Mundaka and the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, Basque country
This picturesque fishing port at the mouth of the Guernica estuary is part of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, which has the greatest variety of landscapes in the Basque country, from splendid beaches to wetlands, cliffs and mountains. Explore on foot, by bike or by boat and don’t miss diving at Cabo Ogoño. If you’re a surfer, the left-hand barrel wave at Mundaka is highly rated by pros.
Meñakoz, Basque country
Only half an hour’s drive from Bilbao, between Sopelana and Barrika, Meñakoz is a wild, pebbly beach that attracts both nudists and surfers. Hikers explore the paths that wind around the cliffs, watching the waves thundering on to the rocks. This stretch of the Basque coast is perhaps most dramatic on a grey day in winter, while locals come all year round to watch the sunset.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Basque country
This steep islet, east of Bilbao, has long been a place of holy significance for local fishermen. Legions of new fans now follow the narrow path from the mainland and climb the 241 steps up to the tiny chapel at the top, after it appeared in Game of Thrones. Carry on around the coast towards Bermeo to explore a string of pristine coves.
From Playa de Trengandín to Punta El Brusco and Playa de Berria, Cantabria
At almost 2.5 miles (4km), Trengandín is one of the longest, calmest and most spectacular beaches in Cantabria. Walking east along the sand, climb up to the top of the El Brusco headland. Looking east from the vantage point of the ruins of an old military battery, you can see the golden sand of Berria beach between two rocky headlands. It is backed by the nature reserve formed by the Santoña, Victoria and Joyel marshlands – a haven for migrating birds and the most important wetland area in northern Spain.
Playa de Loredo and the Isla de Santa Marina, Cantabria
Even for experienced surfers, the powerful waves that swirl around the rocky shores of this little island at the end of Loredo beach represent quite a challenge. At the beginning of the Costa Trasmiera, just east of Santander, the beach itself is a safer bet, with expert tuition available for new surfers. This is a good spot for diving and birdwatching too, as well as walking along the 1,200 metres of fine sand.
The dinosaur coast route, Asturias
The stretch from Villaviciosa to Ribadesella is known as the Jurassic Coast, with many traces of dinosaurs and other reptiles discovered there. Children love following the trail around the coastline, particularly along La Griega beach, spotting the giant footprints and fossils along the way. If you are a fan of the TV series Doc Martin, stroll around Lastres, the seaside village where the popular Spanish version – called Doctor Mateo – was filmed.
Playa del Silencio, Asturias
Just to the west of the almost impossibly pretty fishing village of Cudillero is one of the region’s most dramatic beaches. Although its real name is Gavieiru, everyone calls it Silencio. With charcoal-grey shingle, backed by vertiginous cliffs, it looks like the crater of a volcano. To reach it, you have to walk down steps cut into the steep hillside, but the peace and the light when you get there make it well worth the effort.
Playa de las Catedrales, Lugo, Galicia
It is an exhilarating experience to walk at low tide along this beach in the east of the Galician coast, where the rocks form a series of extraordinary arches that look like the vaults of a gothic cathedral or a Gaudí creation. As the tide rolls in – which happens very quickly – get back on to the top of the cliffs to watch the sea crashing through the narrow gaps between the rocks and into the caves.
Viveiro, Galicia
Spanish people love spending summer holidays in Viveiro, a teardrop-shaped inlet framed by hills covered in pine and eucalyptus trees, where you can walk from one gorgeous bay to the next. This is one of the Rías Altas, the estuaries that dip into the north coast of Galicia. Clusters of vines grow on the dunes at Area beach, which is 1,200 metres long. Walk to the end, where vestiges of a Roman villa have been discovered.
Islas Cíes, Galicia
Few cities have the sort of idyllic islands just offshore that Vigo, in the Rías Baixas, can boast. The three islands that make up this national park are a paradise for hikers and birdwatchers, but locals often take the short boat ride over to relax on Playa de Rodas – a crescent of fine, white sand flanked by a lagoon, dunes and pine trees. On the wilder Atlantic side of the islands, waves pound against the cliffs, but the inland coast is more like the Caribbean.
