Where the roar of the Cantabrian sea becomes a lullaby, where the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks soothes you into silence. Time seems to stand still. The Playa del Silencio, with its cliffs and islands, is still relatively unknown, and it’s likely you won’t find too many people around (unlike with the extremely touristy Praia das Catedrais). You may find a few sea gulls, though. Perhaps even a nudist! (Be warned: This happened to us.)
The locals call this place Gaviero del Silencio, referring to the gaviero, the sailor in charge of the ship’s topsail and conducting surveillance from it.
To get to Playa del Silencio, you go to the village of Castañeras, a small town in the municipality of Cudillero. There are lots of signs point out the way. You leave your car at the top of the cliff and walk down, first on a path and later down some steps.
Whoa, those are some epic shots and you make it sound sooo inviting!
It was so nice.
The whole northern coast is filled with dramatic cliffs and chill beaches like the Playa del Silencio. We thought about going to Playa de la Torimbia on the eastern coast of Asturias but didn’t have enough time. However, we happened upon a pair of nice, secluded beaches north of Santillana del Mar while in Cantabria.
I’d love to tiptoe across Playa del Silencio’s teeny-tiny narrow ridge out to the cliff head and take in the views of the Bay of Biscay from there!
Oooh! I didn’t bring the right shoes for that!
We walked right near it on our second day of the Camino, but sadly didn’t stop. Like Trevor says, the entire coastline is stunning!
I agree! There were so many beaches and so little time!
…Thanks for reminding me that I REALLY need to explore more of the NE part of the country!!…
And, uh, yay nudists???…
Hahaha! Yes, you do need to visit the north.
After seeing this and reading Trevor’s post on his travels along the northern coast, I’ve decided that it’s a must-see this year while I’m in Logroño. I’m going to have to find someone who can try a manual car or learn myself though! Great photos, Kaley!
Good plan! I had to learn to drive a manual when I was 15, because my dad insisted on buying me a 1993 Mitsubishi Eclipse (manual). I was so mad at the time, but now I’m very grateful!
This adventure sounds spectacular! I hadn’t heard of Playa del Silencio–thanks for drawing it to our attention!
Stunning! Asturias and Cantabria are on the Spanish list of places to visit soon.