Carballo: Coast, Nature and Urban Art

The coast of Carballo features a fossil beach and dune sediments that preserve evidence of geological development since the Ice Ages and of the landscape as it was thousands of years ago.

Coast and Nature

The coastal complex between Razo and Baldaio is a protected natural area with beaches, a lagoon and marshland. The Razo and Baldaio natural system is part of Natura 2000 and has been designated a Special Protection Area for birds. The sandy beach between Razo and Baldaio is five kilometres long. The waves at Razo and Baldaio are suitable for surfing, especially between September and April.

Paths, Water and Surroundings

The banks of the Anllóns form a more than seven-kilometre-long promenade for the outward and return journey. The coastal stretch between A Pedra do Sal and Caión can be explored on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. The official PR-G 142 hiking route leads to the waterfalls of San Paio and Ramil.

The San Paio waterfall is located in the parish of Entrecruces; at the waterfall, the Outón River plunges more than 40 metres over the hard, black rock. Rego da Balsa Park is located near Carballo, as is Parque do San Martiño. The surrounding area of Carballo also includes Playa de Bastiagueiros beach, Baldaio Beach and Praia de Riás. The Parroquia de San Xoan Bautista church is located near Carballo. Monte Neme mountain is in the vicinity of Carballo. The Museu A Baiuca museum is located in the wider regional area around Carballo.

Culture and History

The Ruta polos murais de arte urbana route features more than 60 urban-art murals in Carballo and turns the town into an open-air museum. The Casa Natal de Alfredo Brañas in the centre of Carballo is the preserved birthplace of Alfredo Brañas, who is described as the father of Galician regionalism.

The Pazo de Vilar de Francos was built around an old 16th-century defensive tower. The complex includes a four-storey tower at its centre, a garden, the administrators’ residence, an old hórreo and a stone wayside cross. The mineral medicinal waters of Carballo were already known in Roman times.

A popular romería takes place every year on 15 January at the Capela de San Paio de Entrecruces. Its Gothic ribbed vault is divided into eight sections by intersecting, star-shaped arches. The Capela de Santa Irène do Castrillón en Lema stands at a natural viewpoint offering extensive views over much of the Carballo coast, and is located at the highest point of an ancient castro. Centuries ago, it was moved from its original location beside the lagoon to its present site.

The Pazo de Gontade features a coat of arms on its façade and a sundial on the wall. The Pazo de Gontade is considered the oldest of Carballo’s pazos.

Other Places

Discover other places here: Curtis, Padrón, Melide, Ponteceso, Calo, Oleiros, Tambre, Outes

To the higher-level travel overview: Coruña.