Sunset at the Playa de las Catedrales in Galicia, Northern Spain

Steffen and I are just back home from another photography and exploratory trip in Northern Spain and we hope to return soon again, since there is still so much new and exciting along this fabulous coast just waiting to be found and photographed. But as usual, we also paid a visit to iconic locations such as Playa de las Catedrales. This month's image shows the main attraction at this beach: a spectacular row of arches hit by the setting sun during a thunderstorm. Due to the capricious weather, we were there all alone and enjoyed a dramatic sunset. The scenery to the west was breathtaking (more images coming up!), but we also loved the light beams at the arches and how they illuminated the sand and the cliffs. The last rays of the sun were falling right through another arch to the left (and not visible on this image).

Playa de las Catedrales is a real MUST SEE in Galicia, but the best time of the year to do photography there is about to end soon. During the busiest time of the year, from July 1st through September 30th, this rather small place is very (very!) crowdy and you need to apply for a permit then. "Only" 4.812 persons/day are allowed to access the beach. Visiting the cliffs is always permitted. Applications are free of any charge and can be made up to 90 days in advance under https://ascatedrais.xunta.gal.

The tides: The rising and falling sea plays a crucial role when visiting this beach. You will not have access except during low tide conditions. Stay safe and please check this website in advance: www.tides4fishing.com/es/lugo/ribadeo.

Directions: Playa de las Catedrales is located in Galicia in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. It's halfway between Bilbao in Spain (~ 400 km) and Porto in Portugal (also ~400 km), and it is about 550 from the Spanish capital Madrid.

Image data: 1 s at f/14, ISO 400; Canon EF 24-105 mm at 65 mm, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV