A tiny beach measuring just 40 metres of golden sand has been identified as one of the smallest in the world, but it is located in Spain, not the UK. Playa de Gulpiyuri in Llanes, Asturias, is a natural pool created by erosion from the Cantabrian Sea, with water no deeper than one metre.
The beach has no direct exit to the sea and lies about 100 metres inland, surrounded by corn meadows. For years, it was known only to locals, but has now become a tourist attraction. At high tide, little sand is visible, while at low tide the sand reappears.
Gulpiyuri is a semicircular shape and has been designated a Natural Monument. Access is via a path from San Antolín beach, with a staircase descending from the cliffs. Visitors can park nearby and walk for a few minutes.
The calm, crystal-clear water makes it ideal for swimming and relaxation. One TripAdvisor reviewer described it as 'a curiosity rather than a true bathing experience', while another noted it as a 'really interesting geological phenomenon'.
