A quiet beach with freshwater cascades
This is one of those hidden away beaches where the silence is only interrupted by the sound of crashing waves along the shore. Despite being near Cudillero, one of the more touristy municipalities in Asturias, this beach does not suffer from overcrowding. The serenity of Vallina or del Gallo Beach, as it is also locally called, is not its only charm. The other attraction making this such a special spot is the freshwater cascades splashing down at one’s feet.
Cudillero’s largest and wildest beach
Vallina Beach, part of Oviñana parish and stretching for over a kilometre, is a strip of dark sand and pebbled stones shielded by imposing cliffs. But these cliffs fail to protect the beach from the fiercely crashing waves of the Cantabrian Sea. These waves dictate extreme caution when swimming, but they are also what make this such an extraordinary surfing spot.
Indeed, this is one of Asturias’ most photogenic beaches. If you peer over the edge of the cliffs that skirt the area, you will be able to appreciate this pristine natural space. In fact, not only is it a protected natural landscape, but also a Special Protection Area for Birds and a Regional Site of Interest. In any case, to discover the secret of Vallina Beach, a descending walk from the heights down to its thick sands is in order.
Vallina Beach’s waterfalls
The waters that make up these cascades come from various streams in search of a riverbed. During the final leg, the water ends up dropping directly onto the sand in the form of small waterfalls. A spectacle of nature offering one of the most beautiful picture-postcards to be found anywhere along the Cantabrian coast.
Although Vallina Beach may not be the only beach in Asturias with such amazing views, the extraordinary thing here is the way in which the water falls both in cascades and in streams. There are at least five cascades to be found here. While some currents fall stepwise, almost sliding from the rock onto the sand, others forcefully fall from small heights. This water then continues moving onward, creating fanciful paths on its way to a relentlessly gulping Cantabrian Sea.
Watermills
A few steps from the beach next to one of those waterfalls, one will see an old stonewalled watermill facing the menacing Cantabrian waters. Moving upstream along the Vivigo, there is yet another watermill still in good condition. They are reminders of a seemingly distant, though not so remote, past.
For centuries, the Oviñana parish church cultivated extensive grain crops, which were then ground thanks to these mills and to the force of the streams crossing these lands. There were six watermills by the mid-18th century in this parish. The passing times and new sources of wealth triggered the extinction of most of the mills, while those still remaining allow its history to be remembered. They also make useful guide markers for reaching the natural treasure that is Vallina Beach.
How to reach Vallina or del Gallo Beach
One might think Vallina Beach is less popular due to its inaccessibility, but this is really not the case. Cars can be parked in the village of Oviñana and from there, an almost two kilometre-long trail leads to the beach. A pleasant walk in the surroundings of vegetation where the sounds of the Vivigo stream mark the final leg leading to the old watermills and then finally, on to Vallina Beach.
A privileged vantage point
From the sands of Vallina Beach, the setting is one of the most picturesque to be found in this Asturian Protected Area of the Eastern Coast. And the views from the ridge of the surrounding cliffs at the Mirador del Sablón lookout point are spectacular. Towering one hundred metres above the Cantabrian Sea, this is a panorama not easily forgotten.
A nearby park bench invites a resting spot to forget about daily life and relish the moment, especially so if it happens to be twilight. Anyone lucky enough to reach this spot on a clear day will witness one of Spain’s most stunning sunsets. Reason enough to stray from the trail and make it to this lookout point.
What to see near Vallina Beach
Mirador del Sablón is one of the must-sees in the vicinity of Vallina Beach. It should be remembered though that this territory is also home to one of Asturias’ most beautiful villages. It is well-worth taking the time to stroll around Cudillero and discover the unique beauty of its colourfully tiered homes.
Cudillero is all about idly strolling its steep, labyrinthine streets or sipping a drink at a terraza in Plaza de la Marina. This square opens onto a small port, where the best fish and seafood arrive. And, of course, a seafood you should taste. After having a bite and regaining some strength, a walk along the trail leading to the lookout points offers a range of perspectives of Cudillero.
Time permitting, there are always other beaches to discover in Cudillero. Silencio Beach is one of the most well-known. As charming as Vallina Beach and owing to its growing popularity, Silencio Beach has become a bit less quiet than the name might suggest.