Playa de Serín

Introduction

From the moment we set foot on Playa de Serín in Gijón, Asturias, we realize we've found a little treasure. This beach, despite its proximity to the bustling city of Gijón, manages to maintain an atmosphere of serenity and nature that makes it unique. It's one of those beaches that, without being gigantic or world-famous, wins you over with its genuine charm and its ability to offer a respite from daily life. Here, the sea breeze mixes with the scent of the surrounding vegetation, creating an environment that invites relaxation and total disconnection.

Playa de Serín is one of the jewels of the Gijón coast, a place where time seems to slow down. Its golden sands gently stretch towards the waters of the Cantabrian Sea, flanked by cliffs that give it a wild and photogenic character. It's not a beach for large crowds, which is a plus if we're looking for a space for ourselves or to enjoy with family without the hustle and bustle of other more crowded beaches. It is, without a doubt, a must-stop for those visiting the Asturian coast and wishing to experience the beauty of its most authentic beaches.

How to Get to Playa de Serín

Getting to Playa de Serín is relatively straightforward, although it requires a bit of planning, especially if we visit during the high season. It is located east of Gijón, following the coastal road. We personally recommend the car as the most comfortable option, as it gives us greater flexibility. From the center of Gijón, the journey usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Car

To get there by car, we must take the AS-247 heading towards the east coast. We will see signs for the beach. The main challenge can be parking, especially during summer weekends. The beach has a small parking lot, but its spaces are limited and fill up quickly. Our recommendation is to arrive early in the morning to secure a good spot. If we don't find parking in the area closest to the beach, sometimes there are options along the road, although this will involve an additional walk. It's important to respect the signs and not park in prohibited areas to avoid fines.

By Public Transport

If we prefer not to use a car, Gijón's urban transport company (EMTUSA) offers a line that gets relatively close to the beach. EMTUSA line 14, which connects the center of Gijón with the eastern rural area, has a stop within walking distance of the beach. It's a good option to avoid parking problems, although the last stretch down to the sand can be a bit steep. We always advise checking EMTUSA's updated schedules before planning our visit.

The Sand and Water

The first thing that catches our attention when arriving at Playa de Serín is its sand. It's fine, golden sand, very pleasant to the touch, perfect for walking barefoot or for children to play building sandcastles. Unlike other Asturian beaches that may have pebbles or coarser sand, Serín's is soft and uniform for most of its length. This makes it a very comfortable place to spread out our towel and enjoy the sun.

The waters of the Cantabrian Sea at Serín are generally clean and clear, with a greenish-blue hue that invites a swim. Being a beach semi-protected by the cliffs, the waves are usually moderate, making it relatively safe for swimming, although, as always, we must be attentive to currents and lifeguard instructions. The water temperature is typical of the Cantabrian Sea; cool, but refreshing in the summer months. We love diving in to cool off and feel the energy of the sea. The water quality is usually excellent, which contributes to this beach's reputation as a healthy and natural place to enjoy.

Services and Facilities

Playa de Serín is characterized by maintaining a balance between its natural beauty and the provision of essential services, without falling into overdevelopment. Let's not expect to find an excessively developed tourist infrastructure, and that is precisely part of its charm. The available services are designed to cover the basic needs of bathers, without spoiling the environment.

Main Services

• Lifeguards: During the bathing season (generally from June to September), the beach has a lifeguard service. This is a fundamental point that gives us peace of mind, especially if we go with children. We always advise respecting their instructions and the flags signaling the sea conditions.
• Showers: In the beach access area, we will find showers to rinse off the sand and salt before heading home. They are a highly valued service, especially after a good swim.
• Parking: As we already mentioned, there is a small parking lot near the beach. Although limited, it is very convenient if we manage to find a spot. It's free, which is a plus.
• Chiringuitos: During the summer months, one or two 'chiringuitos' (beach bars) are usually set up, where we can get a cool drink, an ice cream, or even a light snack. These temporary establishments are perfect for enjoying an aperitif with sea views without having to go too far from the sand. They allow us to extend our beach day and enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand.

Absence of Other Services

It's important to consider that Playa de Serín does not have other more complex services such as umbrella and sunbed rentals, fixed sports areas, or specific children's playgrounds on the sand. It also does not have access for people with reduced mobility down to the sand, due to its natural configuration and the access stairs.

[Content truncated]