Page 50 - Traveling 71 eng

THE BEACH OF CATHEDRALS
Above, several viewpoints offer sweeping panoramas: a
sea in constant motion, rocky arches rising like forgotten
ruins, and the distant sound of waves. These are places
to pause, sit, breathe deeply, and take in the view. In sum-
mer, a shuttle service from Ribadeo makes access easier
while reducing car traffic and easing the environmental
burden.
Nearby, a small interpretation centre provides insights
into how these rocks were formed and their natural signi-
ficance, alongside restrooms and parking facilities.
History, memory, and human imprint
Although nature now takes centre stage, the coastline
also bears traces of ancient human presence. In the area,
remnants of Roman engineering remain: channels carved
into the rock and vestiges of gold mining, with hydraulic
extraction systems similar to those found in other ancient
sites. Structures believed to have been used for cera-
mics, linked to this resource exploitation, have also been
documented. These are subtle signs, often invisible, that
speak of human presence more than 2,000 years ago.
For centuries, these shores sustained the work of fisher-
men and sailors, who learned to read the wind, measure
the waves, and respect the ocean’s relentless power. It
wasn’t until the late 20th century that the general public
discovered this corner of the coast. Since then, its fame
has grown steadily, and today it stands as a symbol of
nature-based tourism in northern Galicia.
Biodiversity: a living heartbeat between
rocks and water
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Playa de las Catedrales is a
living, resilient ecosystem. Designated a site of special in-
terest within the Natura 2000 network, its cliffs are home to
colonies of seabirds: yellow-legged gulls, European shags,
little egrets, and occasionally peregrine falcons. Their
nests are tucked away in inaccessible crevices, far from
human disturbance.
When the tide retreats, pools form among the rocks. In
these temporary basins, algae, bryozoans, mussels, lim-
pets, and barnacles thrive. Children and adults alike can
discover starfish, sea urchins, and small fish momentarily
trapped in these tidal pockets.
50 -