Covas: Praia de Covas, Castelos and Coastal Paths

Beach and Landscape

Praia de Covas is Viveiro's main city beach and is easily accessible from the Paseo marítimo. It can be reached on foot from the town center. The Paseo marítimo and the route from the town center describe two different approaches to the same beach: one along the seafront promenade and the other on foot from the town center. At the western end of the beach are slate-like rock formations known as the Castelos. A dune system surrounds Praia de Covas.

Historic Sites

At the Castelos, a monument commemorates the shipwreck victims of the Cantabrian fleet, particularly those of the Bergantín Palomo and the Magdalena. The two ships sank in the estuary on November 2, 1810, as a result of a storm. The historical connection is therefore located directly by the rock formations at the western end of the beach. Covas is also home to the Pazo de Grallal, a manor house built in 1597 on behalf of Captain John Dutton and Aguiar. The monument at the Castelos and the Pazo de Grallal represent different historic sites within the local landscape.

Stage and Water Sports

Stage 6 of the Camino Natural de la Ruta del Cantábrico leads from Viveiro to O Vicedo and reaches Praia de Covas along the way. It runs across the entire Praia de Covas and then continues along Río Loiba Street. The route connects Viveiro, the entire Praia de Covas, Río Loiba Street, and O Vicedo in one continuous stage. The beach is therefore both part of a longer coastal stage and a specific section within the route. Route conditions may change before departure; current information about the route is therefore part of the usual preparation for a day stage. Traffic plans can likewise be checked against current conditions before the journey if a route continues along a subsequent road section. During a day stage, current route conditions can be checked before departure; if the route continues along a road section, traffic plans can also be checked against current conditions before the journey. The calm waters of Praia de Covas are considered suitable for water sports such as stand-up paddling. For stand-up paddling, current information about conditions on the water can be taken into account when planning the day before departure.

Nature Observation

The Ensenada de Covas is suitable for observing cormorants and gulls. In the western part of Covas beach, Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) rest on the rocks of Os Castelos. Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) also rest on the islet of Insua in the western part of Covas beach. The resting places on the rocks and on Insua add two specifically named sites to the observation opportunities in the Ensenada de Covas.

Festas de San Xoán

At the Festas de San Xoán de Covas, the traditional Gran Sardiñada will take place on June 25, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. at Campo da Pascua. For events with a fixed date and time, travelers can check the schedule details again before arrival.

For the overarching travel overview: Viveiro.