In Xove, the coast, paths and historic sites offer different focuses for your trip. The coastline includes white-sand beaches and rugged cliffs, where the mountains reach the sea.

Beaches and coastline: different conditions and activities

Praia de Muiñelo is a seasonal beach: it appears in summer if strong sea storms have not washed the sand off the pebble beach. At Praia de Portocelo, the local tourist information office lists fishing from the shore and at sea, as well as diving, as suitable activities. Praia O Portiño de Morás is considered a suitable place for fishing because of its rich marine ecosystem. Surfers consider Praia de Esteiro one of the best beaches for the sport. Praia da Cova is the only designated dog-friendly beach in the municipality of Xove.

Faro da Roncadoira also combines coastal and landscape features: the cylindrical lighthouse was built in 1984, is 14 metres high and has a range of 21 nautical miles. It stands in a protected area for special bird species and offers views of Isla Coelleira, Punta de Estaca de Bares and the islet of Ansarón. Inland, Pozo da Ferida is one of the notable natural attractions: the natural waterfall has a vertical drop of more than 30 metres.

Comparing coastal paths and routes

The Senda Costeira de Xove is a linear coastal route of more than 18 kilometres. It begins at Área Etnográfica de Morás and ends at the access point to Praia de Portonovo. The route is fully signposted, with information boards at both ends. Check current trail conditions and signage before setting out.

A 12.5-kilometre route runs through the municipality of Xove, from Praia de Lago to Praia de Esteiro. Ruta Pau da Vella is 12 kilometres long and leads to Pau da Vella, considered Xove’s highest point at 705 metres.

A shorter option is Ruta de los molinos: this easy, approximately 7-kilometre out-and-back route follows the banks of the Rigueira River; walking time is about an hour and a half. An approximately one-kilometre section of Ruta dos Muíños lies between the Abad and O Concheiro mills. Small doors to the houses of fairies and goblins are hidden in tree hollows there. This means a longer linear coastal route and a shorter riverside walk with a stated walking time are available as different types of route.

Archaeology and history in Morás

Círculo de Lavandeiras is a circular Bronze Age structure dating to around 2000 BC. Its diameter is approximately 80 metres; it is considered the largest henge on the Iberian Peninsula. Morás is also home to Paseo Etnográfico da Baleeira de Morás and Área de Interpretación dos dolos. The former whaling factory in Morás dates from 1965 to 1977 and is described as the most modern whaling factory on the Iberian Peninsula.

An annual celebration

Romaría do Santo Antonio Ventureiro da Rigueira takes place every year on 13 June. Locals and visitors can take one of eight routes to the church of San Miguel da Rigueira. There, they receive the Ventura certificate and the white lily associated with the celebration. The date and the option to choose one of eight routes give this celebration a clear place in trip planning.

When looking for a holiday rental in Xove, you can decide in advance what you want to focus on during your stay: the beach and sea, a particular route or the cultural sites.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Monforte De Lemos, Burela, Merille, Xermade, Portomarín, Palas De Rei, Mondoñedo, Lama

For the main travel overview: Lugo.