Sable de Merón

What it is

San Vicente's long beach: more than 3 kilometres of white sand with dunes behind it, between the estuary and Cape Oyambre, with views of the Punta de la Silla lighthouse, the Oyambre Natural Park and the Picos de Europa on the horizon. According to the Cantabrian Rural Development Network, the beach reaches about four kilometres and goes by several names along its length: Merón, La Braña, Bederna and Gerra. Behind it there is a line of dunes and, at the western end, a small maritime pine wood planted in the middle of the last century to hold the sand.

It is a cliff-foot beach with a large intertidal area: at low tide the sand widens enormously and at high tide only a dry strip remains, so check the tide table before putting up your parasol. Dune plants such as sea holly and sea bindweed grow in the dunes; do not trample them and use the marked access paths.

Swimming and facilities

The town council's website says it has all the basic services, lifeguards and a large car park with easy access. The surf is strong, with almost constant waves and wind: swim only where there is a flag and supervision, and do not go beyond the patrolled area. The website does not publish the rules on dogs or the exact lifeguard dates; ask at the tourist office, on 942 710 797 or at [email protected]. With children, the width of the beach at low tide gives plenty of room to play away from the water's edge, but do not lose sight of them when they go into the water.

Surfing

Cantabria Tourism lists it among the region's major surf spots, and the town council's website recommends it both for beginners and for experienced surfers. Because it is so long, it does not get crowded even in high season. If you want to try, there is a school in the town: see the surf lesson at Merón.

When and how to go

For swimming, in summer; for walking, all year, best at low tide, when you can walk on the firm sand as far as Bederna and Gerra. From San Vicente you can walk there across the Maza bridge, or drive to the car park. Gerra, at the far end, is among rocks and is good for watching the sunset.

What to combine it with

The beach is the first stretch of the Yellow Bird trail, which follows the coast to the La Rabia estuary. Behind it lie the Rubín marsh and the rest of the natural park, with its interpretation centre at the Punta de la Silla lighthouse. If you prefer calm water, there is paddle surfing on the estuary. To end the day, climb up to the church of Santa María de los Ángeles, whose churchyard looks over the whole coast.