Discover Ares

If you are looking for a hotel in Ares, you can plan your trip around different interests: the coast, hiking, nature watching, architectural history and local cuisine are all represented by specific places and routes. Praia de Ares stretches along the seafront promenade, and several hiking trails lead from the town centre to the parishes of the municipality. There is also a riverside path, viewpoints and historic sites. You can therefore explore Ares according to whether you primarily want to spend time by the water, get active outdoors or visit cultural sites.

Beach and Coastal Trails

Praia de Ares stretches for 1.3 kilometres along the town’s seafront promenade. Its waters are calm, and the beach is suitable for sailing. Those who want to experience the coastal landscape on foot can explore the Camiños de Ares, a network of hiking trails connecting the town centre with the parishes. The trails are signposted, and virtual tracks are also available.

Ruta 1: Castro de Sta. Mariña follows the coast, passing coves, islets, cliffs and coastal woodlands. Ruta 2: Punta Coitelada leads to a natural viewpoint. Along the route, Chanteiro Beach and Ermida da Mercé are highlighted as cultural heritage sites. Ruta 3: Punta Segaño passes through Cervás to Montefaro, where it leads to Mosteiro de Santa Catalina and the remains of former military installations. These routes each offer a different focus: coastal scenery, a viewpoint or historic destinations.

Riverside Walks and Views

A Xunqueira is a centrally located riverside walking path, suitable for photography and birdwatching. It complements the coastal trails with a different natural setting. For a sweeping view over the Ría de Ferrol, Mirador da Bailadora offers a panoramic vista: Mugardos lies in the foreground, with the Ciudad Departamental, the military arsenal and the Fene shipyards visible behind it.

Historic Sites and Architecture

Mosteiro de Santa Catalina de Montefaro was founded in the late 14th century. Its art bears features of both the Romanesque and Gothic styles. Behind the church is the monastery’s best-preserved cloister, designed in the Renaissance style. Those taking the route over Montefaro can see this architecture alongside the remains of former military installations.

Batería de Sudova also combines architectural history with scenery: this military fortification dates from the early 20th century and also serves as a viewpoint over the Ría de Ferrol. In the parishes, five small Castro remains reflect the area’s pre-Roman archaeological heritage. Ares thus reveals different historical layers, from archaeological traces to the monastery and military installations.

Market and Cuisine

The municipal market is in the town centre and promotes local and regional products. Ares cuisine focuses on seafood and fish. Dishes mentioned include “ameixas á mariñeira”, “polbo á feira”, cockles and fish dishes such as “xibia guisada”. The market and cuisine add a distinct culinary dimension to the coastal and cultural experiences.

Discover more destinations: Corcubión, Basoñas, Sedor, Quintáns, Seoane, Gondollín, Curtis, Cedeira.

For the main travel overview: Coruña.