Playa Meron Pm1

Spain Coastal 1 - Excellent

Playa Merón is a shell-shaped beach located at the mouth of the Río Merón in Villaviciosa, Asturias, between the parishes of Argüero and Careñes. The beach is flanked by cliffs and has abundant vegetation in the surrounding area. It is difficult to access and has limited services, which has encouraged naturist use. The beach contains Jurassic-era dinosaur footprint deposits and is protected as a Natural Monument and Special Conservation Zone.

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Water

Transition water body. Beach length 200 m, width 90 m (highly variable). Composition of gravel and white sand. Macrotidal range (>4 m). Water renewal time less than 7 days. Moderate wave conditions. Wind speed average 5.24 m/s. Current direction west-northwest.

Location

Located in Villaviciosa municipality, Asturias, Spain, between the parishes of Argüero and Careñes. Parking is available. The beach is situated at the mouth of the Río Merón.

Facilities

Lifeguard service and parking available.

Water Quality

Water quality classified as suitable for bathing based on microbiological analysis. The beach is influenced by the Río Merón estuary, which may receive contributions from agricultural runoff and seepage from neighbouring farms. Risk of contamination is considered low. No regular episodes of harmful algal blooms or cyanobacteria proliferation. Isolated fuel microdroplets were detected and removed in July 2012 following a pipeline rupture at the Aboño thermal power station.

Risks

Short-duration contamination episodes possible from runoff, discharges, and seepage via the Río Merón from surrounding agricultural properties, causing increased enterobacteria and turbidity. Risk is low. Jellyfish proliferation is infrequent; Portuguese man o'war, sail jellyfish, sea nettle, and moon jellyfish may occasionally appear but cases lack continuity and density remains within normal Cantabrian patterns. Macroalgae proliferation is limited due to sandy substrate and beach orientation.