11 Best Sights in Galicia and Asturias, Spain

One of Spain's best-kept secrets, this spectacular stretch of sand, also known as Praia de Augas Santas (Beach of the Holy Waters) features vast rock formations, domes, arches, and caves that were naturally formed by wind and sea. In high season (July--September) it is mandatory to reserve a ticket to access the actual beach via  ascatedrais.xunta.gal. The arches are accessible for walks when the tide goes out; otherwise, the beach can be completely covered. Amenities: parking. Best for: beach walks; rock formations; spectacular natural scenery.

A Coruña's Paseo Marítimo winds along two pleasant, well-maintained urban beaches, Playa del Orzán and Playa de Riazor. These long curves of fine golden sand tend to be busy in summer with chattering groups of local families and friends enjoying the milder climate. The area of Playa del Orzán in front of the hotel Meliá María Pita is popular with surfers. Cross the Paseo Marítimo for a choice of cafés and restaurants with animated terraces. Seafront kiosks sell ice cream and snacks. There is no natural shade, but you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas in summer. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.

One km (½ mile) east of Llanes is the pristine and secluded Playa Ballota, with private coves and one of the few stretches of nudist sand in Asturias. Amenities: food and drink (seasonal). Best for: nudists; swimming; walking.

Tucked into the city's harbor, this horseshoe-shape curve of fine artificial sand and calm waters is wonderful for an evening stroll. Amenities: lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.

Gijón's other popular beach, beyond the headland from Playa de Poniente, has golden sand backed by a promenade that extends from one end of town to the other. Across the narrow peninsula and the Plaza Mayor is the harbor, where the fishing fleet comes in with the day's catch. As long as the tide is out, you can sunbathe. The waves are generally moderate, but weather and currents can be unpredictable. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking; surfing.

To the west of the Río Sella estuary, which divides the town, this gentle curve of golden sand is one of the prettiest beaches in Asturias. It's tucked beneath the town's seafront promenade, lined with 20th-century mansions. Moderate waves provide safe swimming conditions, although, as with all of Spain's Atlantic-facing beaches, currents and weather can be unpredictable. In high season (particularly in August) the beach can get very busy. This part of the coast is not called the "dinosaur coast" for nothing; over by the Punta'l Pozu Viewpoint, you can see footprints embedded in the rocks and cliff faces where they left their mark millions of years ago. Amenities listed are only available June–September. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming.

Farther west of Llanes is the partially nudist Playa de Torimbia, a wild, virgin beach as yet untouched by development. It is reached only via a footpath—roughly a 15-minute walk. This secluded crescent of fine, white sand and crystal-clear waters is backed by Asturias's green hills, making it one of the region's most picturesque beaches. Winds can be strong, and there is no real infrastructure. Amenities: none. Best for: nudists; solitude; swimming; walking.

On the eastern edge of town is Playa de Toró, where fine white sands are peppered with unique rock formations. This pristine beach is ideal for sunbathing and families. Amenities: lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: swimming.

Steps from the old town is the protected Playa del Sablón (whose name derives from the Asturian word for "sand"), a little swath of beach that gets crowded on weekends. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: swimming.

Santander's longest and most popular beach has a full range of amenities and fine, golden sand. Although this northeast-facing stretch is exposed, moderate waves in summer make it fine for bathing—despite the chilly water temperatures. In winter, it is a favorite among surfers, particularly the part of the beach in front of Hotel Chiqui. Enter the beach via the sun-dappled Piquío Gardens, where terraces filled with flowers and trees lead the way down to the beach. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.

A favorite with surfers and sport fisherman, this somewhat undiscovered beach is buffered from the wind by green forested hills on either side. It's a fine place for a midday picnic or romantic stroll at sunset on fine white sand. Amenities: showers. Best for: sunset; surfing; walking.