Playa de Poo

Introduction

If there is one beach on the Asturian coast that steals our heart for its uniqueness and charm, it is undoubtedly Playa de Poo. Located in the idyllic municipality of Llanes, this natural wonder offers a completely different beach experience from what we are used to. It is not just any beach; it is a whim of nature, a canvas that the tides paint and repaint every day, transforming it from a vast expanse of sand into a tranquil natural pool.

We, as beach tourism experts, always recommend Playa de Poo to those seeking a corner of peace and safety, especially if traveling with young children. Its unique morphology, with a sea inlet that runs between cliffs and widens to form a kind of protected cove, makes it a sanctuary of calm waters. It is the perfect place to forget about stress, enjoy the sun, and let the little ones play without worries, while we delight in the impressive Asturian landscape that surrounds it.

How to Get to Playa de Poo

Getting to Playa de Poo is relatively easy, and the journey itself immerses us in the beauty of the Asturian landscape. If we are coming from Oviedo or Gijón, the most comfortable way is to take the A-8 motorway towards Santander. If we are coming from Cantabria, the A-8 towards Oviedo will be our route. Once we are near Llanes, we must take the corresponding exit and follow the signs towards Poo. The village of Poo is very well signposted, and once there, we will find signs to the beach.

We always advise arriving by car, as it is the most practical option for exploring the area. The beach has a nearby parking lot, although in high season it can fill up quickly, so it is advisable to arrive early. From the parking lot, a short walk takes us directly to the sand. It is an accessible and pleasant path, which makes it easy to arrive with baby strollers or all the beach equipment we might need. The experience of discovering the beach for the first time, descending towards it, is part of its magic.

The Sand and the Water

The sand of Playa de Poo is of a fine and golden texture that invites us to walk barefoot and build sandcastles. It is soft sand, perfect for children to play in total comfort. But what really makes it special is the interaction with the water and the tides. At low tide, the beach extends considerably, revealing a vast surface of sand where we can walk and find small natural pools that form.

However, it is at high tide that Playa de Poo reveals its most distinctive feature: the seawater enters through a narrow channel and fills the cove, transforming the beach into a true natural swimming pool. The waters are incredibly calm and shallow, with a clarity that allows us to see the sandy bottom. The water temperature, although still that of the Cantabrian Sea, feels a bit warmer as it is more protected and stagnant. It is a unique sensation, like bathing in a saltwater lake, surrounded by a postcard-perfect landscape.

Services and Facilities

Although Playa de Poo offers us a natural and somewhat quieter experience than other more crowded beaches, it does not lack essential services that make our visit more comfortable. To begin with, as we have already mentioned, it has a relatively close parking lot, something fundamental in an area where parking can be a challenge in summer. This parking lot, although busy in high season, facilitates access to the beach.

We also find showers to rinse off the sand and salt before heading home, a detail we always appreciate. During the summer months, the beach has lifeguard service, which adds an extra layer of safety, especially important given the influx of families with children. Although there are no large restaurant complexes directly on the sand, in the immediate vicinity of the beach and in the village of Poo itself, we can find some chiringuitos and bars where we can enjoy a refreshment, an ice cream, or even a light meal. Do not expect an overwhelming commercial offer, but rather basic services that perfectly complement the natural essence of the beach.

Best Time to Visit

The choice of the best time to visit Playa de Poo depends largely on what we are looking for in our experience. We, from our expert perspective, can say that each season has its particular charm in this Asturian corner.

If our main goal is to enjoy a relaxing swim and the sun, the summer months, from June to September, are ideal. This is when the water is at its most pleasant temperature and the lifeguard service is active. However, it is also the time of greatest influx, so we recommend arriving early to secure a good spot. If, on the contrary, we seek tranquility, to contemplate the beauty of the landscape without crowds, and to take walks along the coast, spring and autumn are perfect. The colors of nature are spectacular, and the beach, although cooler for swimming, offers us unforgettable scenes. Even in winter, a sunny day can be a magnificent opportunity for a revitalizing walk. It is crucial to check the tide tables, as the experience of Playa de Poo changes drastically between high tide and low tide, and knowing them will allow us to plan our visit to enjoy it to the fullest.

Activities and Sports

Playa de Poo is, by its nature, a place for calm and contemplation rather than for the adrenaline of water sports. Its calm and shallow waters, especially at high tide, make it a paradise for bathing and swimming.