Playa Cuevas De Mar Pm1

Spain Coastal 1 - Excellent

Cuevas de Mar is a natural coastal beach located in Llanes, Asturias, measuring 125 metres in length and 47 metres in width with variable dimensions. The beach features white sand and boulders, and is influenced by waters from the Río de Nueva. Water quality has been classified as excellent for bathing in recent years, with a low risk of contamination despite the river's potential to carry bacteria from adjacent farmland.

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Water

Coastal water body in the Western Cantabrian region. Beach length 125 metres, width 47 metres (highly variable). Macrotidal range exceeding 4 metres. Water renewal time less than 7 days. Moderate wave conditions. Current direction west-northwest. Average wind speed 5.24 m/s.

Location

Located in Picones, municipality of Llanes, Asturias, Spain. Good pedestrian access and road access with parking for more than 100 vehicles.

Facilities

Lifeguard service and showers available.

Water Quality

Water quality classified as excellent for bathing. Microbiological sampling at monitoring point PM1 shows excellent sanitary quality. The Río de Nueva is identified as the primary contamination source, potentially delivering organic matter and enteric bacteria through runoff and seepage from adjacent farmland. Overall contamination risk is low.

Risks

Río de Nueva discharges into the beach and can carry runoff, seepage, and waste from adjacent agricultural properties, temporarily increasing enteric bacteria levels. Contamination episodes are biennial with duration under 8 hours. Jellyfish proliferation is infrequent; species including Portuguese man o'war, by-the-wind sailor, sea nettle, and moon jellyfish may occasionally appear during spring-summer months but pose low risk overall. Microalgae, cyanobacteria, and macroalgae proliferation risks are negligible due to short water renewal time and sandy substrate.