Playa de la Griega

Introduction

Welcome to one of the jewels of the eastern Asturian coast! Today we want to take you, virtually, to Playa de la Griega, a beach that captivates us not only for its natural beauty but also for its fascinating prehistoric history. Located in the charming municipality of Colunga, this beach is a destination that has it all: stunning landscapes, calm waters, and a unique cultural appeal that sets it apart from many other `Asturian beaches`.

We are looking at a beach of considerable size, with an expanse that invites strolling and enjoyment. Its fine golden sand, bathed by the waters of the Cantabrian Sea, creates an idyllic setting for sunny, relaxing days. But what truly makes Playa de la Griega special are its famous dinosaur footprints, a paleontological treasure that transports us millions of years back and makes it an unmissable point of interest for any visitor, especially if we're traveling with children. It is, without a doubt, one of the `Colunga beaches` we cannot miss exploring, an experience that combines beach fun with an authentic lesson in natural history.

How to Get to Playa de la Griega

Getting to Playa de la Griega is relatively easy, and its access is well signposted, which facilitates planning our visit. If we're coming from Oviedo or Gijón, the most common route is to take the A-8 motorway towards Santander and take exit 337 towards Colunga/Villaviciosa. Once in Colunga, we'll follow the signs to the beach, which will guide us along a well-paved local road right to the sand. From Lastres, the journey is even shorter and more picturesque, following the AS-257 along the coast, offering us spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea.

Transportation Options

• By car: This is, without a doubt, the most comfortable and recommended option, as it gives us the freedom to explore the surroundings and bring everything needed for a day at the beach. Playa de la Griega has a large, free parking lot right next to the sand, which greatly facilitates arrival, even in high season. However, on the busiest days, especially on weekends in July and August, it's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot and avoid waiting.
• Public transport: During the summer months, there are usually bus services connecting the center of Colunga with the beach, although frequencies can be limited. It's always a good idea to check the updated schedules of the local transport company before planning the visit if we choose this option. For those staying in Colunga, it's also a distance that can be covered on foot, enjoying the coastal landscape.

The Sand and Water

Playa de la Griega is characterized by its fine sand of a golden hue that contrasts wonderfully with the intense green of the surrounding vegetation and the deep blue of the Cantabrian Sea. It's a soft, pleasant-to-the-touch sand, perfect for laying out a towel, building sandcastles with the little ones, or simply walking barefoot feeling the sea breeze. Its expanse means that, even on the busiest days, we don't feel crowded and can always find a quiet spot for ourselves to enjoy the sun and calm.

The waters of the Cantabrian Sea in this area are generally calm, especially in the more sheltered part of the bay and during low tide. This makes it an exemplary `family beach`, where children can swim safely under parental supervision. The waters are not excessively cold for the north, and their cleanliness and quality are certified, which has earned it the Blue Flag distinction on multiple occasions, a seal of guarantee that always gives us confidence. It's a true pleasure to immerse oneself in them and cool off on hot summer days, enjoying the transparency and purity of the water.

Services and Facilities

One of the strong points of Playa de la Griega is the good range of services it offers, always thinking about the comfort and safety of its visitors. We greatly appreciate that such a beautiful beach is also so well-equipped, making it a practical and pleasant destination for everyone:

• Lifeguard service: During the bathing season, which usually covers the summer months, the beach has a team of lifeguards who watch over our safety, something essential if we're with children or if we're not experienced swimmers. Their presence gives us great peace of mind.
• Showers and Restrooms/WC: We have showers, generally located at strategic points, to rinse off the salt and sand before heading home. Furthermore, there are public restrooms, always clean and functional, something essential for the comfort of a full day at the beach.
• Chiringuitos (Beach Bars): At the beach or very close by, we find several chiringuitos and establishments where we can have a cool drink, an ice cream, or even enjoy an informal meal with sea views. They are perfect for recharging without straying too far from the sand and enjoying the beach atmosphere.
• Parking: As already mentioned, the large free parking lot is a great advantage, eliminating the stress of finding where to park the car and allowing us to access the beach easily.
• Umbrella and Sunbed Rental: Although it's not a direct municipal service, there are usually options to rent umbrellas and sunbeds from private concessionaires, which allows us to travel lighter if we don't want to carry our own equipment.
• Adapted Access: While it doesn't have 'full accessibility' in the strictest sense (e.g., walkways to the water for amphibious wheelchairs), it does have ramps and wooden walkways that facilitate...