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Las Catedrales Beach
Undoubtedly, one of the most famous beaches that you can visit and enjoy in Galicia, specifically in Lugo, is the Playa de las Catedrales. Below, we detail everything you need to know about this beach that we recommend from Galicia Travels.
Cathedrals Beach: what you need to know
The Cathedrals Beach, also known as Playa de las Catedrales, also known as Praia das Catedrais is located on the coast of the province of Lugo, near the small town of Ribadeo. What makes this beach special are its impressive rock formations and cliffs, which resemble Gothic cathedrals, hence its name.
The beach, some 1,300 metres long, is characterised by arches and caves sculpted by the Atlantic Ocean over the years. It is a perfect place to walk, tide permitting, and discover its impressive cliffs and unique landscape.
Access to the beach
It is important to bear in mind that, due to its popularity, access to the Cathedrals Beach is regulated and a permit is required to visit during certain hours of the day. This is to avoid overcrowding and to ensure the conservation of this natural environment.
This is the case from Easter and the summer months, when the capacity is limited to 4,800 people. Here you have to book a ticket through a web portal set up by the Xunta de Galicia. With this permit, during that day, you can access the beach in question as many times as you wish. However, outside this period, it is possible to visit the beach without any kind of reservation.
Once you get the permit and access the beach, you will be immersed in a world of natural beauty. The majestic rock formations create an impressive landscape.
Among the most outstanding formations are the Cathedral Arch and the Ojo del Buey (Ox’s Eye). The Cathedral Arch is the most famous and resembles a Gothic church arch, with stone pillars rising majestically above the sea.
The Ojo del Buey, meanwhile, is a circular cave that looks like a window onto the ocean. Dreamlike beach and activities In addition, the Las Catedrales Beach offers a fine white sandy beach that invites you to relax and enjoy the sun.
It is an area with viewpoints and trails that allow you to admire the panoramic views of the coast and the rock formations from a different perspective.
Trails near Las Catedrales beach
For sports enthusiasts, there are hiking trails close to Playa de las Catedrales. They are as follows.
Path of the Cliffs
One of the most popular trails is the Sendero de los Acantilados, which runs along the coastline from Playa de las Catedrales to San Román beach. This trail offers breathtaking views and different viewpoints.
Another option for nature lovers is the San Cibrao Viewpoint Trail. This trail starts at San Roman beach and goes deep into the forest, giving hikers the opportunity to explore the rich flora and fauna of the area.
No doubt about it, visit the Cathedrals Beach will be a unique experience that will allow you to get to know a beach like no other. It is advisable to do so at low tide in order to enjoy it to the full, its waters and the landscape it offers.