Barreiros: Coast, Trails and Culture

Barreiros combines eight kilometres of uninterrupted beaches with fine, white sand, an open coast and the Ría de Foz-Masma. Surfing and related activities take place on the open coast, while the estuary is ideal for sailing, kayaking and paddle surfing. This places different landscapes and water sports right at the heart of the town.

Coast and nature

Punta Corveira is a dog beach that is open all year round, with no time restrictions. Access to Pena de Altar island depends on the tide: it can be reached at low tide and then offers an unusual view of the surrounding area. The tides are therefore an integral part of the character of this stretch of coast.

Distinctive landscapes remain connected by trails inland as well. The Lagune de Pallares lies on the route of the same name and is a restored former quarry. An approximately 1-kilometre-long, signposted circular trail with several branch paths leads through the original forest of Santo Estevo do Ermo. In addition to the longer coastal stretches, Barreiros’ network of trails therefore also includes a short, signposted forest loop with branch paths.

Trails through the landscapes

The section of the Camino Natural de la Ruta del Cantábrico in Barreiros runs between Playa de Arealonga and the A Espiñeira bridge and covers 14 kilometres. The Paseo marítimo of this Camino Natural runs between Playa de Arealonga and Playa de Altar; it is 8.5 kilometres long. The two trails therefore remain clearly distinguishable through their different routes and clearly named starting and ending points.

The trails connect coastal points with other landscapes in the town. While the Paseo marítimo runs along the sea, the circular trail through Santo Estevo do Ermo passes through an original forest. The Lagune de Pallares complements these landscapes as a restored former quarry on its own route.

The distances therefore range from the approximately 1-kilometre-long circular forest trail to the 14-kilometre section of the Camino Natural. At 8.5 kilometres, the Paseo marítimo forms a separate coastal route between two named beaches.

Culture and history

Barreiros is one of the Galician municipalities with the most extensive Indiano heritage. Barreiros de antaño, with its audio-guided descriptions and stories, offers access to this cultural heritage and local history. The Antiga Igrexa Parroquial de San Cosme de Barreiros is associated with the Camino del Norte and also connects the town with this historic pilgrimage route.

The local events calendar includes the Degustación del Requeixón de Vilamartín Pequeño, an event in Barreiros. Vilamartín Pequeño is a fixed part of the event’s name.

Getting around

For arrivals, exit 524 is signposted “Barreiros – Foz – San Cibrao – Praias”. The signs therefore list Barreiros, Foz, San Cibrao and Praias as four named destinations.

Other places are Vilalba, Valverde, O Vicedo, Lugo, Meira, Surribas, Foz and Camposo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Lugo.