Playa De Santiago Pm1

Spain Transitional 1 - Excellent

Playa de Santiago is a semi-urban beach located in the Urola transitional water body, east of the Urola river mouth in Zumaia, Gipuzkoa. The beach is 350 metres long with an average width of 175 metres and a mean surface area of 61,250 square metres. Composed of fine sand, it is protected from frequent northwest waves by a breakwater and experiences high visitor numbers throughout the summer. The beach is notable for its rich dune vegetation, containing 136 plant species, including 10 endemic to sandy areas, and forms part of the Ría del Urola Community Interest Site.

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Water

Transitional water body (Urola estuary). Length 350 m. Average width 175 m. Mean surface area 61,250 m². High tide area 12,000 m². Low tide area 49,000 m². Fine sand composition. Tidal range 4.80 m. Minimum tide 1 m. Low wave exposure with calm waters. Water renewal time equal to or less than 7 days.

Location

Located in the municipality of Zumaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain, at the eastern side of the Urola river mouth. The beach is accessible by road and on foot with good access points. Parking area available. The Zumaia municipal authority is responsible for the beach facilities and parking.

Facilities

Lifeguards. Watchtower. First aid kit. Public restrooms, lavatories, and wash basins. Showers and water fountains in sand area. Information panels. Public address system. Waste bins and containers. Children's play area. Picnic area. Bicycle parking. Bar and kiosk. Rescue boat. Ambulance. Lost child wristbands. Water sports: swimming, surfing, jet skis, kayaking, spearfishing, sport fishing.

Water Quality

Water quality monitoring conducted by the Public Health Directorate of the Basque Government. The main pollution source is the Urola river, with secondary contributions from the Orrua fish farm. The Zumaia wastewater treatment plant (EDAR), inaugurated in 2007, provides secondary aerobic treatment with removal of biochemical oxygen demand exceeding 80% and removal of total nitrogen and phosphorus, discharging into the Urola estuary.

Risks

Urola river is the primary contamination source. Fish farming operations and aquaculture enterprises in the coastal zone between Zumaia and Getaria may contribute pollutants. Fishing port, shipyard, and sports harbour in proximity to beach.