Nature & birdwatching in Ferrolterra
Atlantic forest, record-breaking cliffs and wetlands of international importance: Ferrolterra is one of Galicia's great nature destinations.
Fragas do Eume
One of Europe's best-preserved coastal Atlantic forests: some 9,125 ha in the Eume valley (5 councils) with a continuous canopy of fraga — oak woodland (Quercus robur) with chestnut, birch, holly and hazel — dropping from the Serra da Loba almost to the sea. It holds over 500 plant species and, at its heart, the Caaveiro monastery; it's rare to find so much native forest so close to the coast.
Wetlands and birds
The Frouxeira lagoon (Valdoviño) and the Ortigueira e Ladrido estuary shelter thousands of migratory birds; Ortigueira is a wetland of international importance. Estaca de Bares is one of Europe's best spots to watch autumn seabird migration.
Costa Ártabra cliffs
The Serra da Capelada drops to the sea in some 600 vertical metres at Vixía Herbeira, with wild horses on the hills; Cabo Ortegal and Os Aguillóns show some of the oldest rocks on the peninsula.
How to enjoy it
Respect the trails and wildlife, bring binoculars and check the forecast. Many of these areas are protected.