🌍 Cabo Ortegal UNESCO Global Geopark
🏅 A UNESCO Global Geopark
Since 2023, Cabo Ortegal is a UNESCO Global Geopark — the only one on the Iberian Peninsula recognised that year, and the second in Galicia. It spans seven councils — Cariño, Cedeira, Cerdido, Moeche, San Sadurniño, Ortigueira and Valdoviño — of coast, mountain and ría.
🪨 Why it's unique
Here, rock that rose from the depths of the Earth almost 400 million years ago surfaces — some of it from the mantle itself. It's a witness to the collision of continents that formed Pangaea (the Variscan orogeny): one of the best records of this process in Europe.
📍 What to see
- Cabo Ortegal and Os Aguillóns: three rock pinnacles rising from the sea, where the Atlantic and the Cantabrian Sea part.
- Vixía da Herbeira (Serra da Capelada): among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, some 600 m.
- Estaca de Bares: the northernmost point of the peninsula.
- San Andrés de Teixido and the Cariño-Ortigueira ría.
🥾 How to visit
The geopark offers geo-routes (waymarked geological trails) and viewpoints. Visit with respect: in protected areas, keep to the paths.
More information
Cabo Ortegal Geopark (official) Hiking trails Nature of Ferrolterra
The Geopark spans councils of Ferrol and Ortegal; check geo-routes, times and activities on the official site.