Baiona

Baiona, whose former inhabitants were the first to hear the news of the discovery of the New World when the Pinta moored here in 1493 (the Santa María sought refuge in Lisbon after a storm). Subsequently, it continued to be a major port for the many gold- and silver-laden ships that followed thereafter from America. Thoughts similar to these will likely come to mind as you stroll the perfectly preserved seaside battlements encircling the Parador de Baiona, the premier tourist attraction in town (non-guests of the parador pay for visiting privileges). The castle ramparts are 3 kilometers long and some parts date from the 2nd century B.C. (other parts are as recent as the 17th century). The walk around them affords bird’s-eye views of the crashing sea, the port, and the coastline stretching into the horizon. If you crave more, you can visit Baiona’s 12th-century collegiate church or drive the 30 kilometers down the coast to the Portuguese border. About halfway, you pass the little fishing village of Oya. At the end of the road is the port of La Guardia.