Camariñas
Information
Camariñas is a historic fishing village located in the heart of the Costa da Morte. Its toponym refers to the "caramiña" or grass of hunger, a unique bush in the area, in danger of extinction, and that appears in the month of August in the surroundings of Camariñas, as for example in the magnificent sandy area of the Playas del Trece.
The French invasion of 1809, when the Ría de Camariñas was the scene of bloody and bloodthirstybattles in the so-called Napoleonic wars, is especially remembered in its history. Today it is one of the most important villages of the Costa da Morte, with a unique natural environment and a great textile tradition, the bobbin lace.
What to see in Camariñas
Lace Museum (MECAM)
Bobbin lace in Camariñas is the material and immaterial expression of its people, with women as the central protagonists. Beyond its heritage value, it holds strong social importance, as the lace-making usually takes place in groups where women meet, interact, and share their creativity. This museum is a must-see.
Vilán Lighthouse
The first lighthouse here was built in 1854, but the current structure was inaugurated in 1896 after several projects addressed initial deficiencies. The Lighthouse and Cape Vilán offer spectacular views of the heart of the Costa da Morte, standing as one of the most iconic spots on the Galician coastline.
The Cannery of 1884
This is a museum shop located within the Cerdeimar Industries warehouses, dedicated since 1884 to the canning and packaging of various seafood products. Part of the Canning Route tourism project, a visit to these industrial facilities and a tasting of their products is highly recommended.
Cemetery of the English
Built by the local population, in this cemetery rest the remains of the crew of the British torpedo cruiser HMS Serpent, which was wrecked off these shores on November 10, 1890. The locals themselves were responsible for rescuing the bodies in a remarkable act of humanity.
Natural Heritage
Located very close to the village of Arou, you should not miss Monte Branco and its climbing dune, the highest in Spain at 150 metres. The surrounding area is home to the camariña, a native shrub that gives the town its name and adorns the dunes and the pristine Trece beaches, an area of immense natural value.
Sovereign's Castle
This 18th-century maritime fortification was built to defend the coast of Camariñas from foreign incursions. Although its state of preservation is limited, one can still intuit the layout of its cannon battery facing the sea and its hornwork facing inland.
Hermitage and Pilgrimage of the Virgen del Monte
An 18th-century Baroque hermitage located between Camariñas and Cape Vilán, opposite the Punta de A Barca in Muxía. Legend has it that the Virgin protects sailors by warning them of approaching storms. Every Easter Monday, a popular pilgrimage takes place, and the chapel is filled with maritime-themed votive offerings.
Map of Camariñas
Map of Camariñas