Penarronda

• Castropol

Since 2002 the Penarronda beach of Castropol, which shares with the neighboring council of Tapia de Casariego, is a Natural Monument. It is a 600-meter sandy area nestled between the cliffs of A Robaleira and Punta del Corno and that hosts the mouth of the Penarronda River that divides it in two.

The aesthetics of the beach makes it unique. It is shaped like an elongated shell and inside, as a whimsical mole, a rock, known as El Castelo, is embedded. It has a circular shape and is eroded inside. In addition to the indisputable personality that gives the castropoloense sandy, this rock gives the name to the beach. From “round rock” to Peñarronda, or Penarronda as it is known in the area.

Penarronda is an open and windy beach, conditions that make it the perfect place for surfing. In fact, its right side is reserved for this sport and there are many fans looking for their best wave.

If there is one thing that makes this 300,000 square meter sandy area stand out, it is its high ecological richness. Its dune and lagoon system is home to species included in the Regional Catalogue of Threatened Species of Asturian Flora. For this reason, the beach has recently undergone a process of reorganization to prevent vehicle traffic from interfering with this protected ecosystem.

In fact, it is the only place in Asturias where the Malcomia littorea, popularly known as sea wallflower, which is in danger of extinction, lives.

Other species such as Mediacago marina, Otantkus maritimus and Pancratium maritimun proliferate in an environment. Along with the flora, its fauna also acquires importance. Animal species included in the protectionist catalog of the Asturian fauna, such as the Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), the Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) and the Otter (Lutra lutra), are old acquaintances in Penarronda. The geological formations of Penarronda are also relevant, albeit in the background. Penarronda invites to a long, quiet walk on the shores of the Bay of Biscay.