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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace

Playa de Gulpiyuri Asturias
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Asturias' Gulpiyuri beach: a tiny, unique inland cove where the sea meets the land through hidden tunnels.
"It's a nice hidden and small beach you can top up for a nice sea view."

👟 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The World's Smallest Beach
Inland, between Llanes and Ribadesella
A unique 40-meter long beach nestled inland, fed by seawater filtering through cliffs.

Inland Sea Phenomenon
Adjacent to the beach
Witness the fascinating natural process of seawater reaching this inland cove through underground channels.

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for This Tiny Gem
Footwear for the Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 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.
🚗 Parking Advice
Free parking is available near Playa de San Antolín, about a 1km walk. Paid parking (€3) is closer.
📸 Capture the Uniqueness
This inland beach is a rare sight! Get shots of the water filtering through the cliffs.
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.
🌊 Check Tide Times
Low tide reveals more sand. High tide can significantly reduce the beach area.
🚗 Parking Advice
Free parking is available near Playa de San Antolín, about a 1km walk. Paid parking (€3) is closer.
📸 Capture the Uniqueness
This inland beach is a rare sight! Get shots of the water filtering through the cliffs.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited facilities nearby, so pack essentials for your visit.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
The only potential fee is for parking, especially if you opt for the closer paid parking areas. Access to the beach itself is free.
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.
Yes, Playa de Gulpiyuri was declared a National Monument in 2001, recognizing its unique geological and natural significance.
Yes, Gulpiyuri can be visited year-round. However, weather conditions in Asturias can vary, and summer months tend to be busier.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
It's famously known as the smallest beach in the world, measuring approximately 40 meters in length and 15 meters in width.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! The walk to Gulpiyuri offers beautiful pastoral scenes with grazing animals and rolling green hills, perfect for landscape photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers and Content Creators
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of Gulpiyuri
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.
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.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Expectations
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. 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'.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit