This Secret Beach in Spain Is Hidden in the Middle of a Meadow

By Talia Avakian, Travel+Leisure

Spain’s hidden beach of Gulpiyuri is quite the sight to see, considering it sits in the middle of a meadow.

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Playa de Gulpiyuri is in Asturias, Spain, which is known for its rugged coastline and medieval architecture, between the coasts of Llanes and Ribadesella. 

Those hose who can find it are invited to a fresh-water haven surrounded by lush greenery that’s completely hidden from the open seas.

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Though it’s less than 50 meters in length, the tucked-away beach attracts eager tourists from around the world thanks to its picturesque setting, where sea water can be seen gushing out from between the rocks that surround it.

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Though closed off from the ocean, the beach receives its waters from the nearby Cantabrian Sea, with the water entering through a tunnel that sits between the surrounding cliffs. 

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The half-circle beach, which was formed by a sinkhole, also sometimes completely disappears when the tide is low, as it can only receive waters when the tide is high enough to reach it.

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Its crystal-clear waters are tidal, providing lovely waves that swimmers can enjoy in what might be the last place they would have expected to find a beach in the first place.

According to Asturia's tourism board, the beach, which appears to look more like a saltwater pool, is popular with families during the summer since it's sheltered and provides calm waters for children.

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Listed as a natural monument of Asturias, the beach can be reached via either a 1.6-kilometer (about one-mile) walk from Playa de San Antolin or by turning north off the A8 when in the town of Naves and walking 300 meters (about 985 feet) on foot. 

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