Playa de Santa María del Mar

Introduction

Welcome to Playa de Santa María del Mar, a true hidden gem, or perhaps not so hidden for those already familiar with the wonders of the Asturian coast. Located in the municipality of Castrillón, this beach invites us to immerse ourselves in an atmosphere of peace and natural beauty, where the blue of the Cantabrian Sea merges with the intense green of the surrounding landscapes. It's one of those places that, upon visiting, makes us feel like we've found our own little paradise.

As beach tourism experts, we always seek out those corners that offer a complete experience, and Playa de Santa María del Mar more than delivers. Its orientation and the natural protection provided by the surrounding cliffs make it an ideal refuge from the winds, offering generally calmer waters than other beaches in the area. It is, without a doubt, a wise choice for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the essence of the Asturian coastline.

How to Get to Playa de Santa María del Mar

Getting to Playa de Santa María del Mar is relatively straightforward, which is a great advantage. If we come by car, the main access route is the Autovía del Cantábrico (A-8). From Oviedo or Gijón, we'll take the exit towards Avilés and then follow the signs to Salinas and, finally, Santa María del Mar. The journey is short and picturesque, offering us a preview of the natural beauty that awaits.

Once in the village, we'll find clear signage that will guide us directly to the beach. For parking, the beach has designated areas, although during high season and weekends it's advisable to arrive early to secure a good spot. We always prefer to get up a bit early to avoid crowds and enjoy the first hours of the morning, which are usually the most tranquil and magical.

It's also possible to arrive by public transport, though with less frequency. There are bus lines connecting Avilés with Salinas and other nearby points, and from there one could opt for a taxi or, for the more adventurous, a pleasant walk to the beach. However, for greater comfort and flexibility, the car is the option we usually recommend.

The Sand and Water

When we talk about Playa de Santa María del Mar, the first thing that comes to mind is its sand. It's a soft golden color, very fine and pleasant to the touch, perfect for walking barefoot, building sandcastles, or simply lying down and relaxing in the sun. The sandy area, about 350 meters long, means that even on the busiest days, we can always find a spot for ourselves.

The waters, on the other hand, are one of its greatest attractions. Generally calm and with a depth that descends gently, they are ideal for swimming, especially for children. The water quality is excellent, as confirmed year after year with the awarding of the Blue Flag, a distinction that guarantees the cleanliness and good condition of the beach. We always highly value this aspect, as it contributes to a safe and pleasant swimming experience. The water temperature, being the Cantabrian Sea, is refreshing in summer, perfect for mitigating the heat and revitalizing us.

Services and Facilities

Playa de Santa María del Mar stands out for offering a range of services that make our visit much more comfortable and enjoyable. We know that having good facilities is key to a worry-free day at the beach. Among the services we can find, the following stand out:

• Lifeguard Service: During the bathing season, the beach has lifeguard service, which provides us with great peace of mind, especially if we're with children. Their presence is essential to ensure the safety of all bathers.
• Showers and Toilets/WC: Essential for washing off the sand and salt after a good swim. The toilets are well-maintained, which is always a plus.
• Chiringuitos (Beach Bars): There's nothing like enjoying a cold drink or a snack right on the beach. The Santa María del Mar chiringuitos offer us that opportunity, with options for all tastes and the chance to enjoy the sea breeze while we eat.
• Parking: As mentioned, there are parking areas, although in high season they can fill up quickly. It's a highly valued service, as it facilitates access to the beach.
• Sunbed and Umbrella Rental: For those who prefer to travel light or simply want an extra bit of comfort, there's the possibility to rent umbrellas and sunbeds, allowing us to relax without worrying about carrying our own equipment.

Best Time to Visit

We believe the choice of time to visit Playa de Santa María del Mar depends a lot on our personal preferences. However, we can give some recommendations based on our experience:

• Summer (June, July, August): Without a doubt, it's the most popular time. The days are longer, the temperatures warmer, and the water is at its most pleasant for swimming. All services are operational and the atmosphere is vibrant. If we're looking to fully enjoy the beach with all services and a lively atmosphere, summer is ideal. However, we must assume there will be more people.
• Spring (April, May) and Early Autumn (September, October): For us, these are wonderful times if we're looking for tranquility and to enjoy the scenic beauty without the summer crowds. The weather is usually mild, perfect for walking along the shore, reading a