Paradise Found: 24 of The Most Beautiful Beaches on Earth
17. Playa de las Catedrales, Spain: Nature’s Gothic Masterpiece

Along Galicia’s northern coast lies Playa de las Catedrales—Cathedrals Beach—a geological wonder sculpted by the Atlantic. At low tide, visitors can walk beneath soaring natural arches and towering rock formations that resemble the flying buttresses of an ancient cathedral. It's a beach unlike any other, where every turn reveals a new cavern, tunnel, or tidepool. Because of its rising popularity, timed entry slots help preserve the fragile environment—so plan ahead. While it may not be your typical sun-and-swim beach, its otherworldly beauty and dramatic setting make it one of the most memorable coastal experiences in Europe.