One of Europe's great capes: the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea, guarded by the Os Tres Aguillóns rock pinnacles. The lighthouse road from Cariño ends at a viewpoint over some of the oldest rocks in the Iberian Peninsula.
Here the Cantabrian Sea merges with the Atlantic below sheer cliffs and the Os Aguillóns islets. Its rock — among the oldest and most singular in Europe — is the heart of the Cabo Ortegal Geopark. At dusk, in calm seas, dolphins can be seen from the lighthouse.
Practical info
Entry: Free: open-air cape and lighthouse (the lighthouse interior isn't visitable).
Getting there: By car from Cariño on a well-signposted paved road with several viewpoints. On foot, the Cariño–Cabo Ortegal route is about 2 h 30 round trip.
Parking: Free area by the lighthouse, small (~15 spaces): best to arrive early.
When to go: On a clear day for the Os Tres Aguillóns sea stacks and the meeting of the Atlantic and Cantabrian seas. It's the heart of the Cabo Ortegal UNESCO Global Geopark.
Access and weather can change; on windy or very foggy days take great care near the cliffs.
