Playa de Gulpiyuri Asturias
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Playa de Gulpiyuri Asturias

4.1
·3k reviews·, Spain

Asturias' Gulpiyuri beach: a tiny, unique inland cove where the sea meets the land through hidden tunnels.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Beat the crowds and enjoy peace

CrowdLow
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Playa de Gulpiyuri Asturias

Playa de Gulpiyuri Asturias

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Beat the crowds and enjoy peace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Asturias' Gulpiyuri beach: a tiny, unique inland cove where the sea meets the land through hidden tunnels.

4.1
(3k reviews)

"It's a nice hidden and small beach you can top up for a nice sea view."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Rocky and slippery terrain! Trainers are better than flip-flops for the walk and beach access.

🌊 Check Tide Times

Low tide reveals more sand. High tide can significantly reduce the beach area.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The World's Smallest Beach

The World's Smallest Beach

Inland, between Llanes and Ribadesella

A unique 40-meter long beach nestled inland, fed by seawater filtering through cliffs.

TikTokInstagram
Inland Sea Phenomenon

Inland Sea Phenomenon

Adjacent to the beach

Witness the fascinating natural process of seawater reaching this inland cove through underground channels.

TikTokInstagram
Scenic Coastal Walk

Scenic Coastal Walk

Path from parking to beach

Enjoy a picturesque walk through green meadows, often with grazing horses and cows, leading to the beach.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for This Tiny Gem

Gulpiyuri's charm lies in its unique inland setting, but its small size means it can get crowded. Check tide times; low tide reveals more sand, while high tide can make it disappear! Visiting during off-peak hours or shoulder seasons is key to enjoying its tranquility. Instagram

Footwear for the Terrain

While it's a beach, flip-flops aren't ideal. The path to Gulpiyuri and the beach itself can be rocky and slippery. Many visitors recommend wearing trainers or sturdy shoes for a more comfortable and safer experience, especially when navigating the terrain. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning or late afternoon
Why
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace
Crowd
Low
When
Low tide
Why
More sand to enjoy
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays in shoulder season
Why
Quieter, more authentic feel
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La playa más pequeña del MUNDO. ✌️🍃 #asturias #españa #gulpiyuri #playasdeespaña #spain #nortedeespaña
@cristiandelgadofdezz
258.2K likes • 3M views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Rocky and slippery terrain! Trainers are better than flip-flops for the walk and beach access. Reddit

🌊 Check Tide Times

Low tide reveals more sand. High tide can significantly reduce the beach area. Instagram

#playagulpiyuri #playa#spain #playapequeña #cala #llanes #ribadesella #asturias #gulpiyuri
@albavillanueva__
122K likes • 2.3M views
¡LA PLAYA MÁS PEQUEÑA DEL MUNDO ESTÁ EN ESPAÑAL🏖 ✅️ La playa más pequeña del mundo se llama " Gulpiyuri " ✅️ Está situada en 📍 Llanes, Asturias. ✅️ La playa de Gulpiyuri consta de tan solo 40 metros de longitud, y aunque no lo parezca, si, esto es una playa, el agua se filtra a por los huecos a través de la montaña. ✅️ Para poder disfrutar de esta maravilla tendréis que visitarla cuando la ma...
autocaravanas_la_kombiperfecta
1.8K likes • 71.5K views

🚗 Parking Advice

Free parking is available near Playa de San Antolín, about a 1km walk. Paid parking (€3) is closer. Instagram

📸 Capture the Uniqueness

This inland beach is a rare sight! Get shots of the water filtering through the cliffs. TikTok

📍Playa de Gulpiyuri, Asturias. 🔹La playa más pequeña del 🌍 Tan sólo mide 40 metros de longitud 😲 🔹Se trata de una playa interior, es decir, no tiene salida directa al mar pero el agua se va colando entre los acantilados 🔹Mirad la tabla de mareas para visitarla ya que en pleamar (cuando la marea está más alta) a penas se queda con arena ⚠️ 🔹Tenéis un parking 🚘 a unos 10 minutos caminando 🔹Madrugad...
culiito_inquieto
1K likes • 38.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Rocky and slippery terrain! Trainers are better than flip-flops for the walk and beach access. Reddit

🌊 Check Tide Times

Low tide reveals more sand. High tide can significantly reduce the beach area. Instagram

🚗 Parking Advice

Free parking is available near Playa de San Antolín, about a 1km walk. Paid parking (€3) is closer. Instagram

📸 Capture the Uniqueness

This inland beach is a rare sight! Get shots of the water filtering through the cliffs. TikTok

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

Limited facilities nearby, so pack essentials for your visit. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.1
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are captivated by Playa de Gulpiyuri's unique status as a tiny inland beach, a geological marvel where seawater filters through cliffs. While its charm is undeniable, many note its small size can lead to crowds, and recommend sturdy footwear for the rocky terrain. It's a worthwhile stop for its novelty, though some prefer larger, more traditional Asturian beaches.

"Nice hidden and small beach you can top up for nice see view"

michel maksev

"Wonderful and beautiful beach. Small, compared to the other nearby beaches. Although, i recomend going to the beach in trainers / shoes, not flipflops, since the terrain is very rocky and slippery. Plus, to get to the actual "shore" you need to go up and down a feet wide crack."

Ludmila s

"Known as the shortest beach in the world, this is a nice spot to stop by. It can get crowded and it is indeed a small beach but it is very unique due to the fact that there is a channel in the cliff that allows seawater to reach this beach which is basically a sinkhole. Behind the beach you will have some nice views of the cliffs and there is free parking available there."

Collins

What People Like

Unique inland beach
Geological wonder
Scenic countryside walk

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Very small size
Rocky terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Playa de Gulpiyuri is located inland, near the village of Naves, between Llanes and Ribadesella in Asturias. You can park near Playa de San Antolín (approx. 1km walk) or use paid parking closer to the beach. The walk involves scenic meadows with grazing animals. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there is free parking available near Playa de San Antolín, which is about a 1 km walk away. Alternatively, there's a paid parking option closer to the beach for a small fee (around €3). Instagram

Public transport options to reach the immediate vicinity of Gulpiyuri are limited. It's best accessed by car, and then a short walk. Consider local buses to nearby towns like Llanes or Ribadesella and then a taxi or a longer walk. TikTok

The most common approach is by car to a designated parking area, followed by a pleasant walk through the countryside. This walk is often highlighted as part of the experience, with views of local livestock. Instagram

While you can cycle to the general area, the final approach to the beach involves walking paths that may not be ideal for cycling. It's best to park and walk the rest of the way. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Playa de Gulpiyuri itself. It's a natural monument accessible to the public. Instagram

The only potential fee is for parking, especially if you opt for the closer paid parking areas. Access to the beach itself is free. Instagram

As a natural beach, Playa de Gulpiyuri does not have set opening hours. It is accessible at any time, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. TikTok

Yes, Playa de Gulpiyuri was declared a National Monument in 2001, recognizing its unique geological and natural significance. Instagram+1

Yes, Gulpiyuri can be visited year-round. However, weather conditions in Asturias can vary, and summer months tend to be busier. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Its uniqueness lies in being an inland beach, about 100 meters from the sea, where seawater filters through underground tunnels and rock formations, creating a small, serene cove. TikTok+1

Due to its fame and small size, it can get quite crowded, especially during peak season and sunny days. Visiting early or late, or on weekdays, can help avoid the biggest crowds. TikTokInstagram

It's famously known as the smallest beach in the world, measuring approximately 40 meters in length and 15 meters in width. TikTokInstagram

Yes, you can swim in the clear waters of Gulpiyuri. The water is calm due to its sheltered inland location, making it suitable for a dip. TikTok

The terrain leading to and around the beach is rocky and can be slippery. It's recommended to wear trainers or sturdy shoes rather than flip-flops. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique inland setting with the sea filtering through the cliffs. Wide shots showing the beach nestled in the green landscape are stunning. Also, focus on the details of the water's entry points. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon light can offer softer, more dramatic lighting. Avoid midday sun if possible, as it can be harsh and the beach may be crowded. TikTok

Regulations regarding drone usage in natural parks and protected areas can vary. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone to ensure compliance. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water and enhance the blue hues. TikTok

Absolutely! The walk to Gulpiyuri offers beautiful pastoral scenes with grazing animals and rolling green hills, perfect for landscape photography. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Playa de Gulpiyuri offers a unique natural experience for families, though its small size and rocky terrain require some supervision. The walk through the meadows, often with friendly farm animals, is usually a hit with children. Instagram The calm, shallow waters are generally safe for paddling and playing, making it a fun spot for a short visit. However, due to the limited space and potential for crowds, it might be best for families to visit during quieter times, like early mornings or weekdays, to ensure a more relaxed experience. Remember to bring sturdy shoes for the kids, as the ground can be uneven. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers

For those who appreciate unique natural phenomena, Gulpiyuri is a must-see. Its status as an inland beach fed by the sea is a fascinating geological marvel. TikTok+1 The surrounding landscape offers pleasant walking opportunities, with trails leading through rolling green hills and past traditional Asturian countryside. While the walk to the beach itself isn't strenuous, it's a beautiful prelude to the main attraction. Consider combining a visit to Gulpiyuri with other coastal walks or hikes in the Picos de Europa National Park for a more comprehensive nature experience in Asturias. TikTok

📸 Photographers and Content Creators

Gulpiyuri is a dream for photographers seeking unique shots. Its 'smallest beach in the world' title and inland setting provide a surreal backdrop. TikTok+1 Capture the interplay of water and rock, the vibrant green landscape, and the charming walk with grazing animals. Instagram Visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset can yield dramatic lighting. Be prepared for potential crowds, which can be a challenge for capturing pristine shots, but also offer opportunities for lifestyle photography. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Geological Marvel of Gulpiyuri

Playa de Gulpiyuri is a geological wonder, classified as a sinkhole beach. Unlike typical beaches, it's situated about 100 meters inland, nestled within a verdant landscape. The sea doesn't directly meet Gulpiyuri; instead, seawater from the Cantabrian Sea filters in through a series of underground tunnels and fissures in the coastal cliffs. This creates a unique, enclosed pool of crystal-clear water that ebbs and flows with the tides. TikTokInstagram+1

This phenomenon makes Gulpiyuri a truly special destination, often dubbed the 'smallest beach in the world' due to its compact size of roughly 40 meters long and 15 meters wide. Its protected status as a National Monument since 2001 underscores its ecological and scenic importance. Visitors are often struck by the contrast between the rugged coastline and the serene, almost surreal, inland beach. Instagram

While the beach itself is small, the experience of reaching it is part of the charm. The walk from the nearest parking areas often takes you through picturesque Asturian countryside, where you might encounter grazing horses and cows. This tranquil journey adds to the sense of discovery before you even set foot on the sand. Instagram

Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Expectations

When planning a visit to Playa de Gulpiyuri, managing expectations is key, especially regarding its size and potential crowds. Many visitors arrive after seeing it on social media, like TikTok, and are surprised by its diminutive scale. TikTok+1 While it's a unique spot, it's important to remember it's a small beach, and during peak times, it can feel quite busy. InstagramReddit

Practical advice from fellow travelers often centers on footwear. The terrain leading to and around Gulpiyuri is rocky and can be slippery, making trainers or sturdy walking shoes a much better choice than flip-flops. Reddit Checking the tide times is also crucial; low tide will reveal more of the sandy shore, while high tide can significantly reduce the available beach area, sometimes making it seem to 'disappear'. Instagram

Parking is available, with options for free parking a short walk away (near Playa de San Antolín) or paid parking closer to the beach. Facilities are minimal, so bringing your own water and snacks is recommended. Despite its small size, Gulpiyuri offers a memorable experience for those seeking unusual natural wonders. Instagram

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