Playa de El Espartal

Introduction

We venture into the heart of the Asturian coast to discover one of its most unique gems: Playa de El Espartal. Located in the municipality of Castrillón, this beach is not just another stretch of sand; it's a vibrant ecosystem, a natural canvas where dunes meet the Cantabrian Sea, and the fresh air invites us to completely disconnect. For us, visiting El Espartal is immersing ourselves in an experience that combines the serenity of the landscape with the vitality of the sea, a place where every wave seems to tell us a thousand-year-old story.

This beach, which is often confused with or integrated into the vast sands of Playón de Bayas, has its own personality. It is the easternmost part of a dune system of great ecological value, declared a Natural Monument. Its size and orientation make it perfect for a myriad of activities, from long solitary walks to family days full of laughter. If we are looking for a destination where nature is the protagonist and tranquility our best travel companion, Playa de El Espartal is, without a doubt, a perfect choice in the beautiful region of Asturias.

How to get to Playa de El Espartal

Getting to Playa de El Espartal is relatively straightforward, although, like many of the most authentic beaches in Asturias, it requires a short car journey to fully enjoy its charm. We recommend a private vehicle as the most comfortable and flexible option for exploring this area.

By car

From Avilés, the most direct route is to take the AS-237 road towards the coast, following signs for Salinas and then for San Juan de Nieva or El Espartal. The journey is short, about 10-15 minutes. From Oviedo, the trip is approximately 30-40 minutes via the A-66 and then the A-8, turning off towards Avilés and following the previous directions. From Gijón, the A-8 will take us about 20-25 minutes to Avilés, then continue towards the beach.

Parking

Playa de El Espartal has parking areas, especially near Salinas and the access to the dunes. It's important to consider that during the summer months and on sunny weekends, these parking lots can fill up quickly, so we advise arriving early to secure a good spot. Some sections are free, while others may be paid during high season. The good news is that, once parked, access to the beach is comfortable and well signposted, often via wooden walkways that protect the fragile dune system.

Public transport

Although there is no bus line that drops us off directly on the sand of El Espartal, we can take a bus to Salinas or San Juan de Nieva and walk from there. The company ALSA operates regular routes to these towns from Avilés, Gijón or Oviedo. However, for the convenience of carrying our beach gear or if traveling with children, the car remains the best option.

The sand and the water

When stepping onto Playa de El Espartal, the first thing that captivates us is its fine, golden sand. It's a pleasure to walk barefoot on it, feeling it slip between our toes. Its expanse is considerable, allowing us to always find a quiet corner, even on the busiest days. This sand is not only pleasant to the touch but also contributes to the scenic beauty of the place, with its shifting dunes creating a changing and fascinating landscape.

The water of the Cantabrian Sea at El Espartal is, as on the entire Asturian coast, cool and revitalizing. Its clarity invites us for a swim, though always with the caution required by an open sea. The water quality is usually excellent, a reflection of the care and cleanliness maintained in the area. Tides play a fundamental role here: at low tide, the beach expands enormously, revealing a vast plain of sand perfect for long walks and for children to play with total freedom. At high tide, the space shrinks, but it remains an idyllic place to enjoy the sea.

We always recommend paying attention to currents and sea conditions, especially if we are going to practice water sports. On windy days, the waves can be considerable, delighting surfers and bodyboarders, but requiring caution from less experienced swimmers. However, the presence of lifeguards during the high season provides us with additional safety.

Services and facilities

Playa de El Espartal, despite its natural and wild atmosphere in some stretches, has a series of essential services that make our visit more comfortable and pleasant. We greatly appreciate that a balance is maintained between conserving the environment and offering facilities for bathers.

• Lifeguards: During the summer season, the beach has a team of lifeguards who watch over our safety, something fundamental for us, especially if we go with children.
• Showers and Toilets/WC: There are public shower and toilet modules, allowing us to wash off the sand and salt before heading home. They are usually operational during the summer months.
• Chiringuitos: Near the main accesses, especially close to the Salinas area, it's common to find a chiringuito or kiosk where we can have a drink, an ice cream, or even a light snack. These establishments add a touch of atmosphere without taking away from the nature.
• Parking: As already mentioned, there are parking areas nearby, facilitating access to the beach.
• Wooden walkways: To protect the valuable dune system, wooden walkways have been installed that guide us from the parking area to the sand, allowing for easy and respectful access co