Playa de El Puntal

Introduction

From our first visit to Playa de El Puntal, we knew we were in a truly special place. It's not just any beach; it's a unique sandbar that majestically extends into the mouth of the Bay of Santander, in the municipality of Ribamontán al Mar. Its strategic location gifts us absolutely impressive views: on one side, the imposing city of Santander, with its urban skyline and the Magdalena Palace; on the other, the immensity of the Cantabrian Sea and the coast of Somo and Loredo. It's an enclave that, without a doubt, invites us to disconnect and contemplate.

What captivates us most about Playa de El Puntal is its duality. On its inner side, facing the bay, the waters are serene, almost like a mirror, perfect for a calm swim or for children to play without worries. On its outer side, the open sea reminds us of the force of the Cantabrian, though here, protected by the bay itself, the roughness is softened. It's this contrast that makes it such a versatile option, suitable for different tastes and times of day. We've spent hours here, simply walking, feeling the sand under our feet, and letting the sea breeze caress our faces. It's a haven of peace, a natural refuge worth exploring.

How to Get to Playa de El Puntal

Getting to Playa de El Puntal is part of the adventure and, in our opinion, adds extra charm to the experience. It's not a beach you can drive directly to, which helps preserve its natural and tranquil atmosphere. We always recommend two main options, each with its own appeal.

From Santander: The Ferry, an Unforgettable Experience

For us, the most picturesque and memorable way to get to El Puntal is by taking the ferry from Santander. The 'pedreñeras', as these traditional boats are known, depart regularly from the Muelle de Calderón, right in the center of Santander. The journey is short, just about twenty minutes, but offers us spectacular views of the bay, with the city slowly fading away and the coast of Somo and Loredo approaching. Upon disembarking in Somo, we are practically at the beach. From the landing dock, a short walk on the sand takes us directly to the westernmost area of El Puntal, where the bay meets the open sea. It's an option we highly recommend, not only for the convenience but for the beauty of the journey itself.

From Somo or Loredo: A Walk Along the Coast

If we prefer to arrive by car, the best option is to head to the towns of Somo or Loredo, in the municipality of Ribamontán al Mar. Both have parking (some paid during high season) where we can leave our vehicle. Once there, the way to get to El Puntal is on foot. From Somo beach, we can walk west, following the coastline. It's a very pleasant walk, especially at low tide, allowing us to enjoy the immensity of the beach and the sound of the waves. The distance is considerable, as El Puntal is an extension of Somo beach, so the walk can take between 20 and 40 minutes depending on where we start and our pace. For us, it's a perfect way to warm up and gradually immerse ourselves in the beach atmosphere. We always advise checking the tides before planning the walk, as at high tide the space for walking is considerably reduced.

The Sand and Water

Playa de El Puntal is a true delight for the senses, and much of its charm lies in the quality of its sand and the nature of its waters. When we first set foot on this beach, what surprised us most was the softness of its mantle. The fine sand, of a light golden hue, stretches for almost three kilometers, inviting us to walk barefoot and feel each grain between our toes. It's the kind of sand that's perfect for building sandcastles with children, laying out a towel and enjoying a sunny day without being bothered by small pebbles, or simply for a relaxing sunset stroll. In our experience, the cleanliness of the sand is remarkable, contributing to that feeling of virginity and well-being we seek in a beach.

As for the water, as we've already mentioned, Playa de El Puntal offers a fascinating duality. The side facing the Bay of Santander gifts us with calm and shallow waters, ideal for swimming. Here, the waves are minimal, almost non-existent, making it an exceptionally safe place for families with young children or for those who prefer to swim calmly. The water temperature in this area tends to be slightly warmer than in the open sea, especially in the summer months, making each dip even more inviting. We've enjoyed long swims in these serene waters, watching the boats entering and leaving the bay, with the silhouette of Santander as a backdrop.

Furthermore, the side facing the open sea, although more exposed to the Cantabrian, is still relatively more sheltered than other beaches on the coast. Here we can find moderate waves, which sometimes attract enthusiasts of board water sports when conditions are suitable. However, in general, El Puntal is not a beach known for its big waves, but rather for its balance between the calm of the bay and the breeze of the open sea. The transparency of the water, with green and blue tones that vary according to depth and daylight, is another of its attractions. We love the feeling of freshness and cleanliness it transmits when we immerse ourselves in its waters, a constant invitation to enjoy nature in its purest state.

Services and Facilities

The particularity of Playa de El Puntal lies in its charac