Mariña Lucense: the magic of nature.

This opulent village with an Indian heritage sits on top of a cliff. We recommend just wandering around, heading down to the port, going up the panoramic elevator (which is temporarily closed), and discovering the beautiful examples of Indian architecture (buildings typically found in areas home to American emigrants), such as the Torre de los Moreno. Don’t miss the Casa do Patín, with its preserved medieval façade. It’s the oldest public building in Ribadeo.

• If you have some time to spare, follow the coast to Isla Pancha, a little-known island off the beaten track. You are sure to fall in love with its lighthouse and landscape, especially during the season when flowers are in bloom.

The small fishing village of Rinlo is perfect for a stroll and having lunch at one of its seafront restaurants, where fresh local shellfish is served.

• A stone’s throw away from Rinlo is an ancient cetarea (Roman shellfish farm). This abandoned location with beautiful views is perfect for those who want to explore off the beaten track.

Although the beach of As Catedrais is the most famous in the area, the beaches of As Illas and Os Castros are also gems to uncover in Mariña Lucense. These lesser-known rocky sanctuaries are perfectly disconnecting and unwinding with a stroll along the shore or the lofty cliffs.

• Explore these beaches at low tide, as this is when the waters retreat to reveal the immense rocky structures.

The As Catedrais beach is one of the most emblematic beaches in Galicia. It appears on all the lists of the most beautiful beaches, the wildest beaches and the most photogenic beaches... And in fact, one of the reasons why the As Catedrais beach has become so popular is that it is a natural monument in itself.

• Be extra careful when visiting the As Catedrais beach. The cathedrals that you see on the beach are flooded without warning when the tide comes in, sometimes trapping unprepared or reckless people. It’s now necessary to make a reservation to access the beach during high season.
• The best way to visit the Cathedrals beach is when there is low tide during spring tides. Spring tide occurs when there is a full moon and lasts for the next three days. If not, you can go during low tide which occurs every day (every six hours and a few minutes).

The Benedictine monastery of San Salvador is a reference point in Galician Baroque and was declared a historical-artistic monument in 1974. Yet you will also find many more pieces of history in Lourenzá, such as its stone bridge, the Iglesia de Santa María or the Museum of Sacred Art. In addition to all this, we mustn’t forget its culinary value, with Lourenzá’s beloved Faba (bean) serving as its banner.El monasterio benedictino de San Salvador es un referente del barroco gallego y fue declarado monumento histórico-artístico en el año 1974. Pero Lourenzá presenta otras joyas de patrimonio histórico, como su puente de piedra, la iglesia de Santa María o el Museo de Arte Sacro. A todo esto hay que añadir su valor gastronómico, con la apreciada Faba (haba) de Lourenzá por bandera.

• If you like dairy products, stop by Carnicería Luis, a butcher shop where they sell a delicious 100% handcrafted requesón cheese.
  

Once the capital of the province of Galicia, Mondoñedo is monumental, everywhere you turn. The cathedral is a true architectural gem, but the Santuario de los Remedios, the Seminario, the San Pablo Hospital and the Monasterio de Os Picos are also well worth a visit. In addition, Mondoñedo has charming nooks and crannies, as well as many well-known natural enclaves in the surrounding area, such as the Cascada Salto do Coro waterfall.

• If you have time, ask about the Cova do Rei Cintolo, the largest cave in Galicia. Full of legends, this natural landmark has a priceless natural and historical value.

The Basílica de San Martiño de Mondoñedo, in the municipality of Foz, is considered, for practical purposes – and without disagreement between historians – to be the oldest cathedral in Spain. In the ninth century it was the seat of two bishops of the Kingdom of Galicia.

• Don’t miss the museum inside the basilica. It’s small but very interesting and informative.

This old fort was built between the first and third centuries A. D. It can be visited free of charge and is the only preserved fort of its kind on the Cantabrian coast. It boasts high historical value as it represents the way of life in the Castrexa era, with houses that formed populated settlements in places with good defensive visibility.

• If you like this fort and your route takes you through Galicia, make a note of these other names: Castro de Viladonga, Castro de Borneiro, Castro de Baroña and Castro de Santa Tegra.

For a tour of the city of Viveiro, one day or less is sufficient (depending on how much time you have to linger). Thanks to its strategic location, from the twelfth century onward, Viveiro was an important commercial and military hub. It was a walled city, of which there are hardly any traces left, but enough to get an idea of everything that happened within its walls.Para un recorrido por la ciudad de Viveiro es suficiente un día o menos (dependiendo de cuánto quieras entretenerte). Viveiro fue un importante centro comercial y militar por su situación estratégica a partir del siglo XII. Fue una ciudad amurallada de la que apenas quedan algunos vestigios, pero lo suficiente para hacerse a la idea de todo lo que allí dentro se vivió.

• Take note of the main points of interest: Puente de la Misericordia, Puerta de Carlos V, Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Leones, Iglesia de Santa María, Teatro Pastor Díaz, Convento de San Francisco, Convento e Iglesia de las Concepcionistas, Gruta de Lourdes, Puerta de O Valado, Puerta de A Vila and the remains of the old city wall and its passageway. And if you like observation points, climb up to the Mirador del Monte de San Pedro.

A forest with a promenade that runs alongside the Landro River, guarded by gigantic, century-old eucalyptus trees. They include a tree called “O Avó” (The Grandfather), because it is the oldest and tallest tree. It reaches more than 60 meters in height.

• If you have some spare time, take advantage of the route’s proximity to see the beautiful Pozo da Ferida waterfall.

El Fuciño do Porco, whose original name was Punta Socastro, is one of Mariña Lucense’s most emblematic sites, and in recent years has acquired special relevance among visitors to this region. It’s a perfect route for young and old alike and promises visitors unforgettable memories, not only of the photogenic walkways that run along the headland, but also of the impressive views that open up on both sides of it.

• The name Fuciño do Porco means “pig snout” in Galician and in fact derives from the profile of the headland as seen from the sea.
• Access is free, but you must book your visit in advance. The best light for photos is at midday. If you can, try to visit on a sunny day, when the waters turn a spectacular turquoise color.

This beach is guarded by two lush cliffs covered in vegetation that give the location a mystical yet Caribbean air. On sunny days, the sand turns golden and the water turns turquoise in color. But the extremely cold temperatures will remind you that you are not in Cuba.Esta playa está custodiada por dos frondosos acantilados cubiertos de vegetación que le dan un aire místico a la vez que caibeño al emplazamiento. En los días soleados la arena se vuelve de color dorado y el agua turquesa, pero te darás cuenta de que no es Cuba porque está tremendamente fría.

• This beach does not tend to be as popular as the southern beaches of Galicia. However, the easiest times to find parking are early and late in the day.