The High Estuaries offer fishing villages, beaches, and landscapes open to the Atlantic. This three-day proposal groups visits by day to help you prepare your tour of the northern coast of Galicia.
3 days in the High Estuaries
Day 1
Starting from the West:
- if the day is clear, start at the fantastic viewpoint of Costa de Dexo
- walk around Sada: go through the Fontán Neighborhood and the Modernist Route.
- Drive to Pontedeume. Visit its Historic Center and the Tower, the best viewpoint over the estuary and the bridge that gives the town its name. Tower: 981 430 270
- head to the Monastery of Caaveiro, walking the paths of the Fragas del Eume**, refuge of exceptional flora and fauna (see practical data further down)
Day 2
- Visit the charming little village of Redes, a movie setting.
- Visit the Port of Ferrol (ideal with a guide who can explain the infrastructures and types of boats). Otherwise, visit the Naval Museum.
- Walk through the A Madalena neighborhood.
- You can cross to Mugardos by boat. Besides taking a stroll along the estuary, you can try the local specialty: pulpo a la mugardesa.
- Near Valdoviño beach you will find from A to E: 1- a small Hermitage, the Virgen do Porto, visitable only at low tide, 2- the A Frouxeira lighthouse, and right below, abandoned military batteries, 3- the beach and the A Frouxeira lagoon, 4- a coastal path to the charming Praia Pequena.
Day 3
- we will start the day at the Castle of La Concepción, in Cedeira, and take a walk along the River Condomiñas.
- Drive to San Andrés de Teixido**, where you will have to fulfill the rites dedicated to the Saint. The village is curious and is located in a unique enclave.
- Stop at least at the Vixia Herbeira viewpoint, the highest in the area, on this route dotted with viewpoints.
- visit the impressive Cabo Ortegal**.
- on your way to Viveiro, stop at the Best Bank in the World, which overlooks the cliffs of Loiba, the highest in continental Europe. (there are more than one bank with views around there 😉 )
What to eat
Fish and seafood are the traditional attractions on the tables of the Rías Altas. We can highlight the Pulpo a la Mugardesa, in Mugardos. There they cook the octopus in seawater, then take it to the pan with a sauté, and it is served with cachelos (boiled Galician potato). Surely, an original way to prepare it.
It is almost impossible to resist the exceptional barnacles from Cedeira offered in San Andrés de Teixido. The clams from As Piñas are famous, and the canned goods from Cariño, a true delicacy. Among all the canned goods, the cured sardines stand out.
In Pontedeume, the typical dessert or snack is the Prolla de Pontedeume, and the bread from Neda is also famous for its quality. The desserts include honey and cheese, and chestnuts from the area.
Practical information:
Rías Altas
- the route is planned from west to east, you can change the direction of the journey.
- from the Interpretation Center of Fragas del Eume, which is located at the entrance to the Monastery of Caaveiro, free minibuses go to the Monastery (the only motor vehicles allowed).
- It is necessary to reserve right there, they do not accept prior reservations. It is also possible to walk up. The Tourism Office organizes free guided tours. Call: 981 432 52
- the day you visit San Andrés de Teixido-Ortegal-Cliffs of Loiba should be a clear day. The fog (common in this area of the Rías Altas) would prevent you from enjoying the fabulous views.
- In San Andrés de Teixido, you must leave the car at the entrance of the village. The car parking is located just before the bus parking, on a street that goes to the right.
- After the first curve on foot, already in the village, public restrooms can be found.
The best experience
«Going down to the Faro Ortegal will take your breath away. The stretch between the Mirador do Coitelo and San Andrés de Teixido is, for me, the best part of the Rías Altas route. The highest cliffs in continental Europe do not disappoint.»
GABRIELA GARCIA
Travel Blogger
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