The most beautiful villages of the Rías Baixas on Galicia’s wild coast
The landscapes, villages and towns that comprise the Rías Baixas region in Galicia have been appealing to travellers for a long time. The Galician coast, stretching nearly 1,700 kilometres, is divided into several recognizable and distinctive zones. It is impossible not to be drawn to this shoreline with its delightful localities hugging the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. So let us begin by focusing on those places along the Atlantic Ocean and discover the most beautiful towns of the Rías Baixas region.
Mount Louro. | Shutterstock
The landscape around Louro, belonging to the municipality of Muros, cannot be explained without the presence of Mount Louro. A truly impressive sight to behold. Wherever one looks, the striking green colours against the blue Atlantic is sure to dazzle. At the foot of this mount lies Lake Louro, adding a final touch to this land of incredible beauty and bounty.
Postcard from Louro. | Shutterstock
Louro sits on the right bank of the estuary of Muros and Noia, which leads to the mouth of the Tambre River. A simple wander through this town’s streets reveals the characteristic charms of the many fishing villages found along Galicia’s green coast and its defining waters. San Francisco beach is a lovely spot to rest, while the truly impressive Carnota beach lies on the opposite side of the peninsula. Its seven kilometres make it Galicia’s longest beach and one of the longest beaches in Spain.
Muros. | Shutterstock
One of the most attractive and popular towns in the Rías Baixas region is Muros, which, according to history, was founded there due to the protection its hills provided against pirates and corsairs who attacked these coasts for a long time. Muros survived and transformed into a charming place of quaint cobblestone streets and seaside ambiance. Its port is always full of fishing boats and the statue of a woman, called the A Vella, stands waiting patiently for the safe return of sailors.
Church of San Pedro de Muros. | Shutterstock
The old quarter of Muros is a declared Historic-Artistic Site. Its monuments include the Abastos market, the collegiate church of San Pedro, and a 13th century temple that later underwent a maritime Gothic transformation. Another outstanding site is the old pilgrimage sanctuary of Virxe do Camiño. Indeed, there is much to be seen in Muros and its surroundings.
Noia viewed from one of its many bridges. | Shutterstock
Like Muros, Noia is a town with a medieval past whose historic old quarter has been admired by travellers for years. The town is tucked away in the most hidden part of the estuary, taking advantage of yet another small inlet from the sea. Noia is popularly said to be the port of Santiago de Compostela, being located half an hour from the Galician capital. Said to have been founded by Noah’s descendants, Noia is truly one of Galicia’s most charming towns.
Church of San Martiño de Noia. | Shutterstock
Noia’s old quarter is a declared Historic-Artistic Site, with monuments such as the church of Santa María A Nova and a 14th century Gothic temple housing the largest collection of guild gravestones in the world. Most remarkably, though, is the church of San Martiño, located in Do Tapal square and visible from nearly every corner of the town. The church tower still remains unfinished and legend states that whoever attempts to complete the tower’s construction will fall into disgrace. Noia’s links to the sea can also be discerned from the many bridges connecting it to the surrounding communities. The medieval bridge, Nafonso, is especially noteworthy.
Porto do Son, where some of Galicia’s best sunsets can be seen. | Shutterstock
Still in the region of Noia, it is worth mentioning the village of Porto do Son, situated in the northwestern part of the rugged peninsula of Barbanza, where the mountain turns to ocean in the blink of an eye. By far, the most exceptional aspects of Porto do Son are its breathtaking landscapes and gorgeous beaches such as Fonforrón. There are also two museums worth visiting: one is the Memoria Mariñeira, dedicated to preserving the maritime tradition, and the other is the Centro de Interpretación do Castro de Baroña.
Castro de Baroña, a place where words are not enough. | Shutterstock
Castro de Baroña is a must-visit for anyone interested in one of Galicia’s most important archaeological sites. First excavated in 1933 and subsequently declared a National Artistic Heritage Site and a Cultural
Heritage Site, Castro de Baroña brings together all the traits of typical seaside forts. Today, the ruins facing the ocean can be visited, offering an impeccable picture of history and nature.
Cambados’ shore in the distance. | Shutterstock
In the Arousa estuary lies Cambados, famous for its Fiesta del Albariño, a declared International Tourist Site, and so much more. A lovely promenade leads to places such as the ruins of the San Sadurniño tower, erected between the 8th and 9th centuries in order to protect the village from maritime attacks. The tower was apparently destroyed in one of the most significant medieval European revolts, known as the Irmandiños Rebellion.
Ruins of the church of Santa Mariña Dozo, one of Cambados’ most impressive sites. | Shutterstock
The ruins of the church of Santa Mariña Dozo are of great historical value and beauty. Around this temple with its striking arches is an unsettling cemetery. According to the Spanish writer Álvaro Cunqueiro, it is “the most melancholic graveyard in the world.” Another outstanding religious temple is the maritime, Gothic-styled convent of San Francisco, dating from the late 16th century. All of this and other surprises make Cambados one of the most beautiful and exhilarating places in the Rías Baixas region.
Combarro. | Shutterstock
Combarro has always been known as one of the most alluring towns, not only in the Rías Baixas region, but in all of Galicia. Undoubtedly, a town of unique charm, although in recent years it has occasionally been overwhelmed by visitors. Nevertheless, word has spread and everybody wants to see Combarro with their own eyes, a recommended first visit in the estuary of Pontevedra.
The unique hórreos in Combarro. | Shutterstock
The sight of the unique hórreos from the beach at low tide is indelible. And the high tide transforms the place into something distinct yet equally stunning. The historic old quarter is replete with traditional houses and characteristic elements that reveal Galician idiosyncrasies, such as its cruceiros, some stone crucifixes. Opposite on the estuary lies the small island paradise of Tambo, renowned for its own legends and history.
Redondela’s surroundings, more than just the ocean. | Shutterstock
An obligatory stop along the Camino Portugués, the second most-walked route of the Camino de Santiago, Redondela is a town conserving various monuments, reminiscent of its early days of growth. Two viaducts, both dating from the 19th century, mark the landscape and are visible from many spots in the town. Both of them are Cultural Heritage Sites.
Redondela. | Shutterstock
Its historic old quarter is entirely captivating for its neighbourhoods of seafront houses and the aforementioned characteristic hórreos. Redondela has plenty of narrow cobblestone streets, sure to delight anyone looking for that picture-perfect setting. One should not miss the spectacular views of the Vigo estuary and the ever-alluring sunsets facing the island of San Simón at Cesantes beach.
The fortress of Baiona, as seen from the Atlantic. | Shutterstock
The itinerary ends in Baiona, one of the last localities that can still be considered part of the Vigo estuary. It also happens to be among the prettiest and most monumental towns in the Rías Baixas region. Like all the towns along this coast, Baiona has a rich past intrinsically linked to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. In its harbour floats a replica of the famous Spanish caravel, the Pinta, for it was here where the first news arrived from Columbus’ famous expedition that newfound land had been discovered. The rest is history.
Baiona at nightfall. | Shutterstock
The most striking monument in Baiona is the stone-walled fortress of Monterreal, facing the Atlantic Ocean, which can be visited and explored at ease. The views of the ocean and of Baiona are truly worth seeing as well as the old quarter of the town, recently declared a Historic-Artistic Site of Interest. Baiona is often said to be one of the most fascinating towns in the Rías Baixas.
