Pontedeume between the pilgrimage route and maritime tradition

Historic buildings and the Camino Inglés

Pontedeume combines a townscape shaped by the Middle Ages with the Camino Inglés and a long maritime tradition. Buildings, routes, regional products and recurring festivals offer different points of interest, depending on whether you are particularly interested in the town’s history, the coast or local culture.

The Torreón de Andrade is the last surviving part of the Andrade Palace, which once enclosed the western side of the walled town of Pontedeume. The Torreón houses the Andrade Interpretation Centre, dedicated to the noble family and Pontedeume in the Middle Ages. Here, you can encounter both a surviving remnant of the palace and the history of the Andrade family.

The Camino Inglés passes through the cobbled streets and medieval historic quarter of Pontedeume. Those interested in the pilgrimage route will find a stretch here where the route and the historic townscape come together directly.

Castillo de Andrade was built in the 14th century and stands in the parish of Nogueirosa at an altitude of more than 300 metres. Its keep overlooks the Ría de Ares and the town of Pontedeume. When finding your way around, note the distinction between the various Andrade buildings: the Torreón is a surviving part of the palace in the walled town, while the castle stands in Nogueirosa.

Today’s Ponte do Eume also has a clearly defined construction history: it has 15 arches and preserves remains of engineering work carried out between 1380 and 1386. The number of arches describes the present-day bridge; the dates refer to the surviving remains of earlier work.

Riverside paths and coastal scenery

The Paseo Marítimo in Pontedeume runs from the stone bridge almost as far as the motorway bridge. Later sections follow the Covés River and run parallel to the motorway. The route description thus distinguishes the stretch up to the motorway bridge from the sections added later.

The municipality of Pontedeume has five beaches as well as other small, accessible coves. These coastal spots belong to the municipality and add to the picture of Pontedeume, which is shaped not only by its medieval quarter but also by its maritime character.

Traditional shellfish gathering in the Pontedeume estuary is another part of the area’s connection with the water. Hand tools such as hoes or rakes are used, and gathering is mostly done at low tide. The timing of the low tide is therefore part of the rhythm of this traditional activity.

Regional products and festival dates

Pontedeume’s gastronomic tradition is known for seafood, fish and produce from the garden. Typical local products include Costrada, Melindres, Almendrados, Proia and Torta de Pontedeume. Alongside its buildings and routes, these specific regional products offer another way to explore the town.

Recurring festival dates include the Feirón Medieval de los Andrade on the first weekend in July. The Fiestas de las Peras take place from 7 to 11 September in honour of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino and the Virgin of Virtues. The programme for both events may be subject to change. If you are planning your trip around either date, check the event dates and the relevant programme in advance.

These themes offer different ways to plan your trip to Pontedeume: the cobbled streets of the Camino Inglés, the Andrade buildings and their medieval history, the paths by the water, and regional products and festivals. You can choose the focus that best suits your interest in the town.

Discover more destinations: A Coruña, Melide, As Virtudes, Figueiroa, Granxa, Biduído, Sobrado, Muros De Noia.

Go to the main travel overview: Coruña.