Playa de Ares

Introduction

From the moment we set foot on Playa de Ares, in the heart of the beautiful Ría de Ares, we knew we had found a special place. This jewel of the Galician coast, in the province of A Coruña, welcomes us with open arms, offering a perfect combination of natural beauty, excellent services, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to completely disconnect. It is one of those A Coruña beaches that stays etched in your memory, not only for its landscape but for the feeling of well-being it conveys.

Playa de Ares is an urban sandy beach that stretches for about 600 meters, bathed by the calm waters of the ría. Its orientation protects it from the strong Atlantic currents, making it a haven of peace ideal for all ages. Here, time seems to stand still, inviting us to enjoy every ray of sunshine, every sea breeze, and the gentle murmur of the waves. It is, without a doubt, a destination we highly recommend to anyone looking for a complete and authentic beach experience in Galicia.

How to Get to Playa de Ares

Getting to Playa de Ares is quite straightforward, given its privileged location next to the urban center of the municipality of Ares. We, traveling by car, found the route very well signposted. If you're coming from A Coruña or Ferrol, the AP-9 motorway is the fastest option, taking the exit towards Fene/Mugardos/Ares and following the signs. The local road will take you directly to the town, and the beach is practically the nerve center of it.

For those who prefer public transport, there are bus lines connecting Ares with nearby cities like Ferrol, from where you can transfer to other points in Galicia. Once in Ares, the beach is accessible on foot from any point in the town, as it stretches along the promenade. There are several parking areas nearby, both free and paid during the high season, which makes visiting very easy, even on the busiest days. It is a place where the convenience of access is an undeniable plus.

The Sand and Water

Playa de Ares boasts fine, golden sand, a delight for the feet and perfect for children's games. Walking on it, we noticed that characteristic softness that invites you to build sandcastles or simply relax lying in the sun. The cleanliness of the sand is remarkable, a reflection of the constant care this beach receives, which is one of the reasons it frequently holds the prestigious Blue Flag.

As for the water, we found calm, crystal-clear waters with a greenish-blue hue that invites you to swim. Being protected within the ría, the waves are gentle or practically non-existent, making it a safe and very pleasant place for swimming, especially for children and the elderly. The water temperature, typical of A Coruña beaches, is refreshing in summer, but very bearable and perfect for relieving the heat. The water quality is excellent, contributing to a fully satisfying and worry-free swimming experience.

Services and Facilities

One of the strong points of Playa de Ares is the complete range of services and facilities it offers, designed to ensure the comfort of all its visitors. We were pleasantly surprised by the available infrastructure, which makes it one of the best-equipped Ares beaches:

• Lifeguard Service: During the bathing season, the beach has a lifeguard service, which provides great peace of mind for families.
• Showers and Foot Washers: Essential for washing off sand and salt after a day at the beach.
• Restrooms/WC: Clean and well-maintained sanitary facilities, accessible to all.
• Full Accessibility: It has wooden walkways that facilitate access to the sand, and sometimes even adapted bathing services for people with reduced mobility, demonstrating a real commitment to inclusion.
• Chiringuitos and Restaurants: Along the promenade bordering the beach, we found an excellent offering of chiringuitos and restaurants where you can enjoy a refreshment, a snack, or a full meal with sea views.
• Parking: Several parking areas nearby, some free and others paid during the high season.
• Sun Umbrellas and Loungers: Possibility to rent these items for greater comfort.
• Children's Area: Near the beach, on the promenade, there are usually playgrounds that complement the leisure offering for the little ones.
• Promenade: An extensive and pleasant promenade that invites you to walk, run, or simply sit on a bench and contemplate the landscape.

Best Time to Visit

Although Playa de Ares is beautiful at any time of the year, the best time to visit if our goal is to enjoy the sun and swimming is, without a doubt, during the summer months, from June to September. This is when the temperatures are most pleasant, the days are longer, and all beach services are operating at full capacity. July and August are the busiest months, with a lively and family-friendly atmosphere.

However, if we are looking for a quieter and more relaxed experience, we recommend visiting in spring (April, May) or early autumn (September, October). During these months, the weather is generally still good, with mild temperatures and fewer people. We can enjoy long walks along the shore, watch the sunsets, and savor the local cuisine with greater tranquility. The Ría de Ares, with its changing colors, offers a visual spectacle worth admiring in any season.