Estuary or open sea
Estuary beaches (Ares, Cabanas, Morouzos) have calmer water and gentler slopes. They suit families and relaxed swimming.
Open beaches (Doniños, Ponzos, Pantín, Frouxeira) get swell and currents. Good for surfing, but they demand care.
Temperature and season
Atlantic water sits around 16–19 °C in summer. It is cool even in August, and wind can make it feel colder.
The serviced bathing season runs from late June to early September. Outside it, there is less lifeguard cover.
Safety
Follow flags and lifeguards' advice. Without a lifeguard, avoid swimming alone and stay close to shore.
Rip currents are common on open beaches. If caught, swim parallel to the shore, not against the current.