Catedrais Beach, Pancha Island & Asturias: Day Trip with Local Stops

Summary

Atlantic arches, fishing villages, and a lighthouse bridge walk

You’ll walk beneath Catedrais Beach’s wild stone arches, cross over to Pancha Island’s lighthouse by footbridge, taste barnacles fresh from Rinlo’s harbor, and finish with Asturian food in Tapia. This day trip from Lugo or Ribadeo includes private transport and a local guide who knows every tide and shortcut — it’ll stick with you long after you’ve shaken off the sand.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I saw at Playa de las Catedrales was this wild sweep of arches — stone ribs jutting out of the sand like something half-built by giants. Our guide, Marta, just grinned when I stopped dead on the boardwalk. “Wait till you get closer,” she said. The tide was out so we wandered under those crazy rock vaults, toes sinking in cold sand. There was this salty tang in the air and a weird hush between the waves — like even the gulls were pausing to stare. I tried to take a photo but honestly it never comes out right, you know?

We rolled on through Rinlo next, which they call the ‘capital of percebes’ (barnacles). It’s tiny — just a handful of stone houses and fishermen’s voices echoing off the quay. I got brave and tasted barnacles for the first time; briny and chewy, not what I expected but somehow perfect with that sea wind blowing in my face. Li from our group tried to order in Spanish and everyone laughed along with her — even the old guy behind the counter who looked like he’d seen every storm.

Illa Pancha was quieter than I thought it’d be. There’s this narrow bridge out to an old lighthouse painted black and white — felt almost like walking into a postcard except you could smell wild herbs crushed underfoot. The grass was thick with cat’s claw flowers. We didn’t rush; just watched spray hit the rocks for a while until someone pointed out Galicia fading into Asturias across the water.

Last stop: Tapia de Casariego in Asturias. The sun came out for once (Marta called it “Asturian luck”) and we wandered along the promenade where surfers zipped up wetsuits and locals waved from café tables. Lunch was cider poured from high above your glass — apparently that’s tradition here — with fabada stew that stuck to my ribs all afternoon. Sometimes it’s these small towns that stay with you longest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Asturias coast and Catedrals Beach

• Walk on Playa de Las Catedrales
• Explore Illa Pancha island and lighthouse
• Visit Rinlo fishing village
• Enjoy typical Asturian food in Tapia

Top questions

How long does the Catedrais Beach day trip take?

The tour is a full-day excursion including stops at Catedrais Beach, Rinlo, Pancha Island, and Tapia in Asturias.

Is pickup included for this tour?

Yes, private transportation is included as part of your booking.

Can children join this day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What is special about Pancha Island?

Pancha Island features an old lighthouse reached by a narrow bridge and has unique coastal vegetation.

Will we have time for lunch on this tour?

Yes, there is time allocated for lunch in Tapia where you can try typical Asturian food.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options available near some stops.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transport throughout Lugo Marina Lucense coast, guided walks at each stop including Playa de las Catedrales and Pancha Island’s lighthouse bridge, time for lunch in Tapia de Casariego (food cost not included), plus a professional local guide sharing stories along every stretch of road.