The lovely old medieval town of Viveiro with its three impressive gateways leading into its narrow paved streets with quaint, old fashioned shops, hard to find in this modern world, may seem sleepy at first, but come at Carnival time or at Easter and throughout the summer and it boasts some of the best fiestas in Spain and an atmosphere to match!
Situated on the estuary of the Río Landro, dotted all along the coastline in both directions, are the most fabulous sandy beaches and beautiful, cliff backed Playa San Roman is one of them! With our fantastic new property Casa Consul there in a tiny traditional farming hamlet, backed by woods, you could almost roll down the fields into the sea. Friendly farming neighbours will offer you their own produce and bakers’ vans come by with the “best bread in the world”. Laze on the terrace with your book and a glass of chilled Albariño and a plate of fresh prawns, soaking in the stunning coastal view and you will feel that all of life’s necessities have been answered for in just the perfect spot!
Swim, surf or shrimp at the beach or venture out a bit further afield. Just a short drive along the coast is picturesque, yet unspoilt and dreamy Porto O Barqueiro with colourful fishing boats bobbing about in the bay. Feast on the truly fresh catch from the estuary at one of the simple bars there and you won’t be disappointed! Walk out to the most northern point of the Iberian Peninsula “Estaca de Bares” and the tiny, forgotten village of Porto do Barres and its lighthouse in a unique spot overlooking the Mar Cantábrico.
Further along the coast is the almost surreal Ría de Ortigueira and Ortigueira itself which is home to the amazing International Folk Festival in July. Beyond is the Sanctuario de San Andrés de Teixido, a pilgrimage centre dating back centuries, on the highest cliffs in Europe. As legend says ” He who does not go there in life, will go in death”.
Going eastwards don’t miss out on a visit to the Sargadelos ceramic factory (founded in 1806) with the most beautiful fine blue and white china with celtic designs which jump out at your eyes. From here continue along the coast to imposingly placed Ribadeo with its old quarter and La Playa de Las Catedrales with its incredible rock formations – one of the most spectacular beaches in the world!
Inland from here, lovely Lourenza with its C10th Benedictine monastery and magnificent Mondoñedo with its cathedral will both awaken your senses. And try the special cake from Mondoñedo “Rei de las Tartas” – the King of Cakes and the moustachioed man who invented it will make you laugh.
There is something for everyone in this beautiful, still unspoilt area of Galicia. Viva Viveiro and the Costa Lucence!
