Sometimes strange things happen…like a jigsawpuzzle everything just fits in, and you experience a picture you thought you would never see…
…or be able to walk into. This happened to us this July, on the north coast of Spain. We had booked a hotel for the night, and had checked our guide books as usual – nothing special here in Santiago de Reinante…
But, I got a hint from a leaflet I saw at the hotel…that maybe we should go down to the beach. A square of 2×2 cm pictured Catedrales, a very special beach it seemed…
We soon realised that a permission was needed to walk the beach – it is a UNESCO World Heritage! Nothing, absolutely Nothing in our books had us prepared for these magnificent views.
My heart sank, maybe we would have to stay on the cliffs and not come down…But, there were very effective assistants on the steps down, and they helped us getting the permit via Internet – so, we were two of the 4000 people allowed on this beach per day. My heart jumped and beat so hard I could feel it in my throat. This was so unreal…How could there be ebb as well? How could we be so lucky?
We walked for hours and hours…endless kilometres…trying to savour this moment as the precious gift it was. Unbelievable. This was not happening…
I never wanted the sun to go down, never wanted to leave this magnificent world…
But finally the sunset had to come, and the night closed in. I cannot say how grateful I am for this evening gift. Pictures cannot convey …my deepest feelings.
I wish you all such wonderful and unexpected gifts – and a good night!
More facts and photos on this beach at Albatz Travel Adventures.
Leya 
Det er virkelig spektakulært, Leya. Fantastisk sted og billeder ❤
Tack för kommentaren – och det här var en av de större överraskningarna på resan…den största faktiskt.
Kære Leya. Det er det vidunderlige ved livet, glæderne kan komme helt uventet 🙂 🙂
Du har så rätt. Och också bekymren…kan komma plötsligt och när man minst anar det.
Jeg ved!!! Jeg byttede kun rundt på modsætningerne i livet. Det er det gode ved at skrive ❤ 🙂
😚
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Sounds like they might not want too much publicity. Yet I can see it was a magical place. Ans you are so lucky being able to secure a permit on the spot. Thank goodness for smartphones.
I guess they do not want too many people to walk and maybe wear down the stones here. Yes…sometimes smartphones are a blessing…!
Stunning!
Thank you for commenting! And this evening walk remains the most stunning walk of the 14 days in Spain.
Wow så vackra bilder och natur!
Tack! Det var en sådan positiv chock att jag gick som i en dröm…ville aldrig att det skulle ta slut.
Ja det kan jag förstå 🙂
Paret i bild gör den här bilden riktigt! bra. Grattis till en jättefin bild!
Tack så mycket, Dan. Jag tog en fyra fem bilder innan de dök upp…! Och den bilden blev den bästa på det motivet. Hela stranden var sagolik och jag har säkert närmare hundra foton därifrån. En av resans absoluta höjdpunkter!
Absolutely spectacular! There are similar formations along the Algarve but I’ve never seen anything more lovely than this. Very special xx
Thank you, Jo! Lovely it was – how much luck wasn’t there in finding it!
What a marvellous serendipitous find, A-C! Some stunning images, thanks for sharing 😀
Glad you like them, Sue – could not believe I could have that much luck…
I saw Albatz’s post first, and thought what a great place….then your post
Strange, isn’t it! The two of us visiting the very same place!
Well, strange that you both posted at similar times!
These photographs are stunning Ann-Christine, an amazing and special experience for you both to drink in and absorb the magnificence.
Before I leave this wonderful post – one last thought. You are an amazing photographer – it’s the light and shadows dancing on the rocks/cliffs and water. You know the exact moment of day to capture these glorious scenes. Love your viewing diaries.
Mary – I am so overwhelmed of your words – thank you, thank you. I was only lucky! Everything was sheer luck – finding it, being ebb, getting permission – and the marvellous evening weather…once in a lifetime…
…and yet, my first view of the photos was a disappointment! It is not possible to capture that whole feeling. But today I feel rather good about them anyway. Again, I am so glad you liked them!
What a marvelous experience, A-C, through your beautiful shots! Thanks so much for sharing it. I love the light in the very top photo and the second-to-last one, but I enjoyed all of them.
janet
I am so happy you liked them, Janet! The whole experience was quite…overwhelming. Such things do not happen to me – and yet they did. So grateful!
Such a wonderful experience, Ann Christine. Your photos are really magical. Well done! 🙂
Oh, thank you, Sylvia – and magical it was for me and for us both. A real highlight of this summers.
Absolutely exquisite geography and captures. I cannot wait for our trip to Scandanavia next year.
Thank you so much, Cindy – really a highlight on our Spanish trip! Are you coming over next summer? To Sweden as well? If your program runs close to where I live…just give me a hint!
I am just finishing up a post on this same beach. It was recommended by a friend who lives in Santiago. I never knew it was a World Heritage Site! Wonderful photos…
Oh – how marvellous! And you did not know either? I must over to you…as soon as you are finished!
I’m finished! My Playa de Catedrales is at: https://elizabatz.com/2016/08/18/beach-of-cathedrals-galicia-northern-spain/