Spain
A majority of the time, this place is so peaceful you can hear the beach from a mile away. Sure, it's a campsite - but its only a short walk to the local village which hosts some of the most wonderful fresh seafood I've ever eaten. Sitting on the top of the cliff looking down at the beach below, I'm constantly remembered about why I love this place.
www.arenaldemoris.com/
Camping Arenal de Moris. Primera Categoría.
Caravia Alta 33344 Principado de Asturias. España
+34 985 853097
Google map: bit.ly/IrpXjm
A one-track train, the Feve, runs along the coast of Asturias, Spain’s northern shore. From a base in Llanes you can ride it west to Villahermosa and ramble back east, mostly on a coast path. Pass a beach in a field where a 75-metre blowhole through the rocks feeds a crater-like tidal pool, then climb through woodland to the clifftop. Eastward, Biscay’s waves chew the feet of the Picos mountains, leaving bite-mark coves and rocky crumbs as outcrops in the sea.
Behind you – and you nearly miss it, the view ahead is so beguiling – is the perfect lunch spot.
On a whole coastline of best beaches, Playa de Torimbia is the best of all (El Pais even puts it among the finest in all Spain). It’s a half-mile curve of gold held by sheer cliffs; skinny-dipping normal but not compulsory; good Atlantic surf. The only building is a ramshackle bar with paella, raciones, beer and a view of this whole sequestered Eden.
The bar makes the beach, the beach makes the bar; there’s nothing else to intervene. That’s a winning combination.
Google map: bit.ly/AxVDMA
Nearest village - Niembro.
There is a car park high on the cliff at eastern end of the bay, with a steep walk down.
The bar is at the western end.
For the train use Villahermosa, Posada or Poo stations - and enjoy the walk.
Deserted even in September, descending to the Bay of Silence on the Asturian coast about 25 miles west of Asturias airport near Oviedo, is like being lowered out of sight of the rest of the world. From above, the view glimpsed through pine trees shows cliff-side steps twisting down a white cliff to a cove. Protected by apostle-like rock stacks, the tranquil beach is inexplicably empty, while grey and cream flow lines of rock strata at the cliff base betray the tumultuous activity of past ages. A diversion for those on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela trail?
www.desdeasturias.com/turismo_asturias/cudillero%5Cplaya_del_silencio_cudillero_asturias/index.asp
A fantastic very child friendly beach. The name alone puts junior members of the group in a giggly and good mood before you even get there. This is only enhanced by a beautiful, never very busy, beach with several areas to explore - small caves, a deeply shelving area with fantastic waves, an enormous shallow stretch for perfect paddling and headlands and freshwater streams to follow for an adventure. Two cafes perched above the beach provide reasonable snacks and meals and loo facilities. Lifeguard facility at most times and care should be taken to observe their flag system and advice. Parking in a pay carpark near the beach or in Llanes.
Llanes, Asturias
Google map: bit.ly/gEVqvv
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