Ribadeo, Lugo, Spain
Las Catedrales beach permit: when to book
You can book the free permit for Las Catedrales (As Catedrais) beach at most 30 days before your visit, on the Xunta de Galicia site ascatedrais.xunta.gal. It is needed only in Holy Week and from 1 July to 30 September.
- When does booking open?
- 30 days before your visit date. The booking form says early booking starts 30 days before the visit day, and the site does not let you book earlier. No release hour is published (Spain is on CET, or CEST in summer). For Holy Week 2027 (Palm Sunday is 21 March 2027) that means from about 19 February 2027, by our count. On 15 October 2026 the booking calendar did not yet mark any 2027 date as needing a permit, so check the site for the exact 2027 days. Outside Holy Week and July to September, access is free and needs no booking.
- How far ahead is that?
- Up to 30 days ahead.
- Where do I book?
- Only the Xunta de Galicia site ascatedrais.xunta.gal, in Galician, Spanish or English. Visitors from abroad can book. Phone help on +34 981 953 541, Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 15:00.
- Does it sell out?
- No published figure.
- Can I cancel or change?
- A permit is valid only for the day it was issued and only for the named person; it cannot be moved to another day. The site publishes no cancellation procedure.
Checked 15 October 2026
How to book
Book on ascatedrais.xunta.gal: choose the number of permits and the date, then give each visitor's details. The permit and the Xunta's guided visits are free. For each person you give the name, surname, sex, year of birth and ID document number.
Carry the permit: there is a permanent check at the beach entrance, and it can be asked for at any time. You can download it again from the site with your booking code or ID number.
If it’s sold out
Visit outside Holy Week and July to September, when no permit is needed. Check the site again nearer the date in case places free up.
The clifftop paths and viewpoints above the beach can be visited without going down to the sand.
Booking for a group
One request covers up to 25 people, but the person booking needs every member's name, surname, sex, year of birth and ID number. Children under 14 do not need an ID number.
Permits are named and cannot be passed to someone else.
Good to know
- Plan around low tide: the Xunta recommends the two hours before and after it, and the booking site shows tide times.
- Anyone who has a free guided visit cannot book another within 4 days before or after it.
- Dogs are not allowed on the beach in Holy Week or from 15 May to 15 September, except guide and support dogs.
- The sand is reached only by stairs; the clifftop paths and viewpoints are accessible for reduced mobility.
Sources
- Xunta de Galicia: As Catedrais booking site (official): Reservation only needed in Holy Week and from 1 July to 30 September; permits and guided visits are free.
- Xunta de Galicia: As Catedrais booking form, in English (official): Behind 'Start booking': up to 25 people per request; early booking starts 30 days before the visit day; one guided visit per person within 4 days either side; visit around low tide.
- Xunta de Galicia: As Catedrais FAQ (official PDF, Galician, 2025): At most 30 days ahead; personal details for everyone, no ID number under 14; permits valid only for the day and named person; dog rules; free.
- Xunta de Galicia: As Catedrais more information (official): Phone help on 981 953 541, Monday to Friday 08:00 to 15:00, and informacion-ascatedrais@xunta.gal.
Checked on 15 October 2026. Booking rules change; the official site has the last word.