The beach features ichnites, which are fossilized dinosaur footprints visible on the rocks during low tide.
The promenade is lined with 'Casas de Indianos,' mansions built by locals who returned wealthy from the Americas in the early 1900s.
The beach marks the final point of the annual International Sella Descent, a major canoeing race held every August.
The eastern headland, Punta del Pozu, contains rock formations that date back to the Jurassic period.
The chapel of Santa Marina, situated on the nearby hill, provides a traditional maritime vantage point over the bay.
Playa de Santa Marina is a expansive, sandy beach located in Ribadesella, Asturias, stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers along the Cantabrian Sea. It is bordered to the west by the Sella River estuary and backed by a distinct promenade featuring early 20th-century modernist and Indiano-style villas. The eastern end of the beach sits beneath the cliffs of Guía, where a small chapel overlooks the coastline. During low tide, the beach reveals preserved dinosaur footprints embedded in the limestone rock formations at the eastern edge. The beach is characterized by its semi-urban setting, flanked by hills and various hotel accommodations. Its geography creates consistent conditions for surfing, particularly near the river mouth. The sand is golden and fine, contrasting with the dramatic backdrop of the Picos de Europa mountains visible in the distance on clear days.
The eastern end of the promenade where the historic villas frame the view of the beach and the distant cliffs.
Visit during low tide to explore the dinosaur footprints near the eastern rocky outcrop.
Walk the full length of the promenade to view the diverse architectural styles of the historic villas.
Use the foot-washing stations located at the beach entrances to manage the fine sand before heading to hotels or cafes.
Attempting to walk to the eastern cliffs during high tide, as access to the dinosaur footprints is cut off by the sea.
Standard beach conduct applies; nudity is generally not practiced in this urbanized setting.
