3 Most Photogenic Beaches of Asturias
Those of you who know me or have been following my work for a while, may know that after living a year in northern Spain, more specific Santander, Cantabria, I have fallen in love with the Spanish coast. Not only because it's summers are significantly warmer then back home in Norway, or the selection of sandy beaches, but also because of it's moody weather, dramatic cliffs and rocky beaches.
After moving back to Norway, I have revisited the area a few times and each time I get the chance to discover new areas. One of my favorite places to explore is the beaches of Asturias, whom all are within reasonable distance. Here are my top 3 favorite beaches from Asturias and some pictures from them!
3. Pendueles Beach
Low tide at Pendueles Playa
Even tho the possibilities too shoot a variety of scenes are scarce at this place, as the area is rather small, this is one of my favorite spots to go. The scene changes dramatically from high to low tide, so be sure to plan your visit according to the tides. Low tide is in my opinion the best time to go. The rocks and cliffs are then revealed, and you are able to walk all the way out to the main rock "Islote de los Picones". You may also stumble across puddles that will give a interesting shot. Be aware tho, the tide will come in faster than you notice. I've had to take of my shoes and go in knee deep water back to land before.
The beach is located right outside the small village Pendueles. After driving through some extremely narrow streets you arrive on a small dirt road above some fields. Follow this for a few hundred meters and you're at a tiny parking on top of the cliffs. There is a path down to the beach where they now have set up some wooden stairs down the steepest part.
In my opinion this is also a nice place during hight tide, but not nearly as great as during low tide. With high water you are not able to walk onto the rocks, and there is barely space to walk at the beach at all. It does look good from above, but I wouldn't plan a trip here without being able to walk around on the beach.
During high tide you won't have access to the cliffs, but it's a nice view from above
2. Playa de Silencio
Goats climbing cliffs
Playa de Silencio might be one of the more popular locations in Asturias, and I've heard it gets extremely crowded during nice summer days. I've only been here during fall and spring, and I can tell you it is much less crowded at this time. Actually my second visit was the only time I met other people and we arrived the parking at the same time. Even tho six other people were in the area, I only saw them on the parking once and ran into three of them when hiking around a little. It is such a big place that you won't stand on top of each other to get the exact same shot. Without a doubt there is some spots that are more popular than others, I'm guilty of shooting from them myself, but by walking around and also away from the beach itself you find some less photographed spots. And maybe you're as lucky as me to meet a pack of goats climbing down a narrow arch with a 10-15 meter drop into the ocean.
Intense sunset viewed from the cliff at Playa de Silencio
Playa de Silencio is located just outside the small town of Novellana and a 15 minute drive from my favorite town Cudillero.
Remember that also this location, like most others, changes a lot during tides. When the water is low you will be able to walk much further down the beach, all the way to the rocks you can see in the picture above. This is paradise for photographers, and one of my favorite playgrounds!
1. Playa de Campiecho
My number one favorite beach in Asturias is the mighty Playa de Campiecho. There are not many words that can describe the beauty you'll find here. Before visiting the first time I looked at some images online, but nothing can compare to actually standing there myself.
Inside the cave of Campiecho
Most people visiting this beach only goes into the famous cave. What most people are unaware of is the unique scenery in the opposite end of the beach. I love the cave, and honestly the cave is the only reason I go here. But on my last trip I decided to walk to the opposite end and around the corner to see what was there. Just around the corner you will discover a much less photographed scene.
A less photographed scene on less discovered end of Playa de Campiecho
On the two other spots I have mentioned the tide. I will mention it again, but this time I will warn you about the tide. The cave is only reachable during low tide, but the tide rises extremely fast and it is hard to see how high it actually is, as you are standing behind a corner. On my first visit I barely made it back to the beach without getting wet, and I've heard horror stories of locals and tourists swimming back. Let me be the first to tell you that swimming back, with your photography gear, between razor sharp rocks with strong currents and smashing waves, is not something you want to try. So plan your visit carefully and always pay attention to the tide or change in weather.
Of all the beautiful beaches in Asturias, these are my top 3 favorite. Maybe this list will change in the years to come, as I hope to discover many more!
What are your favorite beaches in Asturias? Let me know in the comments!
