The Rías Baixas are part of the coastal region in north-western Spain where the sea plays a fundamental role. In this post, we want to introduce you to the maritime culture of the Rías Baixas, so that you can learn a little more about this area.
The maritime culture is reflected in several aspects of the lives of those who inhabit the Rías Baixas
Maritime culture is a key aspect of the Rías Baixas identity. These coastal plains located in the northwest of Spain have a long history of fishing and maritime trade. This culture has been passed down through the generations by fishermen’s families, and the ocean has been the economic mainstay of the region for centuries.
The maritime culture is deeply rooted in the Rías Baixas and its fishing tradition is an important part of daily life. Local fishermen head out to sea to fish every day. There are also many places in the region where you can enjoy sports fishing, from trawl to deep sea fishing.
Apart from fishing, the maritime culture is reflected in the gastronomy of the Rías Baixas. Seafood is an essential component of the local diet, and fresh fish and seafood can be found in all the local markets. One of the region’s most popular dishes is the mariscada gallega (Galician seafood platter), which includes all types of fresh seafood.
Maritime culture has also become a valuable source of tourism. There are numerous tourist companies in the Rías Baixas offering boat trips, fishing trips, as well as other activities linked to the sea. The white sandy beaches and the sheer cliffs that surround the estuaries are also an important tourist attraction.
In short, the maritime culture is an integral part of life in the Rias Baixas. In addition to being a significant part of its regional identity, it is a rich source of natural resources and an important source of tourism.
Maritime tourism in the Rías Baixas
The Rías Baixas is an extremely popular tourist destination in north-western Spain. Its estuaries offer many opportunities linked to the sea, from boat trips to water sports. This has made the Rías Baixas a popular destination for those who love the sea.
The Atlantic coast of the Rías Baixas is also very attractive for tourism, as it consists of a wide variety of maritime landscapes, from small coves to sprawling white sand beaches. These maritime landscapes are home to many species of seabirds, such as the northern gannet, the yellow-legged gull and the grey heron; birds that you can watch from various observatories that have been built along different points of the coast, as well as on the Cíes Islands and the Island of Ons. There are also many marine mammals living in the waters of the Rías Baixas, such as the well-known common bottlenose dolphins who regularly swim through the different estuaries.
The waters of the Rías Baixas are also famous as a rich fishing resource. The local fishermen go to sea each day to catch a variety of fish, seafood and crustaceans. This produce can be found in the region’s numerous markets and restaurants.
Apart from fishing, there are many other marine-related activities to enjoy in the Rías Baixas. These include sailing, swimming, surfing, scuba diving and kayaking. There are many tourism businesses in the region offering boat trips, fishing trips and much more.
As you can see, this coastal area has a wide range of marine landscapes, rich fishing resources and many water activities, which makes the Rías Baixas the ideal destination for those who love the sea.
Discover the most attractive areas of the Rías Baixas with the Mar de Ons Ferry Company
The Rías Baixas are home to many natural places that are ideal for losing yourself in and for sightseeing. Many of these are located in the different estuaries and in the Atlantic Ocean.
One of them is the Atlantic Islands Maritime-Terrestrial National Park, a nature reserve consisting of four archipelagos which conceal a rich biodiversity within their territory. The best-known of these is the archipelago of the Cíes Islands which, thanks to Rodas beach, has become extremely popular in recent years and is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The Mar de Ons Ferry Company sails to the Cíes Islands all year round from the ports of Cangas and Vigo. During the summer, visitors can visit the island for one or several days, as the island has a campsite. This operates from 15th May to 15th September, and you can bring your own tent or, if you prefer to sleep in a bed, the campsite has tents already set up and available to hire. On the Cíes Islands, you can relax on the beach, swim in the sea or explore every one of its corners along its four trails.
Our ferry company also sails to the Island of Ons. This archipelago is less well-known than the Cíes Islands but is just as spectacular. There, you can enjoy a charming location with wonderful wildlife, ruins from past civilisations, a delightful village and white sand beaches with crystal clear waters. This place is, without a doubt, one of the jewels of the Rías Baixas. The ports we set sail from for this enclave are also spectacular and we encourage you to spend a day getting to know them; Bueu, Sanxenxo, Portonovo.
If you are planning to visit the Rías Baixas and would like to discover one of our natural treasures, we recommend you book your ferry ticket in advance. And before you buy it, don’t forget to request your permit on the Xunta de Galicia (Galician Government) website. This nature reserve allows a limited number of visitors per day, so we suggest that you to make your booking in advance.
