Playa de Balarés

Introduction

If there is a corner on the Galician Costa da Morte that has stolen our hearts with its serenity and natural beauty, that is, without a doubt, Playa de Balarés. Located in the charming municipality of Ponteceso, in the province of A Coruña, this beach is much more than just a sandy stretch; it is a true sanctuary for those seeking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the essence of the most authentic Galicia. We have visited it on several occasions, and each time it surprises us with its ability to offer a different beach experience, far from the hustle and bustle of other more crowded destinations.

Playa de Balarés is strategically protected at the mouth of the Corme and Laxe estuary, which gives it unique characteristics: incredibly calm waters and an almost total absence of currents, something uncommon in the fierce Atlantic. This natural shelter, combined with an environment of pines that almost kiss the sand, makes it an ideal destination for families with young children, couples looking for romance, or simply for those who want a day of absolute relaxation. It is, in short, one of those beaches in A Coruña that you must know.

How to get to Playa de Balarés

Getting to Playa de Balarés is relatively easy, although, like many Galician treasures, it requires a small detour from the main routes. If we come from A Coruña or Santiago de Compostela, the best option is to take the AG-55 highway towards Carballo and then continue on the AC-413 and AC-429 towards Ponteceso. Once in Ponteceso, the signage to the beach is quite clear. We always recommend using a GPS navigator, as it will take us directly to the beach without complications.

Access and Parking

Access to the beach is comfortable, with a paved path that leads us to a fairly large parking area, although in the months of July and August, especially on weekends, it can fill up quickly. Sometimes, and depending on the influx, the parking may have a symbolic cost, but it's worth it for the convenience of having the car so close. From the parking lot, a short walk takes us directly to the sand, which makes arriving with beach chairs, coolers, and all the beach gear we usually bring much easier.

The sand and the water

One of the aspects that captivates us most about Playa de Balarés is the quality of its sand. It is fine, golden sand, incredibly soft to the touch, perfect for walking barefoot, building sandcastles with the little ones, or simply laying out a towel and enjoying the sun. The purity of the sand, free of annoying rocks, contributes to that feeling of well-being and comfort we seek on a beach.

As for the water, we find a gem. Thanks to its protected location within the estuary, the waters of Balarés are remarkably calm, almost like those of a lake, making them ideal for safe swimming for children and for practicing water sports without waves. However, let's not forget that we are in the Galician Atlantic: the water is cool, but it is of a crystalline transparency that invites you to dive in and refresh yourself, especially on the hottest summer days. The feeling of swimming in these waters, with the green of the pines in the background, is simply unforgettable.

Services and facilities

Despite maintaining a natural and uncrowded feel, Playa de Balarés has the essential services that guarantee a comfortable and safe beach day for all of us. We like that it is not overloaded with infrastructure, which allows it to retain its charm, but without giving up basic comforts.

Available services

• Lifeguard: During the high summer season (July and August), the beach has a lifeguard service, which gives us extra peace of mind, especially if we go with children.
• Showers and Toilets/WC: Available to freshen up and change after swimming. They are usually operational during the high season as well.
• Chiringuito: There is a small chiringuito or beach bar that offers drinks, ice cream, and some fast food. It's perfect for having a coffee in the morning, a drink in the mid-afternoon, or even enjoying an aperitif while contemplating the sea.
• Parking: As we already mentioned, it has a nearby parking area, which is a great advantage.
• Trash containers: They are distributed along the beach, which allows us to keep the environment clean and respect nature.

Best time to visit

The choice of when to visit Playa de Balarés depends a lot on what we are looking for in our experience. We have enjoyed it at different times of the year, and each one has its particular charm.

• Summer (July and August): Without a doubt, it is the ideal time if our main goal is to swim, sunbathe, and fully enjoy all the services. This is when the beach has the most atmosphere, but without being overwhelming. The days are longer and the temperatures, although cool for some, are perfect for a dip.
• Spring and early autumn (May, June, September, October): If what we prefer is tranquility, solitary walks on the sand, and connection with nature, these are the perfect seasons. The weather is milder, there are fewer people, and the light is spectacular for photography. It is ideal for reading a book, meditating, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves without interruptions.
• Winter: Although it is not the season for swimming, a walk along Playa de Balarés in winter, bundled up, can be a revitalizing experience. The strength of the landscape, the pure air, and the solitude of the beach offer us a different perspective of its beauty.

Activities and sports

Playa de Balarés is an ideal setting for various activities, both relaxing and more active, always in harmony with