Cobijeru beach is charming and small (about 50 meters long and 30 meters wide), clear evidence that the sea has been escaping through this opening for a very long time. The elongated, pointed limestone formations that still survive the sea's intrusion are captivating; these rocks, dating from the Upper Carboniferous period, exhibit a unique karst topography with an abundance of dolines, karren, sinkholes, and caves.
Cobijeru beach lies alongside meadows and farmland, connected to the sea by a narrow channel several dozen meters long . If you approach it, you can clearly hear the crashing waves and the occasional repetitive roar that causes a slight tremor in the surrounding area. Just a few meters away is Molín beach, very similar in character, but with a muddy surface supporting rich plant life and the ruins of an old tidal mill. These ruins attest to a certain truth: humankind never misses an opportunity to harness such readily available energy near their territory, no matter how remote their hiding place may be.
Cobijeru: protected space
The two beaches and the Cobijeru cave comprise this protected area, surrounded by acacia trees like a natural fortress. The cave, which includes stalagmites and stalactites, is located in the immediate vicinity of both beaches and the stretch of cliff that separates the coastline to the north, also creating a rocky outcrop where erosion has carved a stone arch, known as the Salto del Caballo (Horse's Leap). This complex is one of the most interesting geomorphological features of the Llanes coastline.
The beach, the "shelter," is also assaulted by the waters from the north. A stream, with the passage of time and its floods, has eroded the rocks behind it, contributing to the creation of more sand and more beach. The setting is rounded, like a bald patch amidst the trees and lush vegetation. Everything seems to further camouflage this corner, and yet reaching this particularly hidden spot is not a risky endeavor, but rather a leisurely stroll through the Llanes meadows, following a path that starts in Buelna and along which we travel without haste. First, the open vistas of the coast; then, the dense forest that leads to Cobijeru.
If we are lucky and it crosses our path, we can also enjoy very rare plant species , such as Zostera noltii, included in the Regional Catalogue of Threatened Species of Flora, as well as Carex distans, Salicornia dolichostachya and S. fragilis, due to their rarity and specific location in Asturias.
Cobijeru beach: how to get there
Cobijeru is located in Llanes, in the easternmost part of the municipality. The nearest town is Buelna , which is easily accessible as it lies right on the N-634 highway that runs through the Llanes municipality . From Buelna, it's just a 15-minute walk to Cobijeru. The path is signposted.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
