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Lighthouse · Ribadeo, Galicia
Illa Pancha
Islet at the mouth of the ria of Ribadeo, connected to the mainland by a bridge, with the old lighthouse from 1857 and the new one from 1983, surrounded by rocks and viewpoints over the Cantabrian Sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Illa Pancha
The ilha Pancha lies at the western end of the mouth of the ria of Ribadeo, facing the Punta da Cruz, in the Asturias. It measures about 1 hectare, has a jagged rocky coast and a flat high part where the old lighthouse, built in 1857, stands. The new lighthouse, on the north point, dates from 1983.
The island is connected to the mainland by a small bridge, rebuilt in concrete in 1983. The lighthouses are not open for interior visits, but the island can be walked around externally, and from there you can see the entrance to the ria, the Asturian coast and the open sea.
Near the bridge is the viewpoint of the ilha Pancha, one of the viewpoints along the Ribadeo coast. The coastal vegetation changes color over the year. On days with a strong swell, a wave forms near the island that can reach great height and attracts experienced surfers.
A coastal path links the ilha Pancha to the fort of San Damián and to the center of Ribadeo, along the ria's shore.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
Late afternoon, with low light over the ria and the Asturian coast. Avoid days with very strong wind.
How to get there
It's about 3 km from the center of Ribadeo, at the mouth of the ria, with parking nearby. On foot, via the coastal path, about 40 minutes.
Tip
Walk along the ria's shore path, passing by the fort of San Damián: it's Ribadeo's nicest walk.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Illa Pancha
What is on the ilha Pancha?
Two lighthouses, the old one from 1857 and the new one from 1983, rocks and viewpoints over the mouth of the ria and the sea.
How do you get to the ilha Pancha?
By a small bridge that links it to the mainland, about 3 km from the center of Ribadeo.
Can you enter the lighthouses?
No, the island is walked around on the outside.