The city beaches, one by one

Riazor and Orzán are a ten-minute walk from Plaza de María Pita. What to expect from each.

Having an urban beach changes the city: you head down to the sand after work the way you'd head out for a drink.

Riazor

The more sheltered of the two, which is why families choose it. Lifeguard on duty in season and accessible entry.

Orzán

More open, with bigger waves. It's home to the surf school, and also where the sea turns serious when the north wind picks up — the red flag is taken seriously here.

Good to know

Both have showers and toilets along the promenade, and neither has easy parking in August: the tram and the bus are a better bet.