The best traffic-free bike rides around Costa

Nice excursion destination 🤙

A good way to find inspiration at the start of a cycle touring trip is to cycle unhurriedly following the universal yellow arrows of the Camino de Santiago. In Ribadeo begins the Natural Route of the Cantabrian Route and it is also the entrance to Galicia of the Camino del Norte or Camino de la Costa from Asturias, in both ways it is known the Camino de Santiago that runs along the Cantabrian coast from Irún to Santiago de Compostela. The Jacobean route leaves the Cantabrian coast and faces the first stage through the interior of Galicia, the landscape, the language and the cultural signs change but the faithful yellow arrows remain along with the inseparable Compostelan scallop shell along the Camiño Norte. The main purpose of including this variant in the trip is to connect with the Natural Route of San Rosendo and to discover the landscapes and villages that this ancient pilgrimage route travels between Mondoñedo and Foz. The connection point between the Camino de Santiago and the Natural Route is in Vilanova de Lourenzá, an ancient town of the Bridge from other times, when pilgrims sought asylum and protection in the hospitium of the Benedictine monastery of San Salvador. The meeting of the two routes is precisely at the medieval bridge over the Baos river, at the entrance to the town, and one could continue directly along the Natural Route of San Rosendo towards the coast, but the visit to the historic city of Mondoñedo is fundamental, former seat of courts, lordships and bishoprics, it has an old town declared a Historic-Artistic Site with arcades, cobbled streets and facades decorated with coats of arms and crests. The two routes coexist in the villages of the route until the Plaza de la Catedral de Mondoñedo, then you have to return along the same route and in Lourenzá undertake the descent towards the coast through the parishes of Casolga and Celeiro, in the mountains of the Masma river valley, the river collector that flows into the estuary of Foz. The landmarks of the Natural Route of San Rosendo pass through the basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo, the ancient site of Mindumneto, refuge of the bishop of Braga, Sabarico, in the mid-9th century and seat of the diocese until the year 1112, it is the oldest preserved cathedral in Spain and the first raised in southern Europe, built in the 6th century. The signs of the Route continue through the forests that lead to the panoramic spot of the hermitage of Obispo Santo and finally descend to the coastal platform, connecting with the Natural Route of the Cantabrian Route on the outskirts of Foz to finish the cycling stage by touring the coast of the Gulf of Masma to Cape Burela.

The two routes coexist in the villages on the way to the Mondoñedo Cathedral Square, then you have to return along the same route and in Lourenzá begin the descent towards the coast through the parishes of Casolga and Celeiro, in the mountains of the river valley. Masma, the river collector that flows into the Foz estuary. The milestones of the San Rosendo Natural Trail pass by the basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo, the ancient place of Mindumneto, refuge of the bishop of Braga, Sabarico, in the mid-9th century and seat of the diocese until the year 1112, it is the cathedral oldest preserved in Spain and the first built in southern Europe, built in the 6th century. The signs of the Camino continue through the forests that lead to the panoramic spot of the Obispo Santo hermitage and finally go down to the coastal platform, connecting with the Natural Path of the Cantabrian Route on the outskirts of Foz to finish the cycling stage along the coast. from the Gulf of Masma to Cape Burela.

The coastal path offers several rest areas and short viewpoints branching off to the sea. From here you can enjoy views of the beaches of Altar, As Pasadas, Arealonga and As Catedrais, which are known for their spectacular rock formations. The path is approximately 6 km long and is suitable for cyclists of all levels.

Burela is a small, but very active, fishing port. In its surroundings you will find the typical green landscape of the Galician coast facing the Bay of Biscay and its dream beaches.

From the cycling route you can see this old stone wall that regulates the flow of water and makes it easy to fish on this small cliff.

Natural recreational space with multiple trails for activities along the Tronceda River. Don't forget to see the waterfall and the water channel.

A small bridge over the river ouro. This trade route dates back to iron age settlements along the coast. Today the area has been transformed into a nature reserve and recreational activity area.