Glowing Seas at Spain's Top 3 Beaches This Weekend
In the enchanting waters along Spain's coastline, a natural light show known as "sea sparkle" or "mar de ardora" in Galicia, has been captivating onlookers for years. This mesmerising display is primarily caused by the microscopic marine microorganism, Noctiluca scintillans, which emits a blue-green light when disturbed by waves or movement in the water.
This weekend, several beaches along the northern coast of Galicia and in southern Spain offer the best natural conditions to witness this glowing waters. For those planning a trip, here are some top spots to consider:
Galicia (Costa da Morte area)
- Playa de Balarés, Ponteceso
- Playa de Os Riás, Malpica
- Playa de Rebordelo, Cabana de Bergantiños
- Playa de O Ézaro, Dumbría
- Playa de Carnota, Carnota
In the Cádiz region, Playa de Levante in La Línea de la Concepción is another location worth visiting. For those venturing further south, Playa de Águilas along the Mar de Águilas coastline in Murcia is less predictable but can also offer a glimpse of this stunning phenomenon.
To increase your chances of witnessing marine bioluminescence, it's advisable to research the best times and locations for the phenomenon. Checking updates and tide charts by searching "mar de ardora Galicia" on Google can help. It's also essential to consider the timing and location, with dark, moonless nights providing the optimal conditions.
Avoid light pollution by visiting these spots away from city lights to better see the glowing waters caused by these microorganisms. The phenomenon tends to be most dazzling when waves agitate the bioluminescent plankton, triggering their light emission.
One of the top spots to witness the marine bioluminescence show this weekend is Playa de Figueiras, Islas Cies in Galicia, Spain. Here, the algae flash when disturbed, turning waves into liquid glitter. If oily orange specks are spotted in the water during the day, it's a sign that the lights might appear after dark.
Two potential spots in Galicia to observe marine bioluminescence are Playa de A Lanzada, Sanxenxo-O Grove, a 2.5 km long beach with dunes, popular for surfing during the day, and Playa de Queiruga, Porto do Son, a pristine, little-known beach with fine white sand and gentle waters.
Witnessing marine bioluminescence in Galicia, Spain can be a breathtaking experience. The cause of the sea glow is a chemical reaction between luciferin and luciferase in the microscopic algae named Noctiluca scintillans. While the marine bioluminescence show is harmless to humans, it can be tricky to capture on camera.
So, this weekend, why not venture out to one of these stunning locations and witness this natural light show for yourself? It's an experience you won't forget!
- To enhance your outdoor-living experience and witness the natural light show, plan a visit to Playa de Figueiras, Islas Cies in Galicia, Spain this weekend.
- While in Galicia, explore the environmental-science behind the sea sparkle by visiting Playa de A Lanzada, Sanxenxo-O Grove or Playa de Queiruga, Porto do Son, two potential spots offering insights into the unique lifestyle of the Noctiluca scintillans microorganisms.
