Your beach hotel in Foz

Basílica de San Martiño de Mondoñedo

Located in Foz, it was Episcopal See between 870-1112, place of seclusion of Augustinians and Franciscans, cultural center and hospital of pilgrims. It became the Episcopal See due to the fleeing of Bishop Sabarico and some of his monks from the Arabs who entered its Portuguese territory. It was not until 1112 that the Episcopal See was changed to Villabria, which came to take the name of the previous seat and that is why this area is now called Mondoñedo.

This pre Romanesque basilica is considered the oldest cathedral in Spain and also contains a great historical and artistic value and was therefore declared a National Monument. In addition, on February 7th, 2007, it was awarded the honorary title of Minor Basilica by Pope Benedict XVI.

There is a legend linked to the basilica that says that once there was a Bishop in San Martiño called Saint Gonzalo (the "Holy Bishop"). This bishop lived during the same time when the barbaric invasions besieged the territory. That is when Saint Gonzalo took the whole town to the top of a mountain, trying to save them all. On the way, because of his advanced age and bearing a cross with him, he had to kneel several times to take a breath. Because of the great amount of times that Saint Gonzalo kneeled, God angered the sea, and began to destroy all the ships that came to conquer that territory. Thanks to Saint Gonzalo, two ships were able to save themselves since he interceded for them so they could be an example to others, so no one would try to conquer the area again. This legend is known nowadays as "the Miracle of the Ships".

Because of this legend, there is a celebration every year in late May or early June on Mount "O Obispo Santo", a popular romería that brings together families and great groups of friends who spend the afternoon and have a snack together.

Castro de Fazouro

Although it is known the existence of other forts of the same architecture, this is the only fort excavated and musealized preserved in the Galician coast of the Cantabrian Sea. It is a Romanised fort from the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D., and it is located in the town of Fazouro.

A Frouxeira

Here are the remains of the castle of the last feudal lord of Galicia; Pedro Pardo de Cela. After the death of Enrique IV a succession war took place between Galicians and Castilians: the Galicians supported Juana "la Beltraneja" and her husband, the King Alfonso of Portugal, while the Castilians defended Isabel "la Católica". Don Pedro Pardo de Cela was one of those who rebelled against Isabel "la Católica" and defended the sovereignty of the kingdom of Galicia. Unfortunately, this dispute lasted three years in this area of Galicia and, despite the fact that Pardo de Cela had managed to resist and become strong in the province of Mondoñedo thanks to its strategic location, the rest of the nobles of Galicia did not run so lucky and, as they were getting executed them, they were also getting replaced. The story says that it was Pardo de Cela’s own vassals who betrayed him and raised the gates so that the enemies could enter, stop him and execute him.

ROUTES

Ruta Río Ouro: 

Duration: 3 hours 

Distance: 12 km

This route begins in the recreational area in Fazouro, after crossing the iron bridge and taking the road to the left. It runs along the river and thanks to it you can enjoy a spectacular flora although there are areas where the path is narrowing. Along the route you can see the Parish Church of Santiago de Fazouro, an old mill, a hórreo and an old power station (A Planta). The route ends at the waterfall A Pena da Ruxida, which is located near the birthplace of the pious Inocencio. That is where you can also find a bridge where the return route begins but this time, by the other bank of the river.

Ruta Cornería:

Duration: 4 hours 

Distance: 19 km

It starts in Foz, in Costa do Castro Street and goes through the Pazo of the same name in Marzán. From here, it goes up to the Obispo Santo and that is where you can see a chapel as well as the recreational area and the viewpoint Pico da Lebre. From this last point you can enjoy the views of the Ria de Foz and all its nature. From Obispo Santo you arrive to the Basilica of San Martín, a pre-Romanesque basilica of the IX-XII centuries, and you continue by the Ermita del Carmen and then by the Cernada Road, in Vilaronte, so go further into the mountain to finish the route in the Pico de Cornería and enjoy its beautiful landscape. After restoring your strength, you are ready to start your way back to Foz.

Ruta de las playas:

Duration: 3 hours 

Distance: 17 km

The tour begins in Foz, from the harbour, and follows, much of its stretch, along the coast. Thanks to this you can see numerous beaches and enjoy their enormous beauty. Besides the beaches, along the route we can also observe the O Cú do Castro, on the beach of Llas, and a Celtic fort on the beach Arealonga. After that fort, you have to cross the railway line of FEVE and cross the main road to get into the district of Lousada (Fazoiro), where there are hórreos and typical constructions of the zone. Continuing along the route, you will arrive at the Capilla de la Concepción of the 17th century where you can see a sundial. After crossing the river Ouro you will return again to the beach of Pampillosa and return by the same road to the beach Rapadoira.

Sendero Azul de la ruta de las playas:

Duration: 7 hours 

Distance: 28 km

This route starts at Paseo de Colón (Rapadoira) and continues along the coast by Llas, Peizás, Pampillosa, Arelonga, Polas, Xuncos, Area Brava y Areoura.

Ruta A Frouxeira:

Duration: 5 hours

Distance: 24 km

It begins at the Pozo do Castro on Costa do Castro street, where you go up to the Pazo do Castro and reach Obispo Santo. There is the chapel in honour of the "Obispo Santo", San Gonzalo, near a recreational area. If you want, you can go to the natural viewpoint Pico da Lebre. From Obispo Santo you continue to the Basilica of San Martiño and then you continue walking in a way that to the left is a mill and to the right Lelle and Vilela. After passing the district of Madroi, turn left and cross the LU-152 and continue to the right. Afterwards, after going straight, you come to Frouxeira. To start the way back, the way down is made by the same path until a deviation to the right appears and you continue through that route.

You must go along the road that goes by the river Centiño and which leads you to the road that reaches the neighborhood A Ermida. Turn right and you come to the road leading to Foz. A little further on you must continue along a path to the right that leads to the Capilla del Carmen, where on your right there is an ethnographic ensemble. You must continue on the left of that road and cross the road towards Vilacendoi to finally go up to Mansin and return to the same road start site.

Camino natural de la Ruta del Cantábrico

Duration: 37 hours

Distance: 133 km (approx.)

Stages:

1 Ribadeo – As Catedrais 4 Burela – San Cibrao

2 As Catedrais – Foz 5 San Cibrao - Viveiro

3 Foz – Burela 6 Viveiro – O Vicedo

Camino natural de San Rosendo:

Duration: 9h 36m

Distance: 32 km (approx.)

Beginning: Mondoñedo (Cathedral)

Middle: Lorenzana (A Cazolga), Barreriros

End: Foz (Harbour)