Wave action has shaped abrupt, deeply cut profiles along the coast of Liencres; Holocene dunes fringe the sandy beaches. The coast has several distinct facets: Valdearenas is a long, wide beach, Canallave is often used by surfers, and Somocuevas has the character of a naturist beach. The dune landscape, designated routes and architectural heritage are also among the things that may shape your stay.
Beaches between the open sea and the dunes
Valdearenas is located in the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Liencres. At 2,800 metres, it is the longest and widest of the municipal beaches of Piélagos. Its length is a concrete reference point for planning; however, it says nothing about conditions in the water. Caution is advised when swimming on the open coast because of strong currents and whirlpools. Weather and sea conditions affect the water.
Canallave is a windy beach on the open sea, where strong currents occur; here too, weather and sea conditions can change the water conditions. The beach is often used by surfers. A rocky promontory called Peñuescas separates Canallave from Valdearenas. This distinctive coastal feature thus separates the two beaches, but does not mean they form a shared bathing or surfing area.
Somocuevas is a naturist beach with low visitor numbers and is sheltered by a rocky promontory. There are no facilities there. As facilities may change, check the current situation before your visit if this is important for your plans.
Dunes, protected area and paths
The Parque Natural de las Dunas de Liencres was designated in 1986. A significant stand of beach pines stabilises the mobile dunes shaped by the wind. Under the boundaries established in 2021 for the Parque Natural de las Dunas de Liencres y Costa Quebrada, the area runs from the mouth of the Río Pas along the beaches of Valdearenas and Canallave; the estuary is also included in the protected area. Part of this park belongs to the Costa Quebrada UNESCO Global Geopark, designated in 2025.
You can reach the dunes of Liencres from the CA-231 via a 6 km detour along the CA-305. The upper car park in the park is the starting point for the Parque Natural Dunas de Liencres route, which is estimated to take three and a half hours. The Costa Quebrada 1 route starts at the car park by Canallave beach. Before setting out, it is worth checking current road conditions and local access regulations.
Surfing and architecture
Escuela de surf Liencres offers courses for beginners, for improving skills and at competition level. As availability may change, check in advance which courses are offered during your travel dates.
Iglesia de Santa Eulalia also offers an architectural perspective on Liencres: it has a rectangular floor plan with three naves and a gabled roof. Its tower was completed in 1706. Molino de Mareas is located in Cala de Liencres and adds another named place to the coastal highlights. The range of possible interests thus extends from beaches and dunes to architecture and the surfing courses on offer.
Discover more destinations: Renedo De Piélagos, Boó De Piélagos, Barcenilla, Mortera
Return to the main travel overview: Piélagos.
