Author: OsFaroles Hotel

1. Introduction to the Natural Route of the Cantabrian Route

The Cantabrian Route Natural Trail is a hiking and cycling route that runs along the spectacular northern coast of Galicia, between the provinces of Lugo and A Coruña. This itinerary of more than 150 kilometers will take you to discover some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes of the Galician coast, from impressive cliffs to paradisiacal beaches .

The route is divided into 7 stages that will allow you to enjoy the diversity of this stretch of the Cantabrian coast. Starting in Ribadeo, on the border with Asturias, and ending in Ladrido, in the Ortigueira estuary, the Nature Trail will give you the opportunity to explore fishing villages, visit protected natural spaces and contemplate panoramic views of dazzling beauty.

2. Stages of the Natural Route of the Cantabrian Route

Stage 1: Ribadeo – Cathedrals Beach

The first stage of the Cantabrian Route Natural Trail begins in Ribadeo, a town located at the mouth of the Eo estuary, on the border with Asturias. From the port of Ribadeo, the route enters a landscape of beaches, cliffs and old fort settlements.

One of the main landmarks of this stage is Pancha Island, a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge and home to two lighthouses. Further ahead, you will reach the Cathedrals beach, a spectacular sandy area declared a Natural Monument for the beauty of its rock formations carved by the sea.

Visit the Cathedrals Beach, one of the main attractions of the Natural Trail

Stage 2: Cathedrals Beach – Foz

After saying goodbye to the Cathedrals Beach, the second stage will take you to the town of Foz, at the mouth of the Masma River. Along the way, you can enjoy a succession of beaches, cliffs and residential areas.

One of the highlights of this stage is the Foz-Masma Estuary, which is part of the Natura 2000 Network as a Special Conservation Area and Special Protection Area for Birds. Here you can observe the natural wealth of this protected area .

Discover the Ría de Foz-Masma, a protected natural area on the route.

Stage 3: Foz – Burela

The third stage of the Cantabrian Route Natural Trail runs between the towns of Foz and Burela, always very close to the coast. On the tour, you will be able to visit the forts of Llas and Fazouro, fort settlements from the 1st-3rd centuries AD.

Burela, one of the most important fishing ports in the Cantabrian Sea, will be the end of this stage. Here you can taste excellent seafood, such as the famous skewer hake .

Get to know the Llas and Fazouro forts, vestiges of the past on the route

Stage 4: Burela – San Cibrao

The fourth stage is the shortest of the route, just 13 kilometers long. From Burela, the route enters an eminently beachy section, with beaches such as Rueta and Pazo de Pedrosa.

Before reaching San Cibrao, the path passes by the Punta Atalaia lighthouse, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the coast. In San Cibrao, you can visit the old salting factories and the Don Julián sawmill .

Enjoy the beaches and the Punta Atalaia lighthouse in this stage

Stage 5: San Cibrao – Viveiro

The fifth stage is the longest of the route, almost 30 kilometers long and with a greater gradient. It will start in the Ría de Leiro and will take you to the city of Viveiro, passing through white sand beaches and eucalyptus forests.

Before reaching Viveiro, you can visit Area beach and the small town of Celeiro. Once in Viveiro, don’t miss the opportunity to explore its medieval historic center and taste the excellent seafood in its restaurants .

Discover Viveiro, a city with a rich historical heritage on the route

Stage 6: Viveiro – O Vicedo

This stage covers a little more than 22 kilometers between the cities of Viveiro and O Vicedo. The Misericordia Bridge crosses the estuary linking the beaches of Viveiro and Covas, and O Cargadoiro with O Fucio do Porco. The Cross of San Román illustrates the harshness of these coasts. Immediately after the Vicedo Vello beach, the fishing port of O Vicedo opens its doors to the town .

Explore the Fucio do Porco, a stunning coastal trail on this stage

Stage 7: O Vicedo – Barking

The seventh and last stage says goodbye to the lands of Lugo and takes the traveler into A Coruña. The path crosses the estuary through the beautiful iron bridge of O Barqueiro, in the center of which is the provincial boundary, and crosses the town of the same name.

Afterwards, the traveler enters the spectacular landscape formed by the beach and the Esteiro estuary, included in the Natura 2000 Network as a Special Conservation Area under the name Estaca de Bares. A long deck allows you to enjoy this place brimming with biodiversity. It is advisable to be careful not to miss the detour to the Cotelio viewpoint, known as the “Best bench in the world” for its impressive views .

Don’t miss the Cotelio viewpoint, the “Best bench in the world” in this final stage

3. Discovering the natural treasures of the Cantabrian Sea

Paradise beaches

Along the Natural Path of the Cantabrian Route, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the most spectacular beaches in Galicia. From the famous Playa de las Catedrales, declared a Natural Monument, to small coves hidden between cliffs, the route will give you a unique experience of contact with the Cantabrian Sea .

Some of the most notable beaches that you will find along the way are:

• Cathedrals Beach (Ribadeo)
• Arealonga beach (Foz)
• Rueta Beach (Burela)
• Celeiro Beach (Viveiro)
• San Román Beach (O Vicedo)
• Bimbieiro Beach (Bark)

Impressive cliffs

In addition to the beaches, the Cantabrian Route Natural Trail will allow you to contemplate some of the most impressive cliffs on the Galician coast. These rock formations sculpted by the wind and the sea will give you dreamlike panoramic views and the opportunity to observe the force of nature .

Some of the most notable cliffs that you will find on the route are:

• Cliffs of the Foz-Masma Estuary
• Cliffs of the Ría de Leiro
• Cliffs of Punta da Abrela (Fucio do Porco)
• Cliffs of the Estaca de Bares

Estuaries and estuaries

The estuaries and estuaries are another of the natural attractions that you can enjoy on the Cantabrian Route Natural Trail. These coastal formations, the result of the flooding of river valleys by the sea, are home to great biodiversity and offer landscapes of great beauty .

Some of the most notable estuaries and estuaries that you will find on the route are:

• Eo estuary (Ribadeo)
• Foz-Masma estuary
• Leiro estuary
• Viveiro estuary
• Esteiro Estuary (Estaca de Bares)

4. Charming fishing villages on the route

In addition to the impressive natural landscapes, the Cantabrian Route Natural Trail will allow you to discover a series of fishing villages with a special charm. These towns, strongly linked to fishing tradition, will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic Galician culture and taste its exquisite seafood products .

Some of the most notable fishing towns that you will find on the route are:

• Ribadeo
• Rinlo
• Foz
• Burella
• San Cibrao
• Viveiro
• Or Vicedo
• O Barqueiro

5. Options to travel the Nature Trail

Walking

The most traditional and recommended way to explore the Cantabrian Route Natural Trail is on foot. This mode will allow you to fully enjoy the landscapes and completely immerse yourself in the experience of the route .

The trail is divided into 7 stages that vary in length between 13 and 30 kilometers, making it accessible to hikers of different levels of experience. In addition, you can adapt the pace and distances to your preferences and abilities.

cycling

Another interesting option to explore the Cantabrian Route Natural Trail is by bicycle. This modality will allow you to cover greater distances in less time and enjoy the route from a different perspective .

Most of the route is cyclable, although there are some sections shared with motorized traffic, so you should take the necessary precautions. Additionally, you should keep in mind that some sections may present greater unevenness and technical difficulty.