The Ria of Muros and Noia is one of the indisputable referents between the different estuaries of the province. Its maritime spirit invades and its relatively calm waters give us a sense of tranquility that contrasts with the wild waves typical of the region of Costa da Morte. The sea, in many ways, is therefore the protagonist of this ría, an undisputed tourist destination of the province of A Coruña for its many beaches and attractive villas.
The towns of Muros and Noia, declared a historical-artistic complex, show the traditional architecture of the sea, located in an urban design in which tradition offers all its charm, without tension, with the serenity of meeting in small streets and squares with bars that offer, as before, the products of the sea and the land in all their splendor.
The municipalities that form part of this destination are Lousame, Muros, Noia, Outes and Porto do Son.
The natural attraction of this area is enormous. Attention is drawn to two islands that can be seen from some point on the coast: Isla Vella and Isla de Creba. The humid soil and water in their different manifestations, characterize the prominent mountain chains of Outes and Barbanza. The coastal richness is also evident in the beautiful beaches, distributed through different municipalities, such as Basoñas, Area Longa, Aguieira, Broña, As Furnas, Esteiro, Portosín, San Francisco or Ancoradoiro, among others.
Antiquity: Some archaeological remains are very well preserved and are very important: those of Castro de Baroña. Here, the union between the striking pre-Roman construction and the spectacular image of the sea, are perfectly capable of provoking a deep chill. This castro is the most characteristic among the many ancient patrimonial samples that can be seen throughout this destination.
Contemporary history: For who is interested in recent history, it can very interesting to visit the inactive Mines of San Finx (Lousame), used to extract large quantities of tin and tungsten which played a significant role in the history of World War II.
Civil architecture: the historic centre of both Noia and Muros were declared historical-artistic complex. In both, one perceives an architecture sheltered in the past and properly conserved, that maintains a halo of gentry that adorns these coastal towns. In the case of Noia, this condition is in line with the statement of Otero Pedrayo, when he asserted that 'Noia is the little Compostela'. In Muros we can find the Lighthouse of Monte Louro, in a privileged environment and in a space of excellent views. In Outes we highlight Ponte Nafonso, as well as the Ponte Grande and the Ponte de Traba in Noia.
Religious architecture: The Church of Santa Maria da Nova in Noia, hs been declared National Historic Artistic Monument. In Lousame outstands the Monastery San Xusto de Toxosoutos, declared a Good of Cultural Interest.
ESSENTIALS
Castro de Baroña: This castro, one of the most famous in the province, is located on a peninsula that transform the approach to the Castro culture in a walk with a unique and unforgettable landscape. Its first population process is placed between the centuries I BC and I. To contemplate this visit, you can also visit the Castro Interpretation Center that is located in the center of the village of Porto do Son.
Monastery and waterfall of Toxosoutos: This is a magical place where art, nature and history merge. The Monastery of San Xusto de Toxosoutos, where only the church is conserved, is located next to the river San Xusto, a tributary of the Soñora and offers a landscape full of impressive waterfalls.
Monte Louro: Monte Louro and Laguna de Xalfas are a privileged point of view. They are located in the outer part of the north slope of the ría and have been declared a place of natural interest.
Muros: Muros has a variety of routes to contemplate the landscape of its municipality, in addition to the historical and artistic heritage, which includes the architecture of the old town, the various parish churches, the old Cinema Paris or the Market Building
Noia: This monumental town is characterized by its gothic houses and the numerous arches and arcades that dress the old town. You can visit various houses and mansions that surround the square where the church of San Martiño of the XV century of gothic maritime style. On the other hand, The Church of Santa Maria da Nova, National Historical and Artistic Monument, is one of its patrimonial assets.
Empanada de maíz de Noia: The empanada, a typical regional product, in this area uses a different and original recipe with the introduction of maize flour mass, which gives it a tasty distinction. Usually it is made using products of the ría, being the cockle the most common. This empanada can be tasted in any of the various local restaurants in the area.
Berberechos de la ría: The abundance and good quality of the cockle in this ría, makes it a product that you have to taste when visiting this land. It is considered a gastronomic relic and there are many ways to prepare it, in rice dishes, empanadas or steaming.
Sardine of Portosín: This small port of the municipality of Porto do Son, is characterized by the abundant fishing of sardine and mackerel. Every year in the summer the Festival of the Portosin Sardine is celebrated.