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SANDS STRANGE

The smallest beach in the world is found in Spain – but it’s in a very weird location

THE SMALLEST beach in the world can be found just a few hours from the UK - although it's not where you'd expect.

Playa de Gulpiyuri is found in northern Spain - but bizarrely, it's not on the coastline.

A beach in Spain has been named the smallest in the world - and it's not even on the coast
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A beach in Spain has been named the smallest in the world - and it's not even on the coastCredit: Alamy
The tiny beach has just a 40 metre stretch of sand and is inland
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The tiny beach has just a 40 metre stretch of sand and is inlandCredit: Getty
You can only get there on foot, and the water is tidal via tunnels under the cliffs
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You can only get there on foot, and the water is tidal via tunnels under the cliffsCredit: Alamy

The word "Gulpiyuri" means "water circle" in Spanish, and it is named due to its location.

The tiny beach is actually inland, found in the middle of a park.

It has no direct access to the sea, and the saltwater comes in from the sea via the cliffs.

A series of tunnels created by the saltwater allows the water to come in and out with the tide from the Bay of Biscay.

The 40 metre stretch of white sand is visible during low tide, but if you also want to see the water you will have to visit during high tide.

Its strange location also means it is quieter than Spain's other beaches as you can only access it on foot.

It's also great for kids as the water never gets deeper than knee-height so it is ideal for splashing around.

The beach has even been deemed a Natural Monument as part of the Regional Network of Protected Natural Areas. 

Previous tourists have praised the unique Spanish beach.

One woman wrote: "We went beginning May on a rainy day, so we had it for ourselves.

"It was the most stunning blue green 18 degrees clear water and the swim was the most romantic swim ever."

Another said: "This secret little beach is a great site to see after walking a few hundred meters through paddocks.

"Wow nature is amazing."

Here's another hidden beach in Spain that has bright blue waters.

And the smallest city in the UK has its own beach too.

Expect to see some locals but it's not the easiest to get to
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Expect to see some locals but it's not the easiest to get toCredit: Alamy
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