The cliffs and beach of Guadamía could easily serve as a natural classroom for an intensive course in karst topography . Besides being practically a river beach, this area boasts surprising formations created by the sea in its constant struggle to overcome the natural barrier of the coastline itself. The traces of dissolution are very deep and have developed considerably in the form of hollows and channels on the surface of the limestone rocks. The cliffs are riddled with caves. In this area, you can enjoy the so-called blowholes of Llanes : narrow vertical chimneys from which water gushes out with a great roar, mixing salt water and air.
On the cliffs of the coast, local fishermen fish at high altitude. The enclave is idyllic.
Following the marked trail that starts from the recreation area itself, a winding path, we can take a short hike in the surrounding countryside. Along the way, we come across the so-called dry pools that dot the area. They have a large perimeter, and the rocks, like pointed battlements, are arranged concentrically, leaving a dark bottom in the center where the waves crash. The sea enters these spaces even though some are quite far from the cliff. In some cases, they form veritable natural pools.
The Guadamía River , the natural border between the municipalities of Ribadesella and Llanes, flows for a short distance of about seven kilometers from the Sierra de Cuera mountains, descending through beautiful landscapes until it reaches the sea near the Arenes hill fort. As it empties into Guadamía Beach, also known as Llames Beach, it has carved a narrow gorge. In the area upstream from Guadamía, it forms a sandy area or marshland known locally as La Siatera, a kind of fjord with calm waters.
The beach is truly remarkable. A narrow, elongated channel between the cliffs, its ownership contested by the river itself and the Cantabrian Sea. No other beach in eastern Asturias is more protected from the sea's onslaught . It is, therefore, very safe for swimming. At the beginning of its long stretch, the water is shallow, ideal for children. At low tide, what remains is a long expanse of sand, perfect for beach games and sunbathing.
The length of the beach is about 800 meters, perpendicular to the coast, the width of the channel of about 80 meters, the sand is white and fine, the average depth in the bathing area is 1,50 meters, without sharp drops or depressions. The waters tend to settle. It is clean of rocks and algae. The waves are scarce or zero and there is no risk of currents.
How to get to Guadamía beach
The closest access points to the beach are the villages of Llames de Pría (Llanes) and Cuerres (Ribadesella). These can be reached via the AS-263 road, which connects the municipalities of Llanes and Ribadesella in the border area between the two.
From Llames de Pría there is road access to the beach, although it is advisable to face the last stretch on foot as there is not abundant parking in the vicinity of the beach. From Cuerres, and through a paved road of about two kilometers, we can reach the recreational area, a few meters from the beach.
Car park near Guadamía beach
In the town of Llames de Pría, several parking areas have been set up to provide easy access to the blowholes and the beach, as these two tourist attractions are adjacent. The best option is to leave your car in these designated areas and walk to the sand; the walk is short and pleasant. There is also parking available at the Cuerres recreation area, although it may fill up quickly during the summer season.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
