Playa Cueva Pm1

Spain Transitional 1 - Excellent

Playa Cueva is a transitional bathing water zone located at the mouth of the Esva River in Valdés, Asturias. The beach measures 480 metres in length with a variable width of 210 metres and features dark sand and boulders. Water renewal occurs in less than seven days, and the site experiences moderate waves with a large tidal range exceeding 4 metres. The beach is situated within the Protected Landscape of the Western Coast and the Esva River is designated as a Special Conservation Area.

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Water

Transitional water body within the Esva River estuary. Length 480 metres, width 210 metres (variable). Macrotidal range exceeding 4 metres. Water renewal time less than 7 days. Composition: dark sand and boulders. Moderate wave conditions. Mean wind speed 5.24 m/s with west-northwest current direction.

Location

Cueva, Valdés municipality, Asturias, Spain. Good pedestrian access and road access with parking for over 100 vehicles.

Facilities

Lifeguards, Red Cross, local police. Pedestrian access is good. Road access available with parking for over 100 vehicles.

Water Quality

Water quality classified as Sufficient for bathing. Received Blue Flag designation in 2009, 2010, and 2011. General deterioration in water quality observed since 2012, likely related to river mouth influence. Microbiological monitoring at sampling point PM1 shows good to sufficient sanitary quality. Contamination risk from the Esva River classified as low despite diffuse pollution sources including seepage, runoff, and discharges from agricultural and residential activities.

Risks

The Esva River discharges into the beach as a diffuse pollution source with low risk. Short-duration contamination episodes possible from wastewater input and microbial proliferation, typically lasting less than 24 hours. Low risk of microalgae and cyanobacteria blooms. Macroalgae proliferation risk is low due to sandy substrate and beach orientation. Jellyfish occurrences are infrequent, with Portuguese man o'war being the most commonly sighted species, though mostly as isolated specimens. Jellyfish proliferation risk is classified as null.