Concha de Artedo

The nearest beach with facilities to Cudillero, just east of the town, in Artedo: 760 metres of rounded pebbles that reveal golden sand at low tide. It has a Blue Flag, rescue cover in season, showers, parking and bars, and it lies within the Protected Landscape of the Western Coast.

What the beach is like

Turismo Asturias describes it as a broad, very sheltered bay with clear water, one of the cleanest in the region. The upper part is bolos, those large round stones so typical of the western coast; when the tide goes out a strip of golden sand appears at the water's edge. That is why the experience changes a lot with the time of day: at high tide you lie on pebbles, and at low tide you have sand to walk on and get into the water more comfortably. Check the tide table before you go and bring water shoes.

It is a very busy beach in summer, with plenty of bathers, and Cudillero's tourist office recommends it for all year round: out of season it makes a good winter walk beside the sea. They say that during the Second World War submarines anchored in its waters, although Turismo Asturias makes clear that no written documents confirm it.

Facilities, lifeguards and dogs

According to the official listing, it has catering, showers, parking and rescue cover. The lifeguards are on duty every day from 26 June to 8 September. The Blue Flag makes it the most convenient option in the council area if you want a beach with facilities near the town.

From 1 June to 30 September dogs are not allowed on the sand. On the promenades and urban areas by the accesses they may be on a fixed lead of one metre at most, and muzzled if their characteristics require it. If you are travelling with a dog in summer, the alternative is Salencia cove, which admits them all year.

How to get there and how long

You reach it by car from Cudillero in a few minutes, heading east; the final access to the sand is on foot from the car park. In August, by mid-morning, the car park fills up: arrive early or late in the afternoon. Allow a whole morning or afternoon if you are going to swim; for a stroll, an hour is enough.

What to combine

The Concha de Artedo is the first stop of the boat trip to Cape Vidío, so you can see it from the sea too. If you prefer a sand-and-river beach, with adapted access, continue west to San Pedro de la Ribera. For something wilder and without facilities, Silencio beach. At the Cudillero tourist office, in the port, they give you the map of beaches and viewpoints.