Galicia, the jewel of northwest Spain, is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture and, of course, its stunning beaches. Along its extensive coastline of more than 1,200 kilometres, it is home to a variety of beaches that captivate with their natural beauty and are not to be missed if you’re visiting. In this article, we are going to show you some of the best beaches in this region, from those with white sand and crystal-clear waters to hidden coves.
A Lanzada Beach (Pontevedra)
One of the most famous beaches in the autonomous region is A Lanzada, located between Sanxenxo and O Grove. It is more than 2 kilometres long and its waves make it one of the Galicians’ favourite surfing spots. Not to mention that it is surrounded by dunes and a beautiful landscape that you have to see for yourself.
And if you like history, you can visit the Ermita da Lanzada, a church located to the south on a small peninsula and surrounded by the remains of a castro and a medieval fortress.
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Covas Beach (Lugo)
In the municipality of Viveiro, in Lugo, is one of the busiest urban beaches in the summer season. It has a long promenade where you can relax in the sun.
In its western part there are some curious protruding rocks called ‘Os Castelos’, which witnessed one of the most catastrophic shipwrecks in the area. It took place in 1810, when the frigate Santa María Magdalena and the brig Palomo sank in a storm. In fact, in front of them there is a monument in memory of the terrible event.
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Rodas Beach (Cíes Islands)
Another of the best known beaches in Galicia is Rodas, in the Cíes Islands, which the British newspaper The Guardian named as one of the best in the world. It joins the islands of Monteagudo and Faro and, because of its crystal-clear waters and fine sand, it is nicknamed ‘the Caribbean’. Don’t be fooled by this name, however, because its temperature is much cooler than those of the Caribbean.
In order to reach it you must use a ferry that takes you to the archipelago. This place also has ideal conditions for scuba diving.
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As Catedrais Beach (Lugo)
A must if you visit Galicia is the beach of As Catedrais. Its name comes from the rock formations in the shape of domes and arches that resemble the structure of a cathedral and which have been sculpted by the wind and the sea over the centuries. At low tide, you can stroll under its white sand corridors and caves, a unique and magical experience.
Please note, however, that if you want to go at Easter or during the summer months, you must book at the following link.
Carnota Beach (A Coruña)
This beach has the title of the longest in Galicia, with a length of 7 kilometres. It offers spectacular natural scenery, surrounded by dunes and crowned by Monte Pindo in the background. It also contains petroglyphs and other archaeological remains that tell the history of the region.
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Laxe Beach (A Coruña)
This place is in the famous Costa da Morte of A Coruña, but it is sheltered inside the estuary, so it is a calm place, perfect for you to relax and enjoy the sun.
Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy water sports such as fishing, kitesurfing or windsurfing. There are ramps for disabled access and a free car park.
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Melide Beach (Ons Islands)
The archipelago of Ons is home to five beaches, the most famous of which is Melide beach. It is the largest of them all and has the particularity that it is for nudists and, in fact, it is one of the most renowned in Galicia in this category.
From here you can enjoy incredible views of the Pontevedra estuary and enjoy its crystal-clear waters, a paradisiacal experience.
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Beach of Menduíña (Pontevedra)
Cangas do Morrazo has a rich and diverse coastline with 39 sandy beaches. One of them is Menduíña, in the Aldán estuary. It is a small, but cosy beach in the shape of a shell and easy to access.
Moreover, as it is sheltered, its waves are very calm, ideal to enjoy with your family without worrying.
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O Vao Beach (Pontevedra)
O Vao is known as the ‘young people’s beach’. It is in the city of Vigo, next to Samil beach and in the bay of Toralla island. It is a 45-metre long sandy beach and many people go there to play and spend the afternoon with their friends, hence the origin of its nickname.
It has crystal clear waters and very fine sand, parking, showers and several leisure services that make this place a very comfortable option to enjoy the summer.
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Área Longa Beach (A Coruña)
We finish the list with a beach that has been the protagonist of Galician history, that of Área Longa or Baroña. It is located next to the famous Castro de Baroña, a Celtic settlement that was abandoned centuries ago and of which some ruins remain. This sandy area is also known for being a nudist beach.
