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Before you go
Your trip to Ribadeo.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Ribadeo – Galicia Destination Santiago de Compostela and Galícia about 190 km from Santiago de Compostela
How to get there
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Aeroporto das Astúrias (Aeropuerto de Asturias) (OVD) 140 km
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Estação de trem de Ribadeo (Estación de Ribadeo) 1 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Check before buying. The nearest airport is Asturias, about 140 km away; A Coruña is about 160 km. Ribadeo station has narrow-gauge trains along the coast to Ferrol and Oviedo, with limited schedules. There are buses to Lugo, A Coruña and Oviedo. By car, take the A-8 motorway.
How many days
One day is enough to visit the Praia das Catedrais at low tide, the town centre with the Torre dos Moreno, the isla Pancha and the fort of San Damián. People doing the Caminho do Norte usually sleep in the town. With more time, Ribadeo serves as a base for the coast of the Marinha de Lugo and western Asturias.
When to go
From June to September it usually rains less and this is the busiest period for the Praia das Catedrais, with mandatory reservation at Easter and in summer. At low tide in any season the beach can be visited. Winter is rainy with rough seas.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Help. The centre, isla Pancha and the fort can be done on foot, but the Praia das Catedrais is about 10 km away; there is a narrow-gauge train to the nearest station and taxis, both with limited schedules.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Ribadeo
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Morning
Praia das Catedrais
Go to the Praia das Catedrais at low tide and descend to the sand to walk among the rock arches and caves.
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Afternoon
Ribadeo centre
Back in town, see Plaza de España, the Torre dos Moreno, the pazo de Ibáñez and the convent of Santa Clara.
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Late afternoon
Fort and isla Pancha
Walk along the ría shore to the fort of San Damián, with views of the ponte dos Santos, then continue to the isla Pancha and its lighthouses.
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Evening
Dinner in the center
Have octopus, fish or shellfish from the ría at restaurants in the centre or by the port.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to reserve to visit the Praia das Catedrais?
Yes — at Easter and in summer, generally from July to September, you must reserve access to the sand via the Xunta de Galicia website. Check the dates before you go.
When can you see the arches at the Praia das Catedrais?
At low tide: at high tide the sea covers the sand and the arches are only visible from the cliff top. Check the tide table.
Is Ribadeo in Galicia or in Asturias?
In Galicia. The ría de Ribadeo forms the border with Asturias, and the ponte dos Santos connects the two banks.
Does the Camino de Santiago pass through Ribadeo?
Yes, the Caminho do Norte enters Galicia at Ribadeo, crossing the ponte dos Santos.
What language is spoken in Ribadeo?
Galician and Spanish.