Playa de El Regatón is an extensive fine-sand beach located in the municipality of Laredo, Cantabria, known for its calm waters and proximity to the Asón estuary. It's an ideal destination for families and nature lovers.
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Antes del siglo XX, los trajes de baño eran pesados, cubrían casi todo el cuerpo y se consideraban "ropa de baño" más que de natación.
About this beach
Table of contents
Introduction
Playa de El Regatón is certainly one of those corners of the Cantabrian coast that captivates us at first sight and invites us to return again and again. Located in the charming municipality of Laredo, in the beautiful region of Cantabria, this beach is not just another sandy stretch; it's a complete experience of sun, sea, and nature. It's part of the extensive La Salvé beach, but with its own personality, marked by its proximity to the Asón estuary and its more serene and family-friendly atmosphere.
We, as beach tourism experts, have visited countless coastlines, but El Regatón possesses a special magic. Its fine golden sand, its calm waters, and its horizon that blends with the majestic Santoña marshes make it a privileged destination for those seeking disconnection and natural beauty. It's the perfect place to forget about the clock, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the purest essence of the Cantabrian Sea.
How to Get to Playa de El Regatón
Getting to Playa de El Regatón is quite straightforward, making it an accessible destination for all. We are at the western end of the famous La Salvé beach in Laredo, very close to the marina and the mouth of the estuary.
By Car
If we come by car, the A-8 motorway (Autovía del Cantábrico) is our best ally. We must take exit 185 towards Laredo. Once in the municipality, we follow the signs to the beach and the port. El Regatón is in the part closest to the estuary. There are several parking areas available, both paid (blue zone) and some free ones, especially as we move a bit away from the urban center. During the summer months, parking can be a challenge, so we recommend arriving early or considering public transport options if we are staying in Laredo.
By Bus
Laredo has good bus connections with Santander, Bilbao, and other nearby towns. Once at the Laredo bus station, we can reach the beach on foot (it's a pleasant walk if we're not carrying much luggage) or take a local bus that brings us closer to the El Regatón area. It's a comfortable and sustainable option.
On Foot or by Bicycle
If we are staying in the center of Laredo, Playa de El Regatón is perfectly accessible on foot or by bicycle, as a pleasant promenade runs along the entire length of La Salvé. Enjoying this journey with views of the sea and the estuary is, in itself, part of the experience.
The Sand and Water
When we set foot on Playa de El Regatón for the first time, the first thing we notice is the quality of its sand. It's a fine, golden sand, incredibly soft to the touch, inviting us to walk barefoot and build sandcastles with the little ones. It's the kind of sand that sticks just enough to remind us we're at the beach, but comes off easily.
The waters of El Regatón are another of its great attractions. Being protected by the bay and the proximity of the estuary, its waves are usually very gentle or non-existent, making it an exceptionally calm and safe beach. It's ideal for swimming, even for less experienced swimmers and, above all, for children. The water temperature, typical of the Cantabrian Sea, is refreshing in summer, perfect for relieving the heat, and its greenish and bluish tones reflect the purity of the surroundings. The shallow depth at the shoreline extends for quite a few meters, allowing the little ones to play safely and adults to enjoy a relaxing swim.
Services and Facilities
Playa de El Regatón is not only beautiful but also excellently equipped to ensure a comfortable and safe beach day. We highly value when a beach offers adequate infrastructure, and here, Laredo does not disappoint.
Among the services we find, the following stand out:
- Lifeguard Service: During the high season, the beach has lifeguard stations and qualified personnel who watch over our safety, which gives us great peace of mind.
- Showers and Foot Washers: Essential for removing sand and salt before heading home or continuing with other activities. They are distributed along the promenade.
- Restrooms/WC: There are clean and well-maintained public toilets, a detail that is always appreciated.
- Full Accessibility: The beach is adapted for people with reduced mobility, with wooden walkways that facilitate access to the sand and, in some points, even amphibious chairs and bathing assistance. We find this fundamental so that everyone can enjoy this wonderful place.
- Chiringuitos: On the beach and along the promenade, we find several chiringuitos and cafeterias where we can have a refreshment, an ice cream, or even enjoy a light meal with sea views.
- Parking: As mentioned, there are nearby parking areas, although in high season they can fill up quickly.
- Sunbed and Umbrella Rental: For those who prefer to travel light, there is the option to rent umbrellas and sunbeds, allowing us to relax comfortably in the sun.
Best Time to Visit
Choosing the best time to visit Playa de El Regatón depends a lot on what we are looking for in our experience. We, from our expert perspective, offer you some key points:
Summer (June, July, August)
It is, without a doubt, the high season. If we are looking to enjoy the sun, sea bathing, life on the promenade, and the summer atmosphere, these months are ideal. The temperatures are