Playa de Xagó

Introduction

We are venturing into one of those corners of the Asturian coast that take our breath away and invite us to completely disconnect: Playa de Xagó. Located in the charming municipality of Gozón, in the heart of Asturias, this sandy beach is much more than just a beach; it's a vibrant ecosystem, a sanctuary for nature lovers, and a paradise for water sports. With its almost two kilometers in length, Playa de Xagó presents itself to us as a vast expanse of fine, golden sand, flanked by an impressive dune system that is one of the best preserved in the region.

When we talk about Playa de Xagó, we refer to a place where the fierceness of the Cantabrian Sea meets the serenity of its dunes, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. It's a beach that invites contemplation, long walks along the shore, feeling the sea breeze, and enjoying sunsets that paint the sky with impossible hues. Its open orientation to the sea makes it an unavoidable reference point for surfers, but also a haven of peace for those seeking a spacious area to relax without crowds. If you're looking for one of the Asturias beaches that combines beauty, activity, and a wild touch, Playa de Xagó is, without a doubt, a perfect choice.

How to Get to Playa de Xagó

Getting to Playa de Xagó is relatively easy, and the journey itself gifts us the first views of the Asturian rural landscape. We usually access by car, which is the most comfortable option for most visitors. From Avilés, the journey is short, about 15-20 minutes, following the AS-237 towards Luanco and then turning off towards the beach. If we come from Gijón or the center of Asturias, the A-8 motorway will quickly take us to the vicinity of Avilés, from where we'll take the same route.

Once near Playa de Xagó, we'll find clear signage that will guide us to the parking areas. It's important to consider that, especially in the summer months, the parking can fill up quickly, so we recommend arriving early if we want to secure a good spot. There are several parking areas, some closer to the main accesses and the chiringuitos, and others more towards the ends of the beach, ideal if we're looking for a slightly quieter atmosphere. Access to the sand from the parking is comfortable, with wooden walkways that help us preserve the fragile dune system.

The Sand and the Water

Playa de Xagó captivates us immediately with the quality of its sand. It's a fine and golden sand, incredibly pleasant to the touch, that stretches for its 1,700 meters in length and invites us to take off our sandals and walk barefoot. This expanse of sand is perfect for long walks, for children to play freely, or simply to find our own corner of tranquility.

As for the water, we are on the Cantabrian Sea, which means its waters are fresh and invigorating, with the characteristic blue-greenish hue of Asturias beaches. Playa de Xagó is an open beach, exposed to the sea, which translates into frequent and often considerable waves. While this makes it a paradise for water sports, like surfing, it also requires us to exercise some caution when swimming, especially with small children. Currents can be strong in some spots, so we always recommend respecting the lifeguards' instructions and the warning flags. Despite its fierceness, the water cleanliness is generally excellent, allowing us to enjoy a refreshing and revitalizing swim.

Services and Facilities

Despite its natural and somewhat wild character, Playa de Xagó has a series of services that make our visit much more comfortable and pleasant. We always appreciate finding these facilities, especially when we spend the whole day at the beach:

• Parking: As we already mentioned, it has ample parking areas, although in high season it's advisable to arrive early.
• Chiringuitos: Several chiringuitos set up on the beach during the summer months, offering us cold drinks, ice cream, and simple but delicious food. They're perfect for having a drink while enjoying the views or for recharging after a surf session. Some of them have a very lively atmosphere, especially at sunset.
• Lifeguard Service: During the bathing season (normally from June to September), the beach has a lifeguard service, which provides us with an important dose of safety, given the strength of the waves. It's always essential to follow their instructions.
• Showers and Toilets/WC: At the main accesses, we find showers to wash off the sand and salt before heading home, as well as public toilets, which are essential for a prolonged stay at the beach.
• Accesses and Walkways: To protect the dune system and facilitate access to the sand, there are wooden walkways that guide us from the parking to the shore. This is a good example of how we can enjoy nature while respecting it.

Best Time to Visit

Choosing the best time to visit Playa de Xagó depends a lot on what we're looking for. We, with our experience, can offer you several perspectives:

• Summer (June to September): It is, without a doubt, the time of greatest influx. The days are long and sunny, the water temperature is more pleasant (within reason for the Cantabrian Sea) and all services are operational: chiringuitos, lifeguards, etc. It's ideal if we come with family or if we're looking for the classic beach atmosphere. However, it's also when the beach is most crowded, especially on weekends.
• Spring and autumn: