9 September, 2012
costa de Marisco

The Costa de Marisco – The Seafood Coast of Spain

What makes the Costa de Marisco so special?

costa de Marisco

When you think of Spain ,bull fighting in Valencia, football in Catalonia and tapas in Andalucia typically spring to mind. The north western region of Galicia is undoubtedly one of Spain’s lesser known treasures, obscured not only by its unobtrusive and less reachable position on the extreme north western side of Spain, but also by its almost autonomous culture and identity.

For starters, unlike the scorched desert-scape of Andalucia, which can often not see a drop of rainfall for months, Galicia’s climate is much wetter; hence its landscape is much greener.

Although just in case you fear leaving wet Britain to embark on a holiday abroad that is just as wet, the rain in Galicia, by comparison, never lasts long and could be considered as being a refreshing temporary downpour, essential in making the setting as beautifully emerald as it is.

The Rias Bajas region of Galicia is particularly stunning and unspoilt. Facing the wild and exhilarating Atlantic Ocean, the Rias Bajas are part of the Costa de Marisco, which for anyone who knows any Spanish, means ‘Seafood Coast’. As its name hints at, this enlivening Spanish coastline is lined with top quality seafood restaurants, serving only the freshest and diverse of seafood and fish.

With its wild and invigorating waves, the Costa de Marisco is also a surfer’s haven and holds the annual Ferrolterra Patin Classic, an international surf competition each year.

At the pinnacle of the Rias Bajas to the north lies Cape Finisterre which is the second most westernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula and of Continental Europe. This rock-bound peninsula’s highest peak is Monte Facho which is 238 meters above sea level and is home to a prominent lighthouse at the top.

Cape Finnisterre has many spectacular beaches, such as Langosteira, Corbeiro Mar de Fora and Arnela. These exciting beaches are enclosed by steep cliffs which lead down to the Mare Tenebrosum, the ‘Dark Sea’, which was the name of the Atlantic Ocean in the Middle Ages.

The enlivening stretch of Spanish coastline is a world apart from the heat, hustle and well-known bustle much of Spain is renowned for, and as a consequence is crying out to be explored.

Why not take a look at Vintage Travel’s collection of luxury villas in Galicia? You will not be disappointed!