Today we suggest you an amazing road trip along the coast of Galicia. Galicia is the land of meigas (name given to witches in Galicia) where you will find stunning landscapes. From the ferocity of its cliffs you will be able to observe the Atlantic Ocean. It seems it has an end, in contrast to the green of the fields.
Our road trip begins in Ribadeo estuary and ends in Vigo estuary. Let’s go!
Our first stop is As Catedrais beach, that was chosen as the fourth best beach in Europe in 2014. It is located in the province of Lugo and more precisely in the village of Ribadeo. It takes its name from the stunning natural constructions of its rocks that remain us the shape of a gothic cathedral. Some arches reach up to 30 metres and they only can be seen at low tide.
There are lot of fine and white sand beaches around such as Os Bloques, Os Castros and O Cargaderio.
Now we are moving to O Porto de Bares, about one hour and a half far from the previous stop. It is located in the province of A Coruña, the northernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. Here is the Estaca de Bares Lighthouse, at 101 metres above sea level. It is also the imaginary borderline where Atlantic Ocean and Cantabric Sea merge. There is no words to describe this landscape.
The village of Ortigueira is a must see destination in Galicia. There is located “the most beautiful bench in the world”. The views are simply amazing. Moreover, it is just 20 min far from the previous stop. We recommend you to eat in Ortigueira in order to try the local cuisine.
According to the legend, the first inhabitants of this wonderful land were the children of fish and whales. The Cedeira estuary has cliffs of up to 600 metres height and two beaches you should visit. On the one hand, the Magdalena beach. The Vilarrube beach, on the other. Furthermore, this area is popular because of its barnacles. If you have not eaten yet, this place is also a good choice. Here you have you some recommendations.
In the coast of Ferrolterra there are two places that we think they are particularly magical. Firstly, Santa Comba beach. There is located an hermitage of the same name. It is situated over a mound of earth that could only be accessed at low tide by rising stairs that were destroyed by severe weather. Secondly, the nearby destination is the Prior cape (Prioriño in Galician). Because of its geographical situation was a strategic place to defend the naval base of Ferrol. There are still some remains such as tunnels, bunkers, guardhouses,…
Our road trip continues through the galician coastline until we reach the capital of Galicia: A Coruña. Here you should visit the Torre de Hércules. It is the oldest Roman lighthouse and the only one that still works. Probably built in the second half of the 1st century, it presides over the beautiful city of A Coruña.
Here Romans witnessed and told the spectacle of the sun going down in the Atlantic Ocean, in the finisterrae (‘the end of the Earth’). Costa da Morte is a land full of mysteries, legends and myths. Capes as Fisterra, Touriñán and Vilán get into a brave ocean popular due to —or at least is what legends say— shipwrecks.
We finally get to the province of Pontevedra. Among its coasts the best one is the Isla de Arousa, a natural paradise in Galicia. It covers a surface area of 7 km2, where almost 5,000 people live. It is connected to the continent through a 2 km long bridge —one of the largest in Spain—. The island’s economy is primarily based on fishing and mussel cultivation on rafts. So, in addition to impress you because of its 36 km of coast, the fresh seafood will surely leave you wanting more.
Welcome to the last stop in our road trip along the Galician coast. Vigo estuary and in particular, Faro de Cabo Home, is part of the National Park das Illas Atlánticas. An ideal place for lovers of photography, hiking and beaches. Views are stunning and from there you can see the famous Islas Cíes, located directly opposite. If you are looking for beaches, Melide is really close by.
By Paloma Díaz Espiñeira
