COSTA DA VELA

Natural spaces
2008

Location

Cangas - Pontevedra

Coordinates:
42º 16' 36.4" N - 8º 51' 46.4" W

Description

Even in ancient times this area, rising up in spectacular cliffs 150 above sea level, was a pilgrimage site. The beauty of the marine lookout points, together with the beaches and the archaeological remains continue to be the attraction of this excellent natural spot between the Vigo and Pontevedra estuaries.
The discoveries on the Alto de O Facho de Donón revealed a singular sanctuary, a “forest of altars” made up of almost two hundred slabs consecrated to the god Berobreo, conserved in the Municipal Museum of Vigo.
In the Galician-Roman castro a total of 60 dwellings have been found up to now in an ample walled enclosure. It is easy to get to from Donón, on a walk uphill of approximately 30 minutes. It is the central high point of the Costa da Vela, from which there are panoramic views of the mouths of the estuaries of the southern coast of Galicia, with the Illas Atlánticas National Park in first place.
In the extreme south we find Cabo Home with its three points, each with its own lighthouse. Between them they shelter a small cove containing the beach of Melide, and, inside the Ría de Vigo, they protect the succession of small beaches of Barra, Viñó and Nerga, with an uncommonly shaped dune system. The coastal sea protection area extends to a depth of thirty metres.

Access

Turnoffs on the PO-551 road between Bueu and Cangas towards the north via Hío or to the south via Donón.

Situation

Municipality of Cangas, on the western tip of the O Morrazo (Pontevedra) peninsula.

Area

1,384.81 hectares of which 1,003 hectares are sea water.

Services

Accommodation and food in nearby villages.
Nature Natural spaces ZEC - natura 2000
Arriba
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