Free walking tours in Ribadeo and what to see

Must-sees

Ribadeo is at the mouth of the river Eo, the border between Galicia and Asturias. Its centre revolves around Plaza de España, with gardens and stately buildings. The highlight is the Torre de los Moreno, an early 20th-century Indiano house with a decorated dome. Heading down to the harbour, the fishermen’s quarter keeps steep streets and traditional houses. The 18th-century San Damián fort guards the entrance to the estuary.

The great attraction is Cathedrals Beach, a few kilometres away, with rock arches and vaults that can only be seen at low tide. In summer and at Easter access to the beach requires a free permit, applied for online. Closer to town, Illa Pancha has a lighthouse and views of the Cantabrian Sea. The Santos bridge crosses the estuary to Asturias.

Free tours and guided visits

Pay-what-you-wish free tours are not common in Ribadeo. More usual are guided visits of the centre and its Indiano heritage, and trips to Cathedrals Beach with explanations of how the rocks and tides work. There are also boat or kayak trips on the Eo estuary, and outings to nearby towns such as Mondoñedo, in Lugo, or Castropol and Tapia de Casariego, in Asturias.

How long to spend

Central Ribadeo, the Torre de los Moreno and the harbour take about three hours. Cathedrals Beach needs another two or three, and you should check the tide table to go at low water. With a full day you can do both. If you stay two or three days, use the time to explore the coast of A Mariña in Lugo and the Asturian villages across the estuary.

Where to stay

The centre, near Plaza de España, is the best base: restaurants, shops and the harbour are a few minutes’ walk away. If you prefer to sleep by the sea and close to Cathedrals Beach, the coast to the west has quiet rural houses and hotels. Either way, a car is almost essential for getting around the surroundings.