A WALK BY RIBADEO AND ITS ESTUARY

Ribadeo (Commercial port)

Although to speak of the galician estuaries is usually associated with low estuaries, those that spread from cape Finisterre to the portuguese border, in no case we should despise the potential of the high estuaries, which are located from the east of the cape cited to the boundary of the province of Lugo, in his dividing line with Asturias. Although the low estuaries have a size bigger than the rest, a great natural wealth, extensive fish farming and a significant tourist attraction, the high estuaries can make available to the visitor enough incentive in order that he does not feel ever disappointed.

Despite I know, well enough, the Galician coast, and the evolution that comes experienced during the last times, in this concrete case I want to do a brief reference to Ribadeo and his estuary, who is shared in its margin right, downstream, by small and picturesque Asturian peoples, such as Vegadeo, Castropol and Figueras.

Estuary of river Eo

Ribadeo, with an urban core near to 7.000 inhabitants, is one of the most important village of the coast of Lugo. His geographical situation, located in the northeastern end of the province, allows  to enjoy of temperatures moderated during all the stations of the year as well as of an excellent and varied landscape, that, joined an acceptable gastronomic offer and his big possibilities of leisure and free time, offers sufficient attractions to the traveler  to be considered  an appetizing place of destination. Apart of the enjoyment of his beaches and of the different tourist routes that can be realized, inside the own village and his region, during the which it is possible to estimate the features most typical of his artistic and cultural wealth, his architecture, and his estimable religious heritage, the most interesting thing, particularly for all the fans of the sports related to the sea, they are the possibilities that his sports port offers, tourist resource of the first order that allows the practice of all kinds of nautical activities in the agreeable and pleasant environment of her estuary, in which, for the lovers of the fishing, can find the most estimated species: sea basses and gilded, between others. In this respect, I believe that it is opportune make mention to an interesting managerial project that, though it is giving his first steps, I am sure that will help, once consolidated, not only to offer  an estimable service to all the lovers of the navigation and the sports fishing, but to putting a differential note in the tourist offer of this maritime and riverside locality. I refer to the company “Afloat”, put in march for the enthusiast Pedro Lázaro, whose information can be located in his web page, www.aflote.com, to whom I want, from this blog, send a cordial greeting and to wish the major of the successes.

Figueras (Partial view)

After a nice and well-deserved day of leisure, employed in any of the many and varied activities that can occupy the free time, it's time for the revitalization, meeting the needs of the stomach without to forget or disregard the satisfaction of  palate. It is not difficult to find places in Ribadeo where you can combine both, but, for true fans of the cuisine, with style and quality, do not miss a visit to the restaurant San Miguel. Its privileged location, with excellent views of day and night, coupled with the quality and selection of its products, excellent cuisine, as well as the appropriate qualification and professionalism of its staff, make this establishment an obligatory stop, that, without doubt, will leave you fully satisfied.

    When choosing accommodation, the best option, within a wide range available, and without disparagement of other possibilities, is the choice of Parador. Its strategic location, with magnificent views, and the estimable quality of their services, make it optimal to enjoy a peaceful and pleasant days.



Castropol

The warm reception that the ribadenses offer to all who visit them, general feature in almost all the people of Galicia, is always well appreciated by all who come to their land and leaves a pleasant aftertaste that invites you to return.

If you do not yet know Ribadeo, and has the opportunity to visit this village, I can give you a good tip, that I'am sure will you appreciate: be sure to visit the monastery of Santa Clara, and buy any of the products manufactured in this place by Clares nuns, than offered for sale through the lathe. Sure that, in addition to the sensations that you will carry out from this town, this will be the sweetest memory. Of course, this will be the most ephemeral, but, still, worth it.

Beach of "Las Catedrales" (Partial view)

Finally, I not want to end this brief article without recommending, as well, to visit the beach of "Las Catedrales", one of the most beautiful on the Galician coast, and probably the country, with admirable rock formations where nature offers us its enormous artistic capacity, very superior to that which can be derived from human art. What you have to take into account is that this beach, at certain times of the year, due to the large influx of visitors, has restricted access, so you must previously request the mandatory permit for the day and time you intend to visit . Reservations can be requested on the portal that the "Xunta de Galicia" has created for this purpose, using the direct access indicated below:

 https://ascatedrais.xunta.gal/monatr/inicio?lang=es

C. Díaz Fdez.

Oviedo, October 17, 2011