In Galicia, when the power of the sea unites with the patience of time the result is a work of art… the praia das Catedrais beach, a natural monument with a supernatural dimension. You just have to wait for ebb tide, take off your shoes and start walking… and you will feel in seventh heaven.

There is nothing like enjoying the view of the flying buttresses that are 30 metres high, entering sea caves with spired domes, discovering the unusual view of arches within arches. Or simply wandering along the sandy corridors surrounded by slate walls, like in an imposing and capricious central nave. And always with your feet on the sand and your head in the sky. You are inside the cathedral of the sea.

Sea architecture

The step that forms the so-called Cantabrian platform reaches the category of geological monument here. In the cliffs the sea has sculpted a whole range of arches, columns and vaults which led to the area between the beaches of Augasantas and Carricelas and known to tourists as the Praia das Catedrais.

Thousands of photographs of the beach have been taken in recent years, all with the emotion of an unrepeatable moment. Each photo is unique.

Access is easy. There is also has a good walk along the upper edge and information panels. However, leaving our footprints in the sand is only possible at low tide. Thousands of photographs of the beach have been taken in recent years, all with the emotion of an unrepeatable moment. Each photo is unique.

Every visit is different. The sea always erases previous traces, but the succession of monumental arches remains. The protected space within the Red Natura 2000 includes a stretch of coast about fifteen kilometres long containing other fine beaches such as the Os Castros beach and the picturesque port of Rinlo.

Useful information

  • Location:
    In the municipality of Ribadeo, capital of A Mariña oriental, in the province of Lugo. The SCI extends between the municipalities of Barreiros and Ribadeo.
  • Area:
    • National monument: 28.94 hectares, of which 20 hectares are sea water.
    •  SCI: 304.36 hectares.
  • Access:
    • On the N-634 (A Coruña-Santander) road, turnoffs to the coast on the stretch between San Miguel de Reinante and Rinlo.
    • Local roads parallel to the coast.
  • Services:
    • Accommodation and food in nearby villages and beside the road.
  • Facilities:
    Information panels

During the summer months (from July 1st  to September 30th) and Holy Week you must request authorization. It is free and can be got online on http://ascatedrais.xunta.es

Arriba