Praia de Carnota, the Galician beach where the sea is “full of stars”
The sea always has its charm, both day and night. There are some places, however, that add a touch of magic. An example of this is the coast of Galicia where, on the beach of Praia de Carnota (and not only in this charming bay) the water is tinged with fluorescent shades due to a natural phenomenon. Nestled on the coast, this little place seems like a dream that dissolves among the waves: the longest beach in the region with its golden sand and over seven kilometers is transformed into a natural theater with a wow effect.
When conditions are perfect, the water begins to shine so brightly that it seems to be filled with stars . The phenomenon is known as mar de Ardora , or sea of fire: a rare and fascinating event that enchants tourists from all over the world.
Praia de Carnota, the beach in Galicia where the sea seems covered with starsAlthough it may seem so, marine bioluminescence is not magic but pure science. The phenomenon that occurs in Praia de Carnota is caused by the presence of tiny marine organisms known as dinoflagellates . Specifically, the Noctiluca scintillans live here and emit light when in contact with the motion of the waves, from a light step on the shore or a sudden dive.
The sea seems to explode in blue and milky flashes, a true “ sea of stars ” that once instilled fear in sailors, who believed it was sacred fire or divine omens. Today we know that it is a chemical reaction: when dinoflagellates are agitated, they release a substance called luciferin , which reacts with oxygen to produce light.
Because in Praia de Carnota the water becomes fluorescentAmong the many beaches of Galicia in Spain , Praia de Carnota has an edge and not only for its size. Its pristine environment and the scarce presence of light pollution means that the seabed can nourish a rich biological variety.
The beach is protected by a system of dunes that separates it from the hinterland, thus creating a sort of microclimate perfect for the settlement of some organisms that cause the phenomenon. The geographical orientation makes the difference: being exposed to the Atlantic Ocean but sheltered from tourist flows, it is a true marvel.
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Be careful, the phenomenon does not happen every night but only in specific conditions . It must be dark, not a full moon and with low light pollution. The best time is late summer or early autumn when the water is warm and the ocean currents combined with the south wind favor the flowering of microorganisms. This is not the only place in the world where you can admire stars in the sea , it also happens in Australia in Jervis Bay as well as in other beaches in Spain away from the crowds .
Where is Praia de Carnota and how to get therePraia de Carnota is a beach in the province of La Coruña in Galicia . To get there, the best option is to arrive at Santiago de Compostela airport, which is about 90 kilometers away. From there, you can rent a car and move around independently, organizing a splendid on the road in one of the most characteristic areas of Spain.
