“Praia das Catedrais” (The Cathedrals Beach) is a natural monument and one of Galicia’s most famous beaches.
It is known worldwide for its rocky formations carved by the wind and sea, creating fantastic shapes. We were lucky that the tide was out during our visit so that we could walk under huge natural caves and arches within other caves and arches. The sea and wind have sculpted enormous arches, columns, vaults, cliffs, and other surrealistic geological features. And always with your feet on the sand and your head in the sky, you are inside the cathedral of the sea.
If the tide is high, you can visit the beach from the cliff’s top, keeping a safe distance.
We visited this phenomenal piece of nature in May. However, you must request authorization during the summer months (from July 1st to September 30th) and Holy Week. It is free and can be found online at http://ascatedrais.xunta.es.
Access is easy. There is also a good walk along the upper edge and information panels. The protected space within the Red Natura 2000 includes a stretch of coast about fifteen kilometers long containing other fine beaches such as the Os Castros beach and the picturesque port of Rinlo.
Near the trailhead, two parking lots are on each side of the road, “Estrada da Costa.” In May, there was no parking fee.
GPS: 43.55294576, -7.15901844
More photos: Praia das Catedrais in Galicia