Feeling the cool sand beneath your feet after a stage is one of those simple pleasures only the coastal variants of the Camino de Santiago can offer. The Atlantic and Cantabrian seas provide iodine for tired muscles, vast horizons for the mind, and sunsets that linger in your memory. If you’re planning to walk the Camino in summer, we’ve prepared this guide—route by route and beach by beach—so you know exactly where to take a dip without straying (too far) from the scallop shell and yellow arrow.
The beach landscapes of the Camino are yet another reason to walk it
Beaches on the Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago has a thousand faces… and many of them come with sea views. But be warned, not all Camino routes offer sand and sea air. The French Way, for example—the most popular route—is an inland journey all the way. No beach here! But it does offer rivers, natural pools, and swimming holes that are just as refreshing.
However, if you love walking with the sound of the waves nearby, breathing Atlantic or Cantabrian breeze and enjoying a revitalising swim after each stage, then the coast is calling. The selection of beaches along the Camino de Santiago is vast, with hundreds of kilometres of coastal trail. We’ve selected three beaches per route—those that combine beautiful scenery, useful services, and are not too far off the path. Pack your flip-flops, quick-dry towel and get ready for a refreshing break along the coastal Jacobean routes!
Our selection of beaches on the Camino de Santiago
Portuguese Coastal Way
The Portuguese Coastal Way from Porto, right on the Atlantic, is a beach lover’s dream—there are so many to choose from, it’s hard to pick!
Praia da Apúlia
Located near Esposende, Praia da Apúlia is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Portuguese Coastal Way. Its dunes, traditional windmills, and white sands make it the perfect place to rest during your stage. Ideal for a refreshing swim, a barefoot walk along the shore, or simply sitting and watching the waves. In the village, you’ll find fresh seafood and a calm, seaside vibe. A short stop… that will leave a lasting impression.
Pilgrims enjoying the dunes and traditional landscape of northern Portugal on the Portuguese Coastal Way
Praia de Vila Praia de Âncora
Just as the stage from Âncora to Caminha ends, the Portuguese Coastal Way reaches the promenade of Vila Praia de Âncora and blends into its nearly one-kilometre-long beach. Golden sands, mild waves thanks to the breakwaters, and a small fishing harbour offering natural shelter. Leave your backpack by the wooden boardwalk and jump in—the yellow arrows pass right along the shore. In summer, there are lifeguards and beach cafés where you can grab a bifana or fresh juice before crossing the Minho River into Galicia. Perfect for an easy swim without disrupting your stage rhythm, with a postcard-worthy backdrop of boats, nets and calm Atlantic waters.
Pilgrim arriving at Vila Praia de Âncora
Praia América
After climbing the Baiona fortress and passing the Virgen de la Roca, the Camino continues along a two-kilometre stretch of fine sand between Panxón and Nigrán. Praia América flies the blue flag and offers showers, restaurants, and a shaded promenade perfect for stretching tired calves. The official route crosses the beach from end to end—just kick off your shoes when the sand calls.
Pilgrims at Praia América
Northern Way
The Northern Way from Irún doesn’t fall short either, with all the stunning beaches of the Cantabrian Sea.
La Concha Beach
As the Camino descends from Igeldo into San Sebastián, the white balustrade and elegant promenade of La Concha take over the view. More than a kilometre of fine sand and calm waters thanks to Santa Clara Island—a real treat for tired legs after the climb from Orio. Just follow the arrows to the town hall, turn a few metres, and you’re there. Showers, lifeguards, and pintxo terraces complete the experience—though it’s best to arrive early if you want a quiet spot, as locals fill the beach in the afternoons like it’s their open-air living room.
La Concha Beach
Playa de Laredo
Also known as La Salvé, this beach stretches nearly five kilometres from Laredo’s old town to Punta del Brusco. The Camino passes through the old harbour, and after just two streets you can take off your boots and walk along the shore as the tide rolls in. Moderate waves, windsurf schools, showers and a seafront full of ice cream shops make this ideal for a safe swim—and for pilgrims who like to add kilometres… barefoot on the sand.
La Salve Beach in Laredo
Playa de las Catedrales
An icon of the Lugo coast, with slate arches that resemble gothic cathedrals. It’s ten kilometres from Ribadeo’s albergue—best reached by shared taxi or local bus, planning your visit at low tide. In summer and Easter, free entry must be booked in advance. Walking beneath the natural arches at sunset is worth every extra step.
Playa de las Catedrales
Finisterre and Muxía Way
In the early stages of the Finisterre and Muxía Way, you won’t find beaches, but from Cee, Corcubión, Finisterre, Lires, and Muxía, you’ll encounter some of the Costa da Morte’s finest.
Praia de Estorde
Halfway between Cee and Sardiñeiro, the Camino winds along this beach sheltered within the Corcubión estuary. White, fine sand, calm waters, and gentle waves—perfect for a safe swim to ease tired legs. Public showers, a few local taverns serving fresh catch, and sunset reflections that turn the bay golden.
Praia de Estorde, with views of the Finisterre cape and lighthouse in the distance
Praia de Langosteira
Just two kilometres before reaching the Finisterre lighthouse, the Camino leads to this white sandy beach nearly two kilometres long. Calm waters thanks to the cape’s protection, beachside restaurants and hostels, and the classic ritual of pilgrims taking a dip to “rebirth” before reaching kilometre zero. One of the Camino’s most legendary beaches.
Praia de Langosteira on the way to Finisterre
Praia de Lires
The stage towards Muxía drops into this quiet estuary where the Castro River meets the sea. Fine sand, warm waters, and a beach bar above. The Camino passes through the village, and within five minutes along a sandy trail, you’re at the shore watching the sun disappear behind the cliffs.
Between Finisterre and Muxía, in the heart of the Costa da Morte, beach views are constant
English Way
Along the English Way, especially from Ferrol but also from A Coruña, you can enjoy some of the Rías Altas beaches.
Praia da Magdalena
Before crossing Pontedeume’s medieval bridge, the route runs close to this family-friendly beach shaded by pines, with beach bars for relaxing. One end is even pet-friendly, in case you’re doing the Camino with your dog.
View of the Pontedeume estuary and the start of Praia da Madalena
Praia de Miño
Just outside the town centre, this wide beach has calm waters, showers, supermarkets and a new promenade that reconnects with the yellow arrows through the marsh. Ideal for early risers needing a stretch before climbing the steep town ahead.
Praia de Miño
Riazor and Orzán Beaches
Those choosing the route from A Coruña begin their Camino with the waves crashing alongside them. Over a kilometre of urban sand, packed with services and the Hercules Tower in the background.
Orzán Beach
Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way
Along the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Way, between Combarro and Vilanova de Arousa, you’ll find peaceful spots to splash or swim between two Rías Baixas—Pontevedra and Arousa.
Praia do Padrón
In the heart of Combarro’s historic centre, where granaries almost touch the sea, you’ll find this small beach of sand and pebbles. At high tide, there’s barely room to lie down; at low tide, a strip of sand appears—perfect for cooling your feet and snapping photos of the granaries reflected in the water. The swim is peaceful thanks to the harbour and pier’s protection, and all you need is a quick-dry towel for a short break before wandering through cobbled lanes and continuing along the Spiritual Variant.
Combarro port
Praia de O Terrón
After descending from the Monastery of Armenteira and before boarding the riverboat “Traslatio” across the Arousa estuary, the stage follows this peaceful three-kilometre beach connected to town by a boardwalk and bike path. A great spot for kayaking or paddleboarding at sunset, with views of Mount da Curota in the distance.
Pilgrims arriving at Vilanova de Arousa
Praia de As Sinas
A white-sand beach with gentle waters within the estuary. Nearly two kilometres long and shallow—perfect for a relaxing swim and shaded walks among pine trees if the sun gets strong. Showers, a wooden boardwalk, and a beach bar where you can grab a scallop empanada before heading to Pontevedra. Ideal for relaxing your legs and gazing at the mussel farms dotting the horizon.
Beaches of the Arousa estuary
Take a dip and enjoy the beaches on the Camino de Santiago!
Always keep a quick-dry towel and flip-flops in your backpack—they weigh little but open the door to a natural spa when you least expect it. And who knows, maybe you’ll find a scallop shell—the pilgrim’s symbol—in its natural state? That would be a treasured memory and the perfect end to your Camino! So now you know: if you need help organising your beach Camino in summer, we’re here to help. Buen Camino—and enjoy every wave!
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