Information about Baiona
Baiona is a charming town well known for being the first port in Europe to announce the Discovery of America. This event has marked the lifestyle of the town, its festivals and traditions. In addition to its historical heritage, this place offers a beautiful old town to walk through, full of fairytale streets. It also offers small beaches very enjoyable in the summer season and enviable views. It is a fishing village with a lot of essence, with an excellent gastronomic tradition and a starting point to visit other places of interest such as the Cíes Islands.
What to see and do in Baiona
The Fortress of Monterreal
The Castle of Monterreal is a walled enclosure from the 11th century whose fortress was built to protect the town from possible attacks from the sea. Nowadays its appearance is a little more modern, as it was rebuilt in the 17th century thanks to Diego Sarmiento de Acuña, the Count of Gondomar. The location gives visitors spectacular views as well as inevitably transport you to another time, you can see the history on one side and the sea with the Cies Islands in the background on the other. Inside is one of the most prestigious Paradors, the Parador de Turismo Conde de Gondomar.
The replica of La Pinta caravel
On 1 March 1493, the caravel La Pinta, captained by the sailor Marín Alonso Pinzón, docked in the port of Baiona. That historic moment would change the course of events around the world and also life in the village forever. America had been discovered and this was ground zero of that unparalleled event. On the occasion of the V Centenary of the Discovery, an identical replica of this ship was built and inside it there is a small nautical museum that also shows the findings brought back from this intrepid voyage.
The Virxe da Roca
The Virxe da Roca is a very representative monument of the town of Baiona and from it you can appreciate a privileged view. It is located on the so-called Monte de San Roque, located 100 meters above sea level and is built with stone. This beautiful statue was inaugurated in 1930 and has an access to its interior. You can go up a spiral staircase, which leads to a viewpoint located in the hand of the virgin that shows a landscape of spectacle with the fortress of Monterreal in the foreground.
The Old Town
The charming old town of Baiona is a very affordable size and is a must-see when touring this traditional place. It goes from the Plaza de Santa Liberata to the promenade, the Plaza de Pedro de Castro and the Convent of the Dominican Sisters. It is an area declared a Historic-Artistic Site, so the height of the buildings and the quality of its materials is regulated, offering a set of perfectly preserved streets. You can choose between three entrances to walk it, the Plaza de Santa Liberata, the door of Padre Fernando and the Crucero de la Trinidad. It presents great architectural jewels such as the Ex-Colegiata de Santa Maria and the Cruceiro de Trinidade.
Ladeira Beach
At the beginning of the municipality is the longest beach in the area, Ladeira. It stretches along the river Miñor and creates an area of great natural wealth, a protected landscape with a diversity of flora and fauna to the delight of all visitors. Much of the original structure of the dunes is preserved and is undergoing a rigorous process of recovery. It is an open beach, extensive, with fine white sand, a paradisiacal spot.
The Monte Boi promenade
For those who enjoy nature trails with beautiful scenery a walk through Monte Boi is a must. It goes around a good part of the medieval fortress and runs for almost 2 km along the beach of A Cuncheira, ending at the Fortified Clock Tower next to the Royal Gate. This walk was inaugurated in 1995 and has a surface of earth and small stones on which to walk calmly while contemplating the views.
The Silleiro Lighthouse
This lighthouse is located in the parish of Baredo and was inaugurated in 1866 no less. It had a traditional operation, with a vegetable oil wick lamp that was changed by oil in 1909. The building has a tower and a beautiful construction and from its location you can contemplate the beautiful views, which contain the ruins of an armed firing battery with the cannons currently covered.
