Location
Spain
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
July to September
About Peñamaría
Peñamaría (also written Peña María) is a white-sand beach on the Carreño coast of Asturias, in the Xivares (Xibares) area of the parish of Albandi, between Gijón and Candás. It lies just east of Xivares beach, and at low tide the two join into one continuous strand; at its western end it connects towards Aboño beach and the mouth of the Aboño estuary, close to the industrial port area of El Musel. The beach is roughly 800 m long and wide at low tide, framed by striking rocky islets offshore. Unlike neighbouring Xivares, which has full services, Peñamaría has none of its own, which keeps it quieter. The Spanish Naturist Federation lists it among Asturias's beaches of nudist tradition but describes it as little visited and used by only a few naturists, encouraging people to use it so the tradition survives. Expect a mostly clothed beach with some nude bathers, Cantabrian swell and cool water.
Getting there
Drive to Xivares (Xibares), signposted from the AS-110/AS-19 between Gijón and Candás, where there is parking for the Xivares beach. Walk east along the sand from Xivares; the crossing to Peñamaría is easiest at low tide, when the two beaches join. Check tide times before setting out so you are not cut off. Local buses between Gijón and Candás pass nearby. Access over sand and rocks is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Amenities
Legal context
Spain has no national law against public nudity, and nude bathing is lawful on any beach unless a municipal bylaw restricts it. No Carreño bylaw on nudity at Peñamaría was found; it is listed by the Spanish Naturist Federation as a beach of nudist tradition, with no reported enforcement issues.
Naturism at Peñamaría sits under Spain's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Spain public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 43.5685, -5.7180
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Spain
Frequently asked questions
Is Peñamaría a nudist beach?
It is on the Spanish Naturist Federation's list of Asturian beaches with a nudist tradition, though the federation itself says few naturists use it today.
How do I get there?
Park at Xivares beach and walk east along the shore; at low tide the two beaches are joined.
Are there services?
Not on Peñamaría itself; toilets, showers and a lifeguard are at neighbouring Xivares.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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