Seafaring district and port of Cariño

A labyrinth of houses hanging above the sea

The seafaring district is the oldest part of this town, a unique group of houses clinging to the landscape, perched high on the cliffs between A Concha beach and Punta Gabeira.

Strolling through its narrow, winding streets is like stepping into a village shaped by the sea. Most of the houses, painted in vibrant colours using the same paints for their windows and balconies as the boats, feature traditional balconies, galleries or corridors that give them a unique, picturesque character.

These narrow streets lead to lively squares, such as Praza da Porta Pulida and Praza da Mariña, which are hubs of social and economic activity. Its privileged location on the cliffs offers numerous natural viewpoints from which to gaze at the grandeur of the estuary and the immense ocean.

The rua do Campo, in particular, offers spectacular views and access to the secluded Cala do Peiral.

Close to this historic centre, the fishing port keeps traditions alive with its constant comings and goings of boats bringing in seafood. In addition to offering panoramic views of the seafaring district and the estuary, it is the starting point for those who wish to explore the coastal landscape from the water on boat trips.

The breakwater at the port of Cariño is built with large blocks of eclogite, extracted from a quarry opened for this purpose. It is probably the only eclogite harbour in the world, an additional asset for this Geopark.