Las Catedrales beach, Galicia, Spain

© Davide Seddio/Getty Image

The splendour of Las Catedrales

The beach of Las Catedrales (The Cathedrals) we show you in today’s picture is one of the most beautiful and intriguing in Spain. Close to the Galician town of Ribadeo, its official name is Aguas Santas beach (Holy Waters). It is more popularly known as ‘The Cathedrals’ because of the arches growing from the sand tongue, which resemble the buttresses of a Catholic church. They’re believed to be naturally carved by the action of saltwater and wind over millions of years. Local legends tell us there’s a door in this place connecting with the beyond.

However, the legend could lose its some of its charm If it were proved that it was not nature, but mankind that carved these rocks. A group of expert geologists maintain that these arches and caves are not natural but the remains of an ancient Roman gold mine. They refer to archaeological studies confirming the presence of a goldmining civilisation in the area, and certain capricious forms of the stone suggest the action of men rather than nature or spirits.

Whatever the truth is - Las Catedrales offers breathtaking views of the Galician coast, either from the beach or from the top of the cliffs that break over the sand. If you ever want to visit this place, you won’t be disappointed, but book your ticket first because the access is limited. And find out when the tide rises if you don’t want to swim back from your walk, as the water here is known to rise surprisingly quickly.