20 Best Beaches in the World
By • Last UpdatedCathedrals Beach, Ribadeo, Spain
For a unique church visit, head to Ribadeo on Spain’s northwest Galician coast, where stunning, wave-carved rock arches—resembling the flying buttresses of Gothic cathedrals—line the beach. At low tide, you can walk among these impressive formations, but be cautious: the Bay of Biscay can quickly submerge the beach as the tide rises. Known as Catedrais Beach, or Praia de Augas Santas, this coastal gem is located within the Ribadeo municipality in the province of Lugo, about ten kilometers west of the town itself. The name reflects the remarkable cliff formations that define the area.
Recognized as a Natural Monument by the regional Ministry for the Environment of the Xunta de Galicia, the beach is characterized by its natural arches and caves, which are only visible during low tide. While the beach appears smaller at high tide, it’s still a great spot for swimming. This time of day also offers a chance to explore the cliffs from west to east toward Esteiro Beach. During low tide, you can fully appreciate the majestic cliffs and picturesque sea caves, ranging from tiny crevices to large caverns eroded by the relentless waves. Additionally, low tide reveals a sandy expanse bordered by uniquely shaped rocky walls made of slate and schist, featuring over 30-meter-tall arches reminiscent of cathedral flying buttresses, long caves, and sandy corridors between rocky formations. When the tide is especially low, you can even access nearby beaches through this sandy stretch. Just be sure to return before the water starts to reclaim the beach, as the tide rises swiftly in this nearly horizontal coastal area.