Vilanova de Arousa
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Vilanova de Arousa
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Vilanova de Arousa
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Vilanova de Arousa
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Plans in Vilanova
Nature Tourism
Vilanova de Arousa offers several possibilities for nature lovers. In addition to its beautiful sandy beaches, there are up to three nature itineraries with which you can get to know the municipality from a different perspective, while walking along pleasant paths among lush and green landscapes.
Below, we present three complete routes: the route of the mills of Currás (O Esteiro); that of Monte Lobeira, and that of the Umia River.
Below, we present three complete routes: the route of the mills of Currás (O Esteiro); that of Monte Lobeira, and that of the Umia River.
Route of the mills of Currás
This itinerary will take you past three restored mills in the surroundings of O Esteiro, as well as an old bridge, also renovated. Here you will find a beautiful path, one that has traditionally been used by the residents of Currás to access the centre of Vilanova de Arousa. In addition, this place has become an ethnographic interpretation centre to safeguard both the natural and architectural heritage of the town.
Mount Lobeira Nature Route
Going up towards the summit of Monte Lobeira, you will find a route surrounded by nature that will envelop you in history. The origin of Lobeira is marked by various events that have occurred throughout history, so it has been decided provide free guided tours for those who want to find out more.
Between the eleventh and twelfth centuries, the Castle of Lobeira was located in this place, a fortress in which Queen Urraca settled in search of the necessary security for Galicia. This enclave witnessed various struggles between Doña Urraca and Archbishop Gelmírez. When the queen finished her role as a defender of these lands, it also ceased to be the residence of Castilian kings, and from that moment on the Castle of Lobeira was abandoned. With the Irmandiña struggles of the fifteenth century, the castle was destroyed, leaving only a few vestiges of that magnificent fortress.
The tour culminates at the viewpoint of Monte Lobeira, almost 300 meters above sea level. This point is an excellent balcony overlooking the Arousa estuary, from which you can see the extension of the regional territory and also contemplate the characteristics of the forest in the temperate, coastal areas. And, of course, what will catch your attention the most will be the incredible panoramic views of the Arousa estuary, which will be the just reward for the tour of this mountain.
The tour culminates at the viewpoint of Monte Lobeira, almost 300 meters above sea level. This point is an excellent balcony overlooking the Arousa estuary, from which you can see the extension of the regional territory and also contemplate the characteristics of the forest in the temperate, coastal areas. And, of course, what will catch your attention the most will be the incredible panoramic views of the Arousa estuary, which will be the just reward for the tour of this mountain.
Umia River Nature Route
In addition to its coastline and its mountains, Vilanova de Arousa also offers you the possibility of getting to know the ecosystems that develop on the banks of the rivers. To discover it, don’t miss the nature route of the Umia River.
This tour will surprise you with the existence of several restored mills, since this river course saw the flour industry flourish from the seventeenth century thanks to its waterwheels. The mills played a fundamental role both in the economy and in Galician culture and folklore. The watermills make up picturesque images that favoured social interaction; they were places of recreation, as well as centres of industry.
As you pass through this area you will find an environment full of natural beauty. In fact, Pontearnelas is considered one of the most beautiful places along the Umia River, in addition to As Aceñas, Pago Negro, and the Retortoiro.
You will also pass through the so-called “Bridge of the Godfathers,” whose name is linked to a unique legend. In the past, a fertility rite was established whereby infertile couples should have a dinner at the entrance to the bridge. The first man to cross the bridge while the rite was being arranged would be the godfather of the child who was to be born, who had to be called Alberto or Alberta.
As you pass through this area you will find an environment full of natural beauty. In fact, Pontearnelas is considered one of the most beautiful places along the Umia River, in addition to As Aceñas, Pago Negro, and the Retortoiro.
You will also pass through the so-called “Bridge of the Godfathers,” whose name is linked to a unique legend. In the past, a fertility rite was established whereby infertile couples should have a dinner at the entrance to the bridge. The first man to cross the bridge while the rite was being arranged would be the godfather of the child who was to be born, who had to be called Alberto or Alberta.