The unusual, yet stunning Gulpiyuri Beach holds true to Asturias being the natural paradise of Spain. This a mandatory stop for sunseekers looking to discover the most secluded treasures the Cantabrian coastline has to offer. Mother Nature’s stunning handiwork is no longer a well-kept secret, but it hasn’t been wrecked by its popularity thanks to the geological features that keeps travellers at bay, preserving this natural wonder.
The world’s smallest beach
Reaching the world’s smallest beach can be compared to finding the prize at the end of a treasure hunt. Tucked away between the parishes of Llanes and Ribadesella, travellers would be forgiven for overlooking this tiny golden sandy beach framed by steep cliffs and lush greenery. Yet, it comes as no surprise that the rugged Cantabrian coast secretly houses one of the most striking and unique natural monuments in Asturias.
The 40-m beach is one well worth visiting but pack lightly. Part of the charm lies in the beach’s diminutiveness, leaving little room for parasols, sun beds and ice-boxes. Be sure to pack the essentials though, you won’t find any beach bars or other types of amenities in the proximity. What is on the menu is unrivalled natural beauty in its purest form.
Gulpiyuri Beach: Mother Nature’s handwork
The geological formation of Gulpiyuri Beach is what makes it so unique and extraordinary. The Cantabrian Sea chiselled the rocky coastline and formed underground caves. The roof of the cave ultimately collapsed, creating a sinkhole. This whim of nature is actually a flooded sinkhole and you can hear the seawater pushing through the gap to reach the beach’s golden sands.
The inland beach is separated from the sea by a 100 m-thick cliff. In fact, it doesn’t open onto the sea at all, and when high tide rolls in, the golden sand almost completely disappears under the waters.
What to do on the tiniest beach in Asturias
When the beach was listed as a natural monument, it lost its status of off-the-beaten-track. Even though it can get quite busy during the summer months, Gulpiyuri Beach remains an ideal location to connect with nature.
Take in the remarkable scenery
Observe the seagulls and cormorants flying over the towering cliffs and verdant meadows as you lean back on the warm golden sand. Take in the changing landscape as the tides sweep in, surrendering to nature’s mesmerising magic. What are you waiting for? Come and wallow in the luscious backdrop of one of the top beaches in Asturias.
Discover the sloshing sound of blowholes
The smallest beach in the world will not cease to surprise you and delight your senses. What better way to take in picturesque views than by accompanying them with singular sounds of the sea?
The Cantabrian coast is dotted with blowholes – holes in the ground that connect to a cave opening into the sea. Listening to the blowing sound of the sea is a unique experience. You’ll be transported to the depths of the sea without even stepping into the water.
Dipping into tranquillity
Seawater gently laps the shores of Gulpiyuri Beach to the pulse of the Cantabrian Sea. When the water ebbs away, a shallow pool remains inviting bathers to leave the balmy comforts of the beach and take a dip in the calm waters. Travelling with children? The children will equally enjoy the still waters. Parents can relax as they watch their children play in the crystalline shallows.
What to see in the surrounding area
Gulpiyuri Beach is definitely one of the most interesting sights but the Cantabrian coast stores other equally magnificent sights. Include a stop at one of the following towns to round off your day in the most pleasurable way:
Ribadesella
Only a short 20-minute drive from Gulpiyuri Beach, lies the attractive port town of Ribadesella. Roam the cobblestoned old town and walk along the harbourside to get a comical overview of the town’s history at the hands of the famed Spanish cartoonist, Mingote, whose outdoor mural comprises six large ceramic panels. There are other wonders in the vicinity well worth visiting, such as the Tito Bustillo Cave and the Cuevona (a huge cave connecting several villages) in Cuevas del Agua, to name just a few.
Llanes
If your trip takes you to this area, be sure to make a stop in this town. Sensational beaches, historical buildings, succulent Asturian cuisine and cascades of cider. Need we say more? If you aren’t already sold, what about doing a tour of filming locations around the city? Discover the town from a different perspective as you test your film knowledge with the Llanes film tour.
Pría blowholes
If you were captivated by the sound of the sea travelling through the underground tunnels at Gulpiyuri Beach, you must visit the Pría blowholes. These Asturian geysers put on quite the show when the sea gets rough and the air drives the water up the blowholes, exploding into the air several metres high – one of the best spectacles nature can put on.
Ready to feast your eyes on the smallest beach in the world? Don’t forget to pack the essentials to enjoy the day to the fullest!
