Santa Comba brings together river landscapes, hiking trails and a rich cultural heritage. A notable contrast can be seen in the trails: A Xesteira is a 13-kilometre circular route around the municipal centre; the Fisterra–Muxía Way of St James crosses Santa Comba for just under 800 metres through the parish of San Martiño de Fontecada. You can tailor your stay around hiking distance, nature spots, history or market days.

River Landscapes and Waterfall

The Río Xallas drains and shapes the landscape of inland Santa Comba. Playa fluvial de Esmorode was developed into a public river park in 1994. It has picnic areas, fountains and barbecue grills shaded by trees. The fishing area includes both the Río Xallas and its tributary, the Abuín. Check the facilities locally before your visit. Fishing rules and permits can change, so check the current requirements in advance.

Fervenza de Castriz is a natural waterfall about eight metres high on the Río Mira, a tributary of the Xallas. The area around the waterfall has a recreational area with a picnic spot, tables and barbecue grills. The Fontes do Xallas–Fervenza de Castriz linear hike connects two particularly interesting spots in terms of scenery and nature in the municipality’s northern, more mountainous area. Check the trails and facilities locally before setting out.

Hiking Trails in Different Formats

A Xesteira is a 13-kilometre circular route around the municipal centre of Santa Comba. One section passes through an area surrounded by oak trees, with the Río Xallas flowing on the right. If you’re looking for a circular route with a specified distance, this offers a different kind of trail from the linear route to Fervenza de Castriz.

The Fisterra–Muxía Way of St James runs for a short stretch of just under 800 metres through Santa Comba, specifically through the parish of San Martiño de Fontecada. The two routes therefore differ considerably in length and course: A Xesteira is a circular route, while the Way of St James crosses a limited section of the municipality. Check the route conditions locally before setting out.

Religious Buildings, Museum and Mining History

The Ermita de San Bartolomé dates from the late Middle Ages, more specifically the 13th or 14th century. It was built on the remains of a castro or a similar settlement. San Fiz de Freixeiro is described as the oldest religious building in the area and dates to the 12th century. Santa Comba’s religious heritage also includes 17 parish churches, five chapels and four hermitages.

The Capela da Nosa Señora de Rubín, together with the holy spring of Rubín, forms an important sanctuary. The Museo Terra do Xallas is housed in the Pazo de Santiso, also known as Casa do Pozo. It brings together various objects and works of art from the region. Check the current opening hours in advance if you plan to visit the museum.

Mining history is also part of the municipality’s story: Mina de Varilongo was discovered in 1941 and was of crucial importance to the armaments industry of Nazi Germany. La ruta del wolfram is a circular route around San Salvador, Monte Varilongo and the mine. Take care in the areas around the mine.

Market Days and Local Cuisine

The fairs are held on the town’s two central avenues, known as Campo da feira. They are regularly scheduled for the Saturday before the first Sunday of each month and the Monday after the second and third Sundays of each month. Check the dates before travelling. On market days, eateries in Santa Comba traditionally serve tripe and/or octopus as tapas or daily specials; specific venues and menus may change.

Discover more destinations: Montouto, Corrubedo, Cariño, Valmaior, Rúa De Francos, Biduído, Lavacolla, Curtis

For the broader travel overview: Coruña.