Playa de Mexota

Introduction

As beach tourism experts, we've had the pleasure of exploring countless coastal gems across Spain's geography. Among them, there's a spot in western Asturias that always captivates us with its serene beauty and family-friendly atmosphere: Playa de Mexota. Located in the charming municipality of Tapia de Casariego, this beach isn't just another stretch of sand; it's an invitation to disconnect, to feel the sea breeze, and to be enveloped by the tranquility of a practically pristine landscape.

When we think of Asturian beaches, images of dramatic cliffs and hidden coves often come to mind. Mexota, however, offers us a perfect combination of accessibility and nature. It's a beach of fine, golden sand, framed by gentle cliffs that protect it from the wind, creating a natural amphitheater where the Cantabrian Sea shows its friendliest face. Its waters, generally calm and crystal clear, make it a favorite destination for families with young children and for those seeking a peaceful refuge away from the hustle and bustle. In short, it's one of those Tapia de Casariego beaches that deserves a prominent place on any route along the Asturian coast.

The first time we set foot on Playa de Mexota, we felt that instant connection with the surroundings. It's one of those beaches that captivates you, that invites you to stay, to stroll leisurely along its shore, or simply to close your eyes and listen to the gentle murmur of the waves. It's not a beach with extensive infrastructure, but a space where nature is the protagonist, offering us an idyllic setting to recharge our batteries and create unforgettable memories.

How to Get to Playa de Mexota

Getting to Playa de Mexota is relatively straightforward, although it requires a small detour from the main routes, which helps preserve its charm. If we're coming from central Asturias or from the east, the main reference will be the Cantabrian Motorway (A-8). We need to take exit 497 towards Tapia de Casariego and, once on the N-634, follow the signs towards the town.

From Tapia de Casariego, the journey is short and well signposted. We'll head west along the AS-31, which runs along the coast. We must keep an eye out for signs indicating 'Playa de Mexota' or 'Playa de Serantes', as both are very close. Usually, a left turn will take us along a local road, often narrow but paved, which gently descends to the vicinity of the beach.

Regarding parking, Playa de Mexota has a designated parking area, although it's not very large. Especially during the summer months, it can fill up quickly, so we recommend arriving early. From the parking lot, a well-maintained path with a slight slope leads directly to the sandy beach. It's a comfortable access for most visitors, although it's not adapted for people with very limited mobility.

The Sand and Water

Playa de Mexota offers us a unique sensory experience. When stepping onto this sandy beach, the first thing we notice is the quality of its fine, golden sand, incredibly soft underfoot. It's perfect for walking barefoot, for children to play building sandcastles, or simply for spreading out a towel and enjoying a sunny day with maximum comfort. Its golden hue contrasts wonderfully with the greenish-blue of the Cantabrian Sea, creating a color palette that invites contemplation.

As for the water, Playa de Mexota is known for its generally calm waters, which sets it apart from other more exposed Asturian beaches. This is largely due to the natural protection provided by the cliffs that flank it, acting as a barrier against stronger currents and winds. The water's transparency is remarkable, allowing us to see the sandy bottom in many areas. Its temperature, as is usual in the Cantabrian, is cool, a delight for cooling off on hot summer days.

The water quality at Mexota is usually excellent, giving us great peace of mind for swimming. It's not uncommon to see small pools that form at low tide, perfect for the little ones to splash around safely, or to discover small rocky formations at the ends of the beach, which invite exploration. The combination of this pleasant sand and such serene water makes Playa de Mexota an exceptional place for enjoyment and relaxation, a true treasure on the coast of Tapia de Casariego.

Services and Facilities

Despite its natural and relatively pristine character, Playa de Mexota has a series of essential services that make visitors' stays much more comfortable and safe. We shouldn't expect large tourist complexes or an excessive leisure offer, as its charm lies precisely in its simplicity and respect for the environment.

During the peak summer season, usually from June to September, the beach has lifeguard services, which gives us great peace of mind, especially if we're with children. The presence of lifeguards ensures greater safety for swimming and a quick response to any incident. Furthermore, near the parking lot or the beach access points, we usually find shower modules that allow us to rinse off the sand and salt. Bathrooms/WC (portable or small public facilities) are also set up, a basic but highly valued service.

As mentioned earlier, the beach has a parking area which, although not huge, is sufficient for the usual flow of visitors. It's important to remember that on days with higher attendance, especially in August, it can fill up. What we won't find are permanent beach bars (chiringuitos) right on the sand.