Free walking tours in Foz and what to see

Must-sees

Foz is a seafaring town in A Mariña, on the Lugo coast, at the mouth of the estuary that bears its name. Its great historic treasure is a few kilometres from the centre: the basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo, a Romanesque church that was once an episcopal see and is considered by many one of the oldest cathedrals in Spain. Look out for its carved capitals.

The rest of Foz’s appeal lies in the sea. The harbour and promenade invite you to walk, and the beaches are the other reason to visit. A Rapadoira is the town beach, while Llas and Peizás are a little more out of the way and quieter. In the parish of Fazouro you can see an excavated coastal hillfort beside the beach, with the remains of round dwellings from the Iron Age and Roman periods.

Free tours and guided visits

Foz has no regular pay-what-you-like free walking tours. Most people explore on their own and join occasional guided visits, for example to San Martiño de Mondoñedo, or coastal routes organised in summer. Ask at the tourist office what is scheduled during your stay.

The most interesting excursions head into the surrounding area. As Catedrais beach, in Ribadeo, is a short drive away, and in high season a free permit is required to access the beach, so arrange it in advance. You can also visit Mondoñedo, with its cathedral and historic centre, or tour other villages on the Mariña coast.

How long to spend

Allow a day for Foz and its beaches: the morning for San Martiño and the Fazouro hillfort, the afternoon for the promenade and the beach. If you are going in summer and fancy mixing sea and excursions, three or four days is ideal, with one day for As Catedrais, another for Mondoñedo and the rest for relaxing on the local beaches.

Where to stay

The most convenient place to sleep is central Foz, near the harbour and A Rapadoira beach. You will have restaurants, shops and the promenade at hand and won’t need the car for the basics. If you prefer more calm, look for somewhere near the beaches of Llas or Peizás, or rural cottages inland, although there a car will be essential.