The North Coast of Spain

The North Coast of Spain is a far cry from the tourist hub of the South and we really believe there is no better way to soak up the authenticity and atmosphere of this coastline than from a boat.

Galicia is a unique and beautiful region framed by mountains, dotted with traditional ancient villages and oozing in Spanish history. Celtic carved-stone crosses and stones and fort-villages tell stories of the Galicians’ Celtic ancestors old.

La Coruña is located on the North coast and its history is closely connected with its historic fishing and trading port, and the peninsula on which the historic part of town is situated is home to an interesting Romanesque road network with squares and medieval churches as well as the Hercules Tower, the oldest lighthouse in the world. The Museum of Fine Arts, with works by Goya and others on display, is also worth a visit.

Sail down the coast exploring stunning locations such as the town of Muros. A seafront town lined with ancient granite-paved streets, traditional Spanish markets and bustling taverns. Perhaps take a shore day to visit the ancient Spanish city of Santiago de Compostella. Wander the streets within the walls of this old medieval city, revelling in its history and elaborately carved stone architecture opening onto grand plazas.

This wild coastline is a wonderful mix of rugged cliffs, deserted estuaries and traditional fishing villages with the port of Vigo still being home to Europe’s largest fishing fleet. With the air full of the scent of eucalyptus drifting down from the mountains this wild coast is frayed by the majestic collection of coastal inlets named Rías Baixas. The Rías Baixas are a series of four estuarine inlets turning into magnificent Fjords located on the southwestern coast of Galicia. Sailing through and exploring these Fjords by boat is a truly breathtaking experience and the vastness of the cliff line dropping swiftly down to long stretches of deserted sandy beaches and hidden coves is fascinating and takes some getting used to! Anchor in these secluded locations and wander the shorelines, stumbling across and exploring cities completely surrounded by ancient Roman walls and history untouched by the heavy footfall of the tourist circuit.

Nestled along the coastline and in the estuaries are clusters of islands that provide our boats with the best “off-the-beaten-track” anchorages for guests to explore. The beautiful archipelago of Iles Cies is situated in the mouth of the River Vigo and is a designated National Park home to picturesque sheltered coves, glistening clear waters and stretches of deserted sandy white beaches. Follow the walking trails as they meander higher amongst the trees before reaching Mount Faro – a fabulous point offering spectacular panoramic views of the islands, the bay and beyond. Also teeming with birdlife, these islands are great for wildlife spotting!

Not only does this coastline offer fabulous scenery and fascinating Spanish history but it is also famous for its seafood and fresh produce and our Skippers will definitely make the most of this coastline’s rich offerings. Traditional Spanish markets are a great opportunity to mix with locals, see the offerings of the local villages and purchase delicious fresh produce.

Add to this the mild climate and cool summer days, wherever one of our boats takes you, this coast of Spain certainly doesn’t disappoint and will certainly leave you longing to return.