Things to do in Galicia
Local Amenities & Activities
There are the usual amenities in A Pontenova (5km) with three small supermarkets, four restaurants and various bars and cafes. Lugo is just forty-five minutes away with its Roman walls, myriad of restaurants, busy nightlife, and large supermarkets, while the breathtaking Galician coastline is a thirty-five-minute drive to Ribadeo. We are also within easy driving distance of Taramundi, Meira, Vegadeo and Los Oscos or a little further afield the tourist hotspots of Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo, Gijon and A Coruña.
Should you wish, we would be happy to make recommendations of where to visit and where to eat.
There are many local activities and places of interest, here are a few to get you started.
Beaches – We would recommend; As Catedrales (you need to reserve a ticket in the summer but it´s free entry), Barreiros, Foz, Penarronda and Tapia de Casariego in neighbouring Asturias but there are many beautiful beaches along the north coast. Tapia has a recently refurbished natural swimming pool.
Chimneys – the five chimneys in the centre of A Pontenova are a reminder of the mining heritage of the town. The iron ore mines were the biggest in Galicia until the 1930´s. You can walk around the chimneys and there´s a good view from the top of Boulloso chimney near the swimming pool.
Cycle Hire – Cycles are available from either EoActivo or from the Casa do Cultura in A Pontenova.
Fishing – Licenses available from A Banca for river fishing.
Hiking/Walking/Trails – We can make some recommendations for local walks, some starting at Casa Liñeiras and others a short drive away. There are seven signposted routes promoted by the Town Hall. The shortest takes 35 minutes to complete, and the longest just under four hours.
- Horse Riding – There are a couple of horse riding centres locally including Hípica La Frontera in Castropol
Kayaking/Canoeing – these activities are offered by Tirolinas de Minas in A Pontenova or by EoActivo based in San Tirso de Abres.
Local Fiestas – These happen at the weekends throughout the summer in villages across the area, we´d be happy to provide details of any which take place during your stay.
Local Swimming Pool – Open in July and August with a minimal entrance charge.
Maze Costa Marina - There is a garden maze close to Rinlo.
- Natural Park Marcelle – Natural park where you can see many birds and animals including wolves, lynx, wild boar, lima and meer cats, amongst many others.
Off-Road excursions – Lugo Aventura can assist you in four wheel drive off-roading experiences.
River Swimming – known locally as “O pozo da ola” is in the centre of A Pontenova. There is a grassed area with picnic tables and BBQ. The river is very shallow in parts with a deep section of water in front of the white building.
Zip Wire and A Pontenova Mine Tour – a new activity focused on the town's mining heritage. You can take a guided tour of the old Consuelo Mine and/or descend using the zip wire which follows the old route for transporting the iron ore down the mountain.
Places to Visit
There are many local activities and places of interest, here are a few to get you started.
We hope that you´ll enjoy your time in the peace and quiet of Liñeiras but if you would like to venture out then we can recommend a few places to drive to. We´d be happy to chat through suggestions of what to do at each of these places.
Taramundi, Mazonovo and Teixois (14km) – Small Celtic Hill fort, Knife factory, ethnographic museums well worth visiting, tourist shopping, bars and restaurants, views.
-
Mondoñedo (28km) – Cathedral, Festivals, Tarta del Rey, artisan shops.
Foz (37km) – Beaches, restaurants, EspazoCaritel gardens.
Santa Eulalia de Oscos (38km) – One of three Oscos villages and probably the prettiest. Could be combined with a trip to Taramundi. A couple of good restaurants and excellent views from La Garganta (27km) on the way there or back.
-
Ribadeo (38km) - Large supermarkets, shops, nice harbour, lots of bars and restaurants to choose from. You can also find the FEVE train station here with trains along the coast to the East and West, check the timetables to make sure that you can get back from wherever you are going as there are not many services each day. Very picturesque.
Rinlo (43km) – Cliff top walks, restaurants and bars, maze, beaches.
Tapia de Casariego (47km) – Harbour, surfing beach, restaurants and bars, lighthouse.
Lugo (58km) – Roman walled city, artisan shops, bars and restaurants, Roman baths.
Castro de Coana (67km) – Iron Age Hill Fort and Museum with a small entry charge.
Viveiro (73km) – Stop at Sargadelos to visit the ceramic factory at Cervo.
Luarca (80km) – A nice small port town with a lovely harbour area containing many bars and restaurants.
A Coruña (140km) – Torre de Hercules, Estrella Galicia Tour, Port, Old streets, Shopping centres, bars and restaurants, Praza de Maria Pita.
Santiago de Compostela (160km) - Cathedral, Camino de Santiago, ancient streets, bars and restaurants, parks and gardens, museum of Galicia, tourist shopping, tourist road train, Pilgrims.
Oviedo (168km) – Woody Allen´s favourite City in the World. Cultural centre, cathedral, shopping, great bars and restaurants including Calle Gascona for the famous cider pouring and tapas.
Restaurants
A few we like, but many other in the area.
A Mina Sidreria (A Pontenova) - Tapas and Raciones with Cider/Beer
Agrotaberna (Meira) - Spanish cuisine with a twist
Il Cofradia (Rinlo) - Summer booking essential, Lobster Rice a speciality
La Solana (Ribadeo) - Fabulous seafood, summer booking recommended
La Yenka (Barreiros) - Great Menú del Día and Á la carte with great views
Lar de Balbina (A Pontenova) - Good inexpensive Menú del Día and Á la carte
San Briz (A Pontenova) - Galician cuisine with daily menu
San Miguel (Ribadeo) - Five Star restaurant for that special meal
Petronila (Taramundi) – Good food at reasonable prices with a view
Hotel Taramundi (Taramundi) – Typical Asturian fare including great Fabas Asturiana
Casa Paulino (Taramundi) – Excellent basic Asturian food, opening can be seasonal
Sidreria La Barrica (Vegadeo) – Spanish fast-food restaurant with cheap prices and great service
O Lar de Manolo (Ribadeo) – Excellent Galician food with good diverse menu
Pulperia Casa Villaronta (Ribadeo) – Famous for its octopus, visited by Rick Stein
La Quinta (Ribadeo) – Famed for its grill but also excellent seafood in a nice environment
A Horta de San Roque (Ribadeo) – Typical Galician a la carte menú