Camariñas – Coastal Paths, Bobbin Lace and Sea

More than 20 routes from Camariñas Explora lead along the coast and through the inland areas of Camariñas. They are designed for different walking speeds and for hiking or cycling.

Activities

The Camino de los Faros is a 200-kilometre coastal hiking trail with the Arou–Camariñas and Camariñas–Muxía stages. The PR-G 158 hiking trail begins at the ruins of Castelo do Soberano in Camariñas. It first passes beaches, coves and cliffs, then continues through upland terrain with views over the Ría de Camariñas. The main route is 21.7 kilometres long.

The Ruta litoral de Camariñas is a 19-kilometre coastal path of moderate difficulty, catalogued as a Sendero Azul, with two gentle climbs. It begins at the Museo de Manfred Gärdiner in Camelle and ends at Castelo do Soberano in Camariñas. The route passes through the municipality’s Natura network area and includes beaches, bird protection areas and natural stone sculptures.

Nature

At Monte Branco, a 150-metre-high mobile dune rises in the Bay of Trece. Endangered plants of the Corema album species grow at its foot.

Playa do Trece is just over 1,250 metres long and has fine sand and waves. Playa Area da Vila is an unspoilt, cove-shaped beach with calm waters, located at the foot of the Ermita da Virxe do Monte. Playa y Área Recreativa de Ariño is surrounded by a peaceful pine forest with tables, benches and barbecue areas.

The Ría de Camariñas is a small, sheltered ria. Its waters meet those of the Río Grande at Ponte do Porto.

Culture

Cabo Faro Vilán now houses a museum and an exhibition space. The Cabo Vilán lighthouse stands 125 metres above sea level; its light reaches up to 28–30 nautical miles, or 55 kilometres. Cabo Vilán can be reached by road from the port of Camariñas; an unpaved coastal track also leads there from Arou.

The Cementerio de los Ingleses has been included in the European Cultural Route of the European Route of Significant Cemeteries. It was created after the sinking of the British training ship The Serpent in 1890, in which only three of the 175 crew members survived.

Tradition and Faith

The Museo del Encaje de Camariñas promotes knowledge and the dissemination of Camariñas bobbin lace, a craft tradition that has continued for centuries in Camariñas and other places along the Costa da Morte. Camariñas is now considered the birthplace of the famous bobbin lace, skilfully made by women from the town.

The Mostra do Encaixe de Palillos de Camariñas takes place every year during Holy Week, from Wednesday to Sunday. The daily morning and afternoon sessions begin with bobbin-lace demonstrations by the municipal lace-making schools of Camariñas, Camelle, Xaviña and Ponte do Porto.

During the pilgrimage on the Monday of the Carmont, the image of the Virgin is carried in procession from Camariñas to the Ermida da Virxe do Monte and taken around the chapel three times. The Ermida da Virxe do Monte is an 18th-century Baroque chapel on a hill of great scenic importance. From there, Punta da Barca near Muxía and the Vilán lighthouse can be seen.

Townscape

The town centre of Camariñas preserves numerous traditional houses. The atmosphere of former fishing villages can be felt in its narrow streets.

Other places

Other places at the same destination level: San Andres de Teixido, Calvos, Mallas, Ribeira, Altamira, Trazo, Oca, Esteiro

To the higher-level travel overview: Coruña.