Spain Beaches -
Galicia
Spain Beaches - Galicia - Overview:
Galicia is home to some of the most scenic and spectacular beaches you are ever likely to see and that includes the whole of Spain. Whether you're seeking golden brown or bleached white sand; crashing waves or tranquil lagoons, the coastline of Galicia really does offer it all.
The coast of Galicia is dotted with bays and inlets which are known locally as 'rias'. Galicia has more coastline than any other region in Spain and this is reflected in a thriving fishing industry. Galicia is known as the 'region of a thousand rivers' and most of those rivers lead into estuaries that feed the sea through many 'rias' or bays. These rias are split into the rias 'altas' (upper) and the rias 'baias (lower) bays.
Midway between the rias altas and baias is the famous historic fishing port of Finisterre, which has a varied landscape. The upper estuaries being backed by rocky and mountainous hills with sparse vegetation; and the lower bays and shoreline being shadowed by a softer more cultivated backdrop featuring not just pine and eucalyptus forests, but also fields of crops and a distinctly greener tone to the grassy meadows. The rocky, craggy hills that surround the upper estuaries also soften into more rounded hill tops as you travel further south.
Spain Beaches - Galicia - La Coruna:
Carballo:
On the coast at Carballo is the Natural Space of Razo. It is a nature lover's paradise with a lagoon, marshes, reed beds and two Blue Flag beaches.
Ferrol:
Ferrol has an impressive bay and port along with some good beaches including those of San Jorge, Cabanas and Cobas.
Finisterre:
Finisterre is mid way between the 'rias altas' and 'rias baias' (upper and lower bays of Galicia) and is approximately an hour and a half north of the town of Muros, the bay in which it is situated. If you drive to the top of the mountains shadowing Muros, the Cape of Finisterre can be seen in the distance on a clear day. The Costa da Morte (Coast of Death), south of the Cape, is a dramatic landscape of cliffs and sandy beaches.
Laxe:
Laxe enjoys a 2km stretch of quiet beach at the centre of the town and is surrounded by a delightful coastal walk. It is a bourgeois, traditionally Spanish and historic fishing village that has always being popular with tourists, transforming in summer into a lively and charming holiday destination. In its fish market any kind of fish and seafood can be found. You can take a delightful walk from the port in Laxe, at the centre of the Costa da Morte. With the ocean on your right hand side, sometimes within feet of you, you will reach the long, pristine white sands of Traba Beach, which is a lovely area for a picnic.
Noia:
Noia is ideally situated on the coast at the junction of two estuarial rivers, the 'Tambre' and 'Traba', with a backdrop of the San Marcos mountains. This area of Galicia has a coastline very similar to that of Norway with dozens of bays and inlets (called rias) littering the shoreline, nearly all hiding spectacular, and often deserted beaches. The spectacular scenery and stunning beaches offer a different kind of Spanish holiday, away from the commercialism that has taken over many parts of Spain.
Santa Marina:
Santa Marina is just 4km from Os Muinos beach and a short distance from the beaches of Lago and Nemina, the latter being well known among surfers. Sailing, surfing and windsurfing are very popular activities in this area.
Spain Beaches - Galicia - O Grove:
Balea O Grove:
Balea O'Grove: Balea is an excellent choice for a relaxing coastal holiday with an authentic Spanish flavour, especially for those who enjoy water-sports, seafood and good wine.
San Vicente O Grove:
The village of San Vicente is located on the O Grove peninsular, which in turn, is situated at the entrance to the Ria of Arousa, the largest of the Rias Baixas or lower estuaries. Only a few centuries ago it was an island, until sand built up and formed the beautiful beach of La Lanzada and now just one road connects it to the 'mainland'.
The village of San Vicente is not beside the sea, but is about 1km inland, so here you have the best of rural life but with many lovely sandy beaches within easy reach. These beaches are never crowded, even in high season, and you have a choice of whether you want south, west or north facing beaches. There is also an isolated naturist beach.
From the centre of San Vicente do Grove there are beaches to the north, west and south and all about 1km away. They are all of fine sand with some boulders and rock pools and slope gently into the sea. Some are backed by pine trees providing shade if required. The beaches on the north side are in the Ria of Arousa, and more protected from Atlantic waves. The only beach with lifeguards and Red Cross post in July and August is the long beach of La Lanzada which is approximately 4km from O Grove and 6km from San Vicente, and which has been awarded the EEC Blue Flag. It has fine hard sand and slopes gradually so it is good for children, and for walking.
Spain Beaches - Galicia - Pontevedra:
Sanxenxo:
Before the tourism boom Sanxenxo was nothing more than a small fishing village, but the constant arrival of visitors transformed its appearance totally, as people were drawn by its beautiful beach and bustling nightlife.
A Lanzada, a beach which runs for more than 4km, belongs to the town councils of O Grove and Xanxenxo and is one of the most popular in Galicia. The sanctuary there is visited by women wishing to start a family, as legend believes its waters can influence fertility.
