Galicia is renowned for its great golden sandy beaches which are often virtually empty even in the height of summer! In fact with 1300 kilometres of coastline and over 700 beaches its not hard to see why! Some of the best bathing waters are in the more sheltered stretches of coastline in the Rias Bajas (Baixas) at places such as Sanxenxo, Isla La Toja, Isla de Arousa, O Grove and Baiona.

My Destination Galicia recommend the following beaches which arguably rank as some of the best in the world:

Playa de As Rodas,Cies Islands

In fact this beach was ranked in 2007 by the Guardian Newspaper as THE best beach in the World! It's in the National Park of the Atlantic Islands. It's about 1300 metres in length and is only accessible by boat. The Red Cross are present as well as beach patrols and there is a campsite within 500 metres of it.

Playa de A Lanzada, O Grove

This beach is about 2300 metrres in length! It's highly accessible by walking,car and there is a bus stop within 500 metres of it. In addition to the Red Cross and beach patrols, there are shower facilities,deckchairs and umbrellas for hire.

Playa de Cabio, A Pobra do Caraminal

This beach is about 600 metres long with easy access by foot and car. There is a public car park,camping within 500 metres, the Red Cross,and a beach patrol.

Playa de As Catedrais, Ribadeo

Arguably the most photographed beach in Galicia it extends for about 1500 metres. Its easily accessible by foot as well as by car. There is car parking,a beach patrol and like all good beaches it is regularily cleaned.

Playa de San Francisco de Louro, Muros

This beach extend for about 800 metres and again has a full range of facilities.

There are an amazing 117 beaches (and 13 marinas) in Galicia awarded Blue Flag Status for excellence in environmental eduaction,water quality, environmental management and safety and services and a full list of these can be found by consulting the Blue Flag website.