, and Galician). Enjoy your visit by following the safety and nature respect guidelines. And come back with the High Tide to enjoy from above a changing and surprising natural wonder.
Below you will find 112 reviews on this topic from people who have recently visited Playa de Las Catedrales.
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Fantastic experience: This beach in northern Spain is stunning due to its giant stone arches that give the beach its name. You should come in the morning if you want to swim, relax, sightsee, or explore because in the afternoon the tide rises about 50 meters and there’s no beach left available. The time I recommend to leave the beach is 5 PM, just when the beach has almost finished being covered by the rising tide. If you are far back on the beach, you need to return earlier. At the back of the beach, there is a small cave with cold seawater and barnacles on the walls that you can venture into a little.
Fantastic experience: We arrived early and just walked down to the beach. As we were walking back up there was a line of people with tickets and QR codes. Guess we got lucky. A lovely place full of Earth history in layers upon layers of rock. Great water. A bit crowded but generally quite a unique experience.
Positive experience: Beautiful beach to visit at any time except August; it feels like a pilgrimage even with limited capacity. You need to get a ticket, but if you arrive before 12, they let you in. If you take the bus from Ribadeo, you can also enter, and if you are staying in this town, you can too.
Fantastic experience: The place is beautiful but people are uncivilized. They put up no swimming signs and people go into the water.
Negative experience: The place is quite a spectacle but blue flag, the quality Q without public services as of 1/8/2024 is very poor. In Andalusia, they exist and are free.
We currently do not have information on this topic at Playa de Las Catedrales. If you have information about it, leave your review here and we will include it in this section.
We currently do not have information on this topic at Playa de Las Catedrales. If you have information about it, leave your review here and we will include it in this section.
We currently do not have information on this topic at Playa de Las Catedrales. If you have information about it, leave your review here and we will include it in this section.
Below you will find 8 reviews on this topic from people who have recently visited Playa de Las Catedrales.
Fantastic experience: A unique beach. It's also a lot of fun to walk through the nooks, puddles, crossing small rivers that form, etc... Water shoes are essential. No problem with parking. A must-visit if you're in the area. You need to request a permit to go down, it's better to do it in advance.
Positive experience: Very fun beach, great views, too much crowding.
Fantastic experience: Una de las playas con nombre propio por sus características. En plena playa de puede disfrutar de las vistas. Ahora su glamour es la baja mar. Puedes descender a la playa misma pisando la arena humeda, recorrerla contemplando las formas de las rocas, la diversidad de grutas y mojarte los pies, no hay otra. Habíamos reservado con antelación la hora de visita a la misma, había que llegar a la hora y aprovechar la bajamar. Ha valido la pena desplazarse desde el hotel de Lugo. Para el recuerdo las fotos y vídeos.
Positive experience: Es un lugar inmenso y muy bonito de ver. Vale mucho la pena venir a verlo aunque hay ciertas cosas que no me han gustado. Saber que antes de venir debéis comprobar la disponibilidad ya que en verano el aforo lo limitan y es necesario sacarse una entrada gratuita para poder pasar. Esto me parece perfecto, pero si vas a limitar el aforo limítalo de verdad ya que el lugar esta tan masificado que se vuelve difícil poder disfrutar plenamente del sitio. Yo recomiendo venir con ropa adecuada es decir chanclas y bañador ya que muchos lugares requieren mojarse para acceder. No pasa nada si vais vestidos de calle, pero es posible que os mojéis los pies u os ensuciéis de arena. He echado en falta algún aparato para limpiarse los pies al salir con agua. Tampoco esta adaptado para personas con diversidad funcional. El parking es gratuito y hay bastante espacio distribuido a lo largo. Hay un baño, pero cuesta un euro entrar.
Positive experience: Incredibile alba! ATTENZIONE alle maree, l’acqua sale e scende di diversi metri in pochissimo tempo
We currently do not have information on this topic at Playa de Las Catedrales. If you have information about it, leave your review here and we will include it in this section.
Cathedrals Beach: Reviews
Negative experience: The safety people pee on the beach instead of using the toilet... Gross.
Negative experience: The beach works with reservation in July and August, so you cannot come in. It is like a museum, you cannot swim and people just walking around. Do not recommend
Fantastic experience: Very nice place, where you can see many "stone bridges". Its necessary to reserve entrance to this beach (its free) and you must go only during the low tide. We was there on Monday, and there were many people. You can lay on the beach and relax, play in waves or walk along the beach. But you must watch the sea level, because it goes up quite quickly.
Fantastic experience: It is a magical place that we must take care of.
Fantastic experience: One of the most beautiful beaches, rock formations create an amazing landscape, a lot of hidden caves and passages
Fantastic experience: Spectacular, a paradise, who needs to go to any other country when there are these wonders of nature here??
Fantastic experience: Enchanting place. Nature is capable of creating incredible landscapes. We reached this site by camper in June 2024 and, despite there being quite a few people, we comfortably found a large space to park our vehicle. A long walk, first on the elevated path, then along the beach among the beautiful sea stacks, left us speechless at the beauty and grandeur of these rocks shaped by the force of the ocean waves. Everything is very well organized for the respect of nature. Well done Spaniards, thank you for giving us this magnificent opportunity.
Fantastic experience: I'm not saying anything. Visit the area and then we'll talk.
Fantastic experience: I recommend
Fantastic experience: The Playa de las Catedrales, officially known as **Praia de Augas Santas**, is one of the most famous and spectacular beaches in Spain. It is located on the coast of the province of Lugo in Galicia, in the northwest of the country. Its name comes from the impressive rock formations that resemble arches and Gothic cathedrals, created by the erosion of the sea and wind over thousands of years. ### Main features: 1. **Rock formations**: The cliffs and natural arches are the main attraction. During low tide, you can walk along the beach and explore these unique structures. 2. **Tides**: It is important to plan your visit according to the tides. During high tide, the formations are submerged, while at low tide you can access the beach and enjoy its beauty. 3. **Natural environment**: The beach is part of a protected area and has been considered a **Natural Monument** since 2005. It is surrounded by a wild and authentic coastal landscape. 4. **Access**: To visit the beach, it is necessary to book in advance during the high season (from Easter to October) due to its popularity and to protect the environment. ### Tips for visiting: - **Reservation**: If you plan to visit during high season, make sure to book your free entry on the official page of the Xunta de Galicia. - **Proper footwear**: Wear non-slip footwear, as the rocks can be slippery. - **Tide schedule**: Check the tide schedule to make the most of your visit. - **Respect for the environment**: Avoid leaving trash and do not damage the rock formations. The Playa de las Catedrales is a magical place that combines nature, geology, and beauty, making it a must-visit destination for lovers of the coast and photography.
Fantastic experience: I would like to visit it soon...
Fantastic experience: A very beautiful beach place
Fantastic experience: Impressive. Nature at its best.
Fantastic experience: A place with spectacular views and walking around it. You have to book for access (Free). There is a charge for the restrooms.
Fantastic experience: must be seen
Fantastic experience: Praia de Augas Santas. A very crowded wonder. I recommend visiting during the high tides of September and October. There are fewer people and access is free.
Fantastic experience: Well, what can be said...
Positive experience: Very beautiful but very, very overcrowded
Fantastic experience: We stopped by and it was definitely worth it, it's very beautiful.
Fantastic experience: It is a magical place, you have to go there once in a lifetime. It is beautiful for a family visit. If you like photography, you must go. They ask for one euro per person if you want to go to the bathroom... money.
Fantastic experience: Spectacular place, very beautiful and curious.
Fantastic experience: Amazing place. Just to note, you should take tides into account to see it in all its splendor. Low tide is best for walking.
Fantastic experience: Wonderful
Fantastic experience: Incredible spectacular place easy parking a must if you are in the area
Positive experience: Although we didn't see it because of the bad sea... there are places just as beautiful or even more on the coast
Fantastic experience: A spectacular place, it undoubtedly deserves a visit. In the low season, when there are fewer people, it is much more enjoyable.
Fantastic experience: SPECTACULAR
Fantastic experience: Unmatched place. We wanted to visit it and photograph it without people. We informed ourselves well about when the tide was low. It's impressive. We enjoyed it a lot. The trip was worth it just to see this beach.
Fantastic experience: Nice place to visit. In the summer season, you have to make an appointment; if you don't have an appointment, you cannot access.
Fantastic experience: The beach famous for its geological formations and the most visited in Galicia. Authentic architecture of nature. You just need to choose the right moment to appreciate all its stunning beauty.
Fantastic experience: Living nature. A plant that is impossible to forget. You must not miss it.
Fantastic experience: Amazing beach
Fantastic experience: We visited this wonderful place in September, and it is truly beautiful. What you need to know is that there is a large, free parking lot. The toilet on the premises costs 1 euro, and the most important thing is to come during low tide, because otherwise you won't be able to approach this beauty and take the cherished photos. Since there are many visitors, you need to register online on their website, which is free; just choose the day you need and that's it. We registered right there, but one must understand that September is not the season and there are not many people. During the season, they say you need to register in advance. But yes, it's worth a visit!
Positive experience: We were here spontaneously, actually just because we needed a sleeping place with the camper. The next morning we thought we could take a look at the beach, etc. - however, you need a ticket for that. You can get it for free online at: ascatedrais.xunta.gal. It's important to book well in advance during the high season, about 1 week ahead, otherwise, like us, you unfortunately have no chance to see this natural beauty up close.
Fantastic experience: Spectacular, but too crowded. It's a shame that it is so overcrowded.
Fantastic experience: This beach in northern Spain is stunning due to its giant stone arches that give the beach its name. You should come in the morning if you want to swim, relax, sightsee, or explore because in the afternoon the tide rises about 50 meters and there’s no beach left available. The time I recommend to leave the beach is 5 PM, just when the beach has almost finished being covered by the rising tide. If you are far back on the beach, you need to return earlier. At the back of the beach, there is a small cave with cold seawater and barnacles on the walls that you can venture into a little.
Negative experience: You have to reserve to enter and it's very limited, but if you pay for public transport, you can get in. They should control more the people they let in because the wear and tear is caused by a bad experience, not by the people.
Fantastic experience: Very beautiful place. Spectacular views. The downside is the overcrowding of people. Book in advance before going.
Fantastic experience: The Beach of the Cathedrals in Ribadeo is undoubtedly one of those places that leaves you breathless. Upon arrival, you are greeted by a unique landscape where enormous stone cliffs rise up like true natural cathedrals, with arches and tunnels that only the erosion of the sea has been able to sculpt. The best part is that you can take advantage of low tide to stroll between these impressive formations. It's like walking in another world! I recommend wearing comfortable shoes since you have to walk a bit to reach the beach. And don't forget your camera: every corner is a photo you will want to capture. Furthermore, if you love nature, the surroundings are spectacular and there are trails to explore. That said, keep in mind that during high season it gets quite crowded, so if you prefer a bit of tranquility, try to go early in the morning or during low season. Don't forget to check the tide schedules because you want to make the most of your visit! In summary, the Beach of the Cathedrals is a must if you pass through Ribadeo. An unforgettable experience!
Fantastic experience: Spectacular beach, go with a reservation at low tide
Negative experience: Oh my gosh, you have to book a month in advance. Overrated, a nice beach but just a beach. Don't pay attention to the silly people you see on social media. There are many other beaches without crowds that are spectacular.
Fantastic experience: Impressive, we knew we were going to see a unique beach in Spain but it far exceeded our expectations. Walking along that beach is something that has to be experienced in person.
Fantastic experience: Highly recommended 100%. Visit if you are nearby because it's worth it. It's very very beautiful. The controlled capacity is very well managed although it's a pity that we couldn't visit it in person; if there are no tickets, you can't access it, but you can see it perfectly from above where the restaurant is. The only downside is that you can't go down, but it's still worth going. It's incredible, the views are beautiful.
Negative experience: It's by capacity, unless you go by public transport where it's unlimited. It's amazing, hard to even describe. A disgrace, I won't recommend it to anyone.
Positive experience: Don't go there if you don't have a reservation!!
Fantastic experience: An enchanting place, it is absolutely worth making a reservation to visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. Truly stunning but at the same time comfortable and cozy for children and family. There are also showers.
Fantastic experience: This place is literally paradise. Just one drawback, I went on a trip with my parents because they insisted, and I met an amazing girl. But I felt awkward being with my parents so I couldn't even start a conversation with her or anything. Besides, she was with her mother to make matters worse. Anyway.
Fantastic experience: Beach with cliffs and very beautiful scenery, but it is very important to book access, which is free, one month in advance during the summer months, it gets crowded at low tide hours.
Positive experience: Beautiful beach, a must-visit. You have to take advantage of the low tide. It is necessary to reserve tickets. They charge €1 for the use of the restroom, we found it excessive.
Positive experience: The landscape is great, unfortunately completely (!!) overcrowded. For that, €5 admission...
Fantastic experience: Amazing beach, definitely worth a visit if you are in the region, it was one of our favorite places in north Spain. There are 2 parking areas near the entrance and another free area 500 meters from the beach. You can book a reservation for the entrance on the beach's website, we visited in the high season and reservations were checked at the entrance. You need to visit the beach at low tide, tide times are also available on the website.
Negative experience: Beautiful place with a sea view, great for taking pictures from above. Parking is difficult for everyone, and to top it off, you have to reserve to access the sea. Shameful, don't you think it's your mother's sea?
Negative experience: Magnetic place, difficult parking even by car, the worst part is that to access the beach you have to reserve, it's unprecedented for a public beach where it's 'the SEA to your MOTHER'.... Courage to the visitors.
Fantastic experience: Very beautiful place, I recommend visiting it, you just need to take tickets in advance, they are free but without a ticket, they do not allow you to access the beach. There is one problem with the toilets, after 14:00 they close, and there is nowhere to go to the toilet.
Fantastic experience: Spectacular beach. The cliffs remind one of cathedrals. Nature in its purest aspect. Wonderful when the tide is low to stroll through the caves and walk along the sandy beach with small natural pools.
Fantastic experience: Amazing landscape
Negative experience: The empty beach lets in 4 people who booked a month in advance. I don't know what day I'm going to the beach, little Galicians....
Fantastic experience: Spectacular how nature keeps surprising us!!
Fantastic experience: We went without a reservation, and we almost left without being able to see it... The solution was to call a taxi; they have reserved tickets for their customers and can do the favor of selling them to you.
Negative experience: In summer, you have to book... There are no nearby dates to reserve, the capacity is very limited, it's embarrassing that you have to book to be able to go to the beach, and the adjacent beach prohibits swimming. On top of that, they are discharging waste through a pipe, making it smell terrible. A total disappointment.
Fantastic experience: The beach is very beautiful, it is well located and the parking is very good. We arrived a bit late and the tide is high, but it is still great. You can swim perfectly and the atmosphere is very nice.
Fantastic experience: Impressive, plus it was a great day. There were a lot of people and they wouldn't let you in without a pass. You have to be aware of the rising tides, as they are fast and strong, and people don't notice that, thankfully it's well controlled by the lifeguards.
Fantastic experience: Beautiful. You need to book to access it on the Xunta de Galicia website. I did it right there, it's free and quick.
Fantastic experience: We arrived early and just walked down to the beach. As we were walking back up there was a line of people with tickets and QR codes. Guess we got lucky. A lovely place full of Earth history in layers upon layers of rock. Great water. A bit crowded but generally quite a unique experience.
Fantastic experience: A must-visit place. Amazing, though it is recommended to go early to avoid the crowd at noon. You have to book a visit through the website. The place offers two parking lots, both filled with vans and motorhomes, so be patient.
Positive experience: It's very beautiful, but what I don't think is right is that the employees keep putting up ropes to prevent access to the caves, and you don't even have time to take a picture.
Positive experience: Beautiful beach to visit at any time except August; it feels like a pilgrimage even with limited capacity. You need to get a ticket, but if you arrive before 12, they let you in. If you take the bus from Ribadeo, you can also enter, and if you are staying in this town, you can too.
Fantastic experience: Beautiful and impressive beach, but you have to be lucky to fully enjoy it, as its charm depends on the capricious tides. We weren't that lucky and the tide was too high all morning to access the 'cathedrals' area, although the rest of the beach remains beautiful. There are lifeguards marking off swimming areas based on the tide. Don't forget to request the corresponding permit from the Xunta to visit it.
Fantastic experience: A little stressful due to the number of people... it's better to go an hour after low tide because that's when people start leaving and you can somewhat enjoy it!! If you have time, you should also see it between 4-5 PM when it's high tide. Personally, that's when I liked it the most.
Fantastic experience: If you're in the area, don't miss visiting this place. We were caught by the typical Galician rain, and still, we were impressed by the craftsmanship of nature.
Fantastic experience: Amazing. There are no words. You need to bring flip-flops for the beach even if the weather is bad to enjoy the experience more.
Positive experience: It is necessary to make a reservation to visit the beach... And if it is for that, it is advisable to do it some time in advance
Positive experience: A lot of people. It looks like a procession to Fátima. It loses all the fun.
Fantastic experience: A great place to swim at low tide and to linger on the beach
Fantastic experience: Geologically very original and beautiful beach, but as often happens with places that suddenly become very popular... it is often very crowded. It is necessary to book in advance to access it, which I find essential to prevent even more waves of visitors. Bring comfortable footwear because the surfaces are uneven between sands and slippery rocks.
Fantastic experience: Impressive. To enjoy it better, don't wear long pants and it's better to wear water shoes. You need to request a free permit from the Xunta de Galicia. Without a permit, you cannot enter. You should also check the tide schedule. It must be visited at low tide.
Fantastic experience: The place is beautiful but people are uncivilized. They put up no swimming signs and people go into the water.
Fantastic experience: Spectacular. However, they should clarify the tides better so that people can see the beach without wasting too much time.
Negative experience: You have to book, and 15 days in advance it was full. Even though it was almost empty due to the cloudy weather, they don't let you in.
Positive experience: One of the most well-known in Galicia, it's beautiful, yes, the stone arches are incredible, however I feel it's overrated. If you want to access it, you have to go with a reservation (unless you go before 8 in the morning or after 8 in the evening).
Fantastic experience: Very beautiful, we loved this natural landscape and it is very well maintained, you need to make a reservation in advance to see it and, even so, there are many people.
Positive experience: I was a little disappointed by the large number of people coming just to take photos and nothing else. It was a Monday in late July, and at low tide, it was at full capacity with about 4,000 people. I wish I could go back to see it without so many people because its formations and curves are very beautiful, but don't go during high season; you can't enjoy such an incredible place.
Positive experience: Too many people and yet they say that the capacity is controlled... We will have to return in winter...
Negative experience: The Beach of the Cathedrals is a truly spectacular place, and the organization is very good. I'm posting this public comment to complain about the restrooms there. RESTROOMS There are some restrooms that are paid, costing €1 per person; supposedly, the money is used to improve the facilities and more. The truth is that they collect it in a very shabby jar, and you have to give exact change because they do not provide change (with all the coins there are, it's unfortunate that they don't give change). When we arrived around 1:25 PM, we passed without problems, but then at 1:30 PM, they said they were going to have lunch in a very rude manner. An elderly man who needed to go to the bathroom urgently was not allowed to pass until we intervened and told them that the treatment is lamentable, especially to an elderly man who needs to go to the bathroom. Finally, they let him pass due to our comments. It's regrettable how the people in the restrooms treat others, with airs of arrogance and attitude. If you're just going to urinate, know that there are trees in the parking area ;)
Positive experience: Free entry with reservation, better at low tide. Don’t even think about eating at the all-you-can-eat buffet!!! that is before entering, the only thing is the views. The food is expensive and poorly stored.
Positive experience: A must-visit if you're in the area. A beautiful beach, like all the ones in the area, but more peculiar. As a recommendation: pay attention to the tides and always visit at low tide. Wear appropriate clothing and bring a change of clothes. And also go during the week, as it gets quite crowded. You also need to book in advance during peak season. But it's worth the visit.
Positive experience: BOOK BEFORE YOU GO!!! The place is amazing but you need to book in advance. It's free, but without that reservation, you can't enter.
Negative experience: The place is quite a spectacle but blue flag, the quality Q without public services as of 1/8/2024 is very poor. In Andalusia, they exist and are free.
Fantastic experience: At low tide, you can see them and enjoy the incredible views. At high tide, they can be dangerous. We liked them a lot.
Fantastic experience: Practical class on geology of relief, erosion from rain and the sea on slate rocks. Spectacular shapes. Also, if you like marine biology, you can see acorns and sea tomatoes, mussels, goose barnacles, limpets, and if you're lucky, some crabs.
Fantastic experience: THE BEACH OF CATEDRALS (Praia das Catedrais) was declared a natural monument by the Xunta de Galicia and is the second most visited place in the Galician Community. Its original name is BEACH OF HOLY WATERS (Praia de Augas Santas); however, it is known by its tourist name BEACH OF CATEDRALS due to the gigantic rocks shaped like colossal arches and towers, very similar to the archivolts of Christian temples. The arches, caves, grottos, and sandy passages between rocks can only be appreciated at beach level, with low tide. During high tide, the beach is relatively small, with fine sand, although it remains suitable for swimming. It is preferable to see the beach with the tide from the top of the cliffs, at the beach access point, and to go down to the beach at low tide, over the beach sand, to see the spectacular rocks, caves, grottos, and pools along its 880 mts. The entrance is always free, but since 2015, due to the large influx of visitors, THE CAPACITY IS LIMITED and access is only allowed with prior online reservation on the Xunta's website; therefore, it is recommended to reserve a few days in advance. I recommend seeing the beach from above with high tide and entering the beach 2-3 hours before the end of low tide in appropriate clothing (shorts and flip-flops or preferably a swimsuit and barefoot). Spectacular photos. It's sensational to walk among the rocks at low tide, despite the large number of people visiting them. A must-see if you visit the coast of Lugo (Mariña Lucense) despite its overcrowding.
Fantastic experience: Very beautiful beach. You can swim in the area that is allowed. You have to book in advance during high season. I recommend going an hour before low tide.
Fantastic experience: A magical and beautiful place in nature. You need to book to be able to see the beach and inform yourself about the state of the tides.
Fantastic experience: Incredible
Fantastic experience: Exceptional, but so many people
Negative experience: It's fantastically beautiful but you can't just go on it.. no idea where but you have to buy tickets for time slots.. the toilet also cost 1 euro per person and wasn't even fantastically hygienic… pretty ridiculous.. better skip it
Positive experience: Beautiful beach with its arches (note that you need to book in advance online to access it). We made the reservation where it was indicated that dogs are allowed on a leash, but upon arriving at the site, we found that dogs are not admitted from May 15 to September 15. We would have liked to know this before arriving with him (maybe this will help someone).
Positive experience: It is recommended to reserve days or even weeks in advance during the summer high season. We did not know, and we could not access it.
Fantastic experience: Absolutely incredible these rock formations on the north coast of Galicia. When planning your visit, pay attention to the tide times. It is only possible to visit at low tide. Tip: be there about 2 hours before the peak of low tide. Parking can be difficult at the height of summer!
Negative experience: We didn't see them, even though we traveled specifically for the 'cathedrals' and booked a campsite nearby. But we lacked the information that there are strict access restrictions for a maximum of 5000 people per day and that you have to book a 1-hour access window online or book a guided tour in a group for 60 to 100 euros.
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