Xove: Coast, Trails and Cultural Heritage
Accommodation in Xove
Xove combines a coastal landscape of white-sand beaches and rugged cliffs, where the mountains reach down to the sea. It also offers coastal and riverside trails, natural attractions, a lighthouse, archaeological heritage and an annual pilgrimage festival. If you’re looking for a hotel in Xove, you can plan your trip around the places and activities that interest you—from beaches to routes and cultural sites.
Beaches for different interests
Praia de Muiñelo is a seasonal beach. It appears in summer, provided strong sea storms have not swept the sand away from this pebble beach. Its nature therefore differs from that of beaches whose description is not subject to this condition.
The beaches offer various options for activities on the water: according to the local tourism information, Praia de Portocelo is suitable for fishing from the shore and from the sea, as well as for diving. Praia O Portiño de Morás is considered a good 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 beach in the municipality of Xove designated for dogs.
Coastal trails and routes
The Senda Costeira de Xove is a linear coastal route of more than 18 kilometres. It starts at the Ãrea Etnográfica de Morás and ends at the access point to Playa de Portonovo. The route is fully signposted, with information boards at both ends. Check the current signage and trail conditions before setting out.
The Ruta de los molinos is an approximately seven-kilometre out-and-back trail along the banks of the Rigueira River. It is considered easy, and takes about an hour and a half to walk. The Ruta Pau da Vella is twelve kilometres long and leads to Pau da Vella, which, at 705 metres, is considered the highest point in Xove. Another 12.5-kilometre route in the municipality runs from Playa de Lago to Playa de Esteiro.
Along an approximately one-kilometre stretch of the Ruta dos MuÃños, the trail runs between the Abad and O Concheiro mills. Small doors to the homes of fairies and goblins are hidden in hollows in the trees. These details give this section a different character from routes described by their length, elevation or riverside location.
Nature and views
Pozo da Ferida is a natural waterfall with a vertical drop of more than 30 metres. On the coast, Faro da Roncadoira is another distinctive landmark: the cylindrical lighthouse is 14 metres tall, was built in 1984 and has a range of 21 nautical miles. It stands in a protected zone for special bird species. From there, views extend to Isla Coelleira, Punta de Estaca de Bares and the islet of Ansarón.
Cultural heritage and festivals in Xove
CÃrculo de Lavandeiras is a circular Bronze Age structure dating to around 2000 BC. It is approximately 80 metres in diameter and is described as the largest henge in the Iberian Peninsula. In Morás are the Paseo Etnográfico da Baleeira de Morás and the Ãrea de Interpretación dos dolos. The former whaling factory in Morás dates from 1965 to 1977 and is described as the most modern whaling factory in the Iberian Peninsula.
A recurring date for the festivities is the RomarÃa do Santo Antonio Ventureiro da Rigueira, held every year on June 13. Locals and visitors can take one of eight routes to the church of San Miguel da Rigueira, where they can receive the Ventura certificate and the white lily associated with the festival. This gives you different themes to choose from when planning your trip: coastal activities, routes of varying lengths and destinations, and natural and cultural sites.
Discover more destinations: Goiriz, Estelo, Bispo, Lagoa, Mondoñedo, Cervo, Caldelas, Nespereira.
For the broader travel overview: Lugo.
