Route along the north coast of Galicia: from Betanzos to Cabo Ortegal.
Galicia has such a unique beauty that It seems obvious that so many legends have been born within their lands. In its northernmost area, specifically, the sea, which sometimes seems to have a life of its own, engages in conversations with cliffs and green lands, in the purest style of the most epic fiction stories.
The location of Galicia, especially in its northernmost part, is what makes this autonomous community so special. The Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea intersect on its coast ; and the climate, although harsh at times, is what allows it to have that green that defines it and, why fool ourselves, is what makes the visitor's imagination soar when walking through its nature.
Galicia is said to be the home of diaños , a kind of goblins that come out onto the road to scare passers-by; of the holy company , who seeks the spirit of the walkers who have been lost; or of the mouras , spirits of women with supernatural powers, victims of an enchantment.
We don't know if the legends are true, but what can not be doubted is that Galicia is a place to visit . We cross its north coast, where its two waters meet, of Betanzos to Cape Ortegal , stopping at some of the most beautiful places in this part of the Iberian Peninsula.
Betanzos.
BETANZES
This place is a perfect example of Galician villa by the sea . It was one of the most important cities in Galicia until, after suffering a terrible fire in 1569, A Coruña eclipsed it . Even so, culture and history are still palpable in almost all its corners, and that's not counting the fact that It has one of the most famous tortillas in Spain.
The entire city is a monument in itself: from the Garcia Naveira Brothers Square , with a fountain dedicated to Diana, the huntress; until Tower , going through the Churches of Santa Maria and of San Francisco.
But, apart from its beautiful old town, Betanzos is famous for hosting one of the first theme parks in Galicia , the call Pasatempo Park . Although time has not treated it very well, this place, built at the end of the 19th century, has labyrinths, strange and impressive constructions, and all of it surrounded by weeds.
It's one of those places you have to see in person. to understand his fame. Unfortunately, it is currently closed in order to carry out its much-needed restoration and protection.
Ponte do Demo in Pontedeume.
PONTEDEUME
Few places have a gateway as magnificent as the one in pontedeume -whose name, on the other hand, suits him perfectly-.
This town is entered by a long bridge that crosses the river Eume , which dates back to Roman times, although many locals prefer the legend that attributes the construction of this engineering work to the devil himself, and therefore, its name would mean Ponte do Demo .
Whether true or not, Pontedeume brings together the best of the beach and mountain areas , as it rises like a hill above the Atlantic coast. Its old town is very well preserved and it is a perfect place to have a drink, and enjoy the union of the breezes from the estuary and the ocean.
Networks, seafaring essence.
NETWORKS
Redes, a small town located very close to Pontedeume, maintains its seafaring essence from centuries ago . This can be seen in its name - nets have always been a traditional fishing tackle - and also in the fact that keeps the wooden sticks on the beach where this seafaring tool was traditionally dried.
Redes is a very charming town. Colorful and very well located houses swirl around the main square, the Pedregal Square , from where you can also access the ramp where boats still get off and on.
This villa is perfect for walking, look at the sea, eat sausages -a kind of sardines-, and make a small coastal route with views of the Betanzos estuary.
Valdoviño, pure Galician coast.
VALDOVINO
At the time it was known for being the town where potatoes brought from America were planted for the first time, today it is famous for being the seat of the biggest surfing championship in Europe , the Classic pantyhose.
But Valdoviño is a perfect place to enjoy the Galician coast even for those not too interested in this sport. Particularly noteworthy is the Hermitage of Virxe do Porto , a tiny white chapel, built on an island near the beach , and that rises peacefully, almost as if it were not aware of its location with the sea breaking around it on stormy days.
Ferrol.
FERROL
Ferrol has a very different air from the rest of the towns in this area. Known for being an industrial city, it is never related to tourism and even so, Ferrol has places that are very worthwhile , even if only to see another face of this community.
His name is said to come from Ferreol, a Breton saint who washed ashore in this area surrounded by a choir of seven sirens.
Currently, it highlights Canido neighborhood , famous for its murals of meninas; the Magdalena neighborhood or the Exponav , where you can feel like a traveler crossing the ocean in a galleon.
CANDIEIRA LIGHTHOUSE
a few kilometers from Cedeira , a little further east, we find the Candieira Lighthouse and the path that descends to it from the Mount Purrido . In order to get as close as possible, you have to do it on foot, along some steep and zigzag slopes that offer a fascinating view of the Atlantic in all its glory.
This white lighthouse stands out against the landscape of dark blue and green tones . It has been operating since 1954, and has been inhabited for 30 Miguel Garcia Cernuda and his family. It is one of those places that activate the imagination, since it is located on the edge of one of the cliffs that characterize this area and where the wind almost always blows.
San Andres de Teixido.
SAN ANDRES DE TEIXIDO
It seems incredible that there are so many pilgrims who come to this small village by the sea , but it is no coincidence that it is so. Legend has it that Saint Peter, aware that Saint Andrew was sad because everyone preferred to visit Santiago de Compostela before his church, he assured the saint that he would make sure that the souls that had not approached there in life would have to do so once they died, converted into animals.
There is no doubt that there is a great fauna in this area (which makes you think), and also this town is so beautiful and is in such a unique location with privileged views, that it is better to approach while being part of the world of the living . It is very worth it.
**ÁRTABRA COAST (VIXÍA HERBEIRA)**
With 613 meters high , this viewpoint is located in one of the highest cliffs in Europe continental. At its highest point, with impressive views of the sea and the cliffs that surround the coast of this part of the world, are the Herbeira checkpoint , an 18th-century stone house that once functioned as a watchtower against the possibility of pirate attacks.
Very close to Herbeira there's a eolico Park which adds a shocking (and somewhat controversial) touch to the whole.
Cape Ortegal, magical Galicia.
CAPE ORTEGAL
Located at the point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea hug each other, Cabo Ortegal is the perfect place to end a visit to this magical area of Galicia.
And if we add to the location and the view that Cabo Ortegal is believed to it was millions of years ago one of the centers of the earth , then the interest will only grow.
Enjoy the sunset from this incredible place, with rocks emerging here and there in the water, confirms that Galicia is a place where imagination and legends soar with each new step we take.