HOW TO VISIT THE GALICIAN ESTUARIES?
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WHAT ARE THE GALICIAN RÍAS ?
The estuaries are one of the most remarkable elements of the Galician coast. It is a geographical peculiarity of the area.
The estuaries are the mouths of the rivers in the sea or, more precisely, the penetration of the sea on the coast. Galician estuaries formed at the mouth of rivers because the sea water level was higher than the level of river valleys.
Due to this phenomenon, salt water was mixed with fresh water, creating a perfect environment for the development of aquatic fauna and flora. Not for nothing is considered Galicia a region with the best seafood and fish.
If you plan your holiday in Galicia, you can’t skip the laughs!
RÍAS ALTAS
The Rías Altas extend between Cape Finisterre to the southwest and Asturias to the east, occupying the north of La Coruña and the entire province of Lugo, the coast of the Cantabrian Sea.
They are formed by two parts: The Costa da Morte and the Rías altas themselves. Rías Altas is a rocky area, which has many beautiful beaches, which you have to see in Coruña and Lugo.
RÍAS BAIXAS
The Rías Baixas are located on the Atlantic coast of Galicia, occupying almost the entire coast of the province of Pontevedra and the west coast of La Coruña.
The size of the Rías Baixas significantly exceeds that of the Rías Altas. The Atlantic coast enjoys the wide and navigable estuaries that force the development of the fishing sector.
In addition, it has several tourist destinations to see in Galicia, such as wonderful sandy beaches, numerous lighthouses, fishing villages, islands and cliffs.
The Rías Baixas are composed of six estuaries (Ría de Corcubión, Ría de Muros and Noya, Ría de Arosa, Ría de Pontevedra, Ría de Aldán and Ría de Vigo) and each of them offers great attractions for holidays in Galicia.
In this official link of the tourism website of Galicia you can read more info about the Rías Baixas.
Read also : 6 COASTS AND BEACHES OF GALICIA
LOCATION
If you wonder what to see in Galicia, we recommend you to start with the estuaries, in addition to its own charm, its location will also allow you to visit other outstanding places in Galicia, such as Cabo Fisterra, Muros village or Ézaro waterfall.
The estuaries form part of the coast, occupying the territory of three provinces of Galicia: Pontevedra, La Coruña and Lugo. The area is traditionally divided into Las Rías Altas and Las Rías Bajas.
Read also : FINISTERRE: WHERE THE WORLD ONCE ENDED
HOW TO VISIT THE GALICIAN ESTUARIES?
The estuaries are beautiful places to visit in Galicia that always impress everyone.
However, we believe that the best way to get to know the estuaries is through mariñeiro tourism. It is the tourism sector that organizes holidays in Galicia around the sea and the life of sailors. This will allow you to get to know the local culture well through attractions such as accommodation in charming villages such as Muros, Muxía or Combarro; visits in areas where clams or cockles are grown; participation in fishing or tasting local food, accompanied by a glass of albariño wine (local wine produced from Albariño grapes, in the province of Pontevedra).
If you don’t love the idea of sailing the sea and the estuaries, and you don’t love shellfish either, you can discover Galicia on foot. The hiking routes in La Costa da Morte and other estuaries are spectacular.
Another option is to tour the Galician coast. Traveling with a caravan will allow you to get to know the estuaries in a very comfortable way and also, you will have an exclusive opportunity to sleep in the places with the best views in all Spain.
Whatever your preferred way, do not miss this adventure and visit the Galician estuaries!
If you need a guided tour, hire one of the local travel agencies (for example, Galicia Travels), the coast has no secret for your guides!