Ribadeo is a sun-drenched port town built around a picturesque harbour. Stroll around the atmospheric Old Town and spend the day on Praia As Catedrais, one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. If you’re looking for a combination of history, culture and gorgeous coastal scenery, you’ll love Ribadeo.
Things to do in Ribadeo
Admire handsome houses once owned by shipwrights and sailors in the Ribadeo Old Town. Many feature brightly painted doors and decorative stone carvings. Torre de los Moreno soars over Plaza de España and features a unique concrete-and-iron façade designed by Argentinian architect, Julián García Núñez. Palms and poplar trees dot the landscaped plaza and make it a lovely place to relax and sip a coffee.
Dramatic rock towers frame Praia As Catedrais. Also known as Cathedrals Beach, it’s one of the most spectacular stretches of sand in Spain. Relax on the honey-coloured sand and walk beneath the enormous rock spires, which resemble Gothic cathedrals.
Set on the Ria de Ribadeo, Praia dos Bloques is ideal for families. The beach is a short walk from the city centre and features calm water fringed by pebble sand. Swim in the shallow water and enjoy a picnic on the grassy foreshore.
From breezy cafes to rustic stone-walled restaurants, Ribadeo offers a wide range of dining options. Try local Galician specialties like “polbo a feira” octopus soup and scallops baked in white wine. Complement your meal with a glass of Albariño, a refreshing white wine that pairs perfectly with seafood. Save room for a slice of “Tarta de Santiago” almond cake flavoured with lemon zest.
Getting around Ribadeo
Ribadeo is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The city is a two-hour drive from Santiago de Compostela and four hours from Bilbao. Local buses run between Ribadeo and Praia As Catedrais in the summer or you can walk from Esteiro Train Station in 15 minutes.