When people visit Spain they often go to the magnific Barcelona (and remember, don’t do this). Or to sunbath in the coast of Valencia. Some of them even go surfing in the Basque Country. What most international tourists don’t do is visit Galicia. This region, right on top of Portugal, has it’s own story, language and traditions. With a very strong celtic influence, it is said that many witches are between their people. Meigas, they call them. Plenty of stories run in their folklore and there are dozens of magical places in the small region. Today I am telling you about one of my favorites, the Praia das Catedrais.
Praia das Catedrais
La Praia das Catedrais translates into The Cathedral’s Beach in Gallego, the local language. It is a funny name for a beach, but considering how high the bows and arcs are… Well, it is an appropiate name. Thousands of years of erosion have made of the cliffs in this area a piece of art. The most curious thing about these cliffs is that touching the sea…. there’s a beach! Even though Galicia is way too cold for any proper sunbathing, walking through that soft sand is beautiful. There are also some caves along the coastline that can be visited and explored.
Do you want to read more posts about Spain? Check the archive here!
How to get to the beach
This beautiful spot can be reached from the national road N-634. This road connects San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela (two beautiful cities if you ask me). You can get to la Praia das Catedrais by car or by an organized tour. From the nearby town of Ribadeo, you can reach the beaches by public bus, although I do not know about its price. The best way to visit this place is definitely with a private car, although make sure you check the tide times before arriving. Because this beach is basically washed by the Athlantic Ocean, waves can reach a few meters high and only when the tide is low and the weather is calm you can visit.
In any case, when the tide is at its lowest the parkings are fully crowded so make sure you get there with time to park and also when the tides are at a visiting tim!
So what if I don’t check the tides on advance!?
Well, do not worry dear. Because many people arrive without knowing about this, there is a very nice walkway on top of the hills with magnificent views. The walk is a few kilometers long and can be done at any time or weather conditions. The cathedrals in the Praia das Catedrais can also be seen from above, although the arcs are not as impressive. On the other hand, you can see the whole coast line and that is quite a view!
A little extra: percebes
Moreover, there is something that grows on the rocky walls of the Praia das Catedrais. They are named Percebes. Terribly disgusting to the eye (they seem like monster claws, in my opinion), some say that they are delicious. I will be honest and admit that I have never tasted them, but they are more expensive than gold. They can be eaten raw and if you manage to get one big enough you may get a bite!
Never heard of Praia das Catedrais before and it reminds me a bit of the London Bridge in Australia. But such a cool spot! Thanks for sharing this. You are right, people should stray off the beaten path much more.
Thanks Anne Marie! This place is amazing and it is shocking that there are barely no international turists there. I have seen the pictures from the London Bridge in Australia before and indeed they reminded me of this place!
STUNNING beach and cliffs! Btw I know percebes as goose barnacles! Yum!
Thanks Kavita! I had no idea though that Percebes were eaten outside Spain hahaha. And here they are only eaten in the North. Amazing! Thanks for the info!
I have never heard of Parai das Catedrais, it looks magical and well worth a visit.
You should definetely add it to your Spain bucket list! It is a magnificent location!