On the Costa da Morte, between the Galician towns of Cee and Corcubión, lies Praia Estorde, a tranquil cove that reveals a secret when night falls.
This is no optical illusion – it's a milky sea, a natural phenomenon that transforms the beach into one of the most extraordinary spots on the Atlantic coast. A spectacle that occurs only a few days each year.
Estorde, a quiet cove with a supernatural touch
Praia Estorde may be small, but it has everything you need. This crescent-shaped beach stretches around 350 metres, with fine white sand framed by native vegetation and green Galician slopes. Unlike many other coves, it is well-equipped, offering lifeguards, showers, restaurants and a nearby campsite.
By day, the beach remains calm and perfect for a relaxing swim. But when night falls and conditions align, something extraordinary occurs.
A glow-in-the-dark beach
Between June and September, on moonless nights with calm seas, the water begins to glow with an intense electric-blue light, as if stardust has been scattered across the Atlantic.
This phenomenon, known as milky sea, is caused by microscopic organisms called Noctiluca scintillans, a type of bioluminescent algae. When the waves move or you walk along the shore, they emit their own light, creating a mesmerising natural display.
The effect is both hypnotic and poetic – many describe it as the sky reflected in the water, though in reality, it is the sea itself that transforms into the firmament.
Accommodations in Cee are ideal for visiting Cala Estorde
A spectacle to be experienced, not captured on camera
No photograph can truly capture the phenomenon. The silence, the reflection of the stars, the scent of the sea and the glistening, damp sand all combine to create a unique atmosphere.
It is an almost mystical encounter – far from a conventional tourist attraction. There are no timetables, no entrance fees and no guides – just nature in its purest form, with a glow that seems orchestrated by the ancient Celtic myths still whispered along this coast.
Where and how to enjoy the Ardora Sea?
Praia Estorde is the ideal spot to witness this natural phenomenon. Easily accessible by car, it offers all the amenities needed for a comfortable day out.
A few minutes away, Gures Beach also showcases the same magical display, though access is trickier, requiring travel along an unlit dirt road.
To fully experience the spectacle, minimise light pollution – turn off flashlights and phone screens. Moonless nights with calm seas offer the best conditions. Step onto the shore and immerse yourself in the ethereal blue glow of the milky sea.
Estorde’s beauty comes alive with the sunrise
While the milky sea comes alive only at night, Praia Estorde and its surroundings are well worth visiting by day. From here, you can explore:
- Cape Finisterre, full of symbolism and with seemingly endless views.
- Mount Pindus, known as the “Celtic Olympus,” is a favourite for hikers and nature lovers.
- The Lobeiras Islands, visible from the coast, and the entrance to the Corcubión estuary, with seafaring stories and legends.
- Hiking trails through forests and cliffs.
- Iconic lighthouses that have guided sailors since time immemorial.
- Almost virgin beaches where silence dominates the landscape.
Visiting Praia Estorde offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, both by day and by night.
Finding a home nearby
A place like this is rare to find. Each evening, the milky sea lights up this corner of Galicia, creating a scene that lingers in the memory.
Would you like to live somewhere like this? For those seeking a change of pace or a second home, the Costa da Morte offers the perfect opportunity. In Cee, you can find properties to buy and rent that combine modern amenities with a privileged natural setting.
Make Praia Estorde your home, where the stars don’t just shine in the sky – they also light up the sea.