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Monday, December 22, 2014

Exploring Galicia: Camariñas and Cabo Vilán

When we were in Spain this summer, we took an afternoon to explore the coastal village of Camariñas and the lighthouse at Cabo Vilán on Galicia's Costa da Morte, or Death Coast. 




Camariñas is a fishing port and village known for bobbin lace work, located in the province of A Coruña on Spain's northwest coast. This lace is very popular in Spain, used for baptismal clothes, curtains, and table linens. There are approximately 3,500 lacemakers, or palilleiras, in the area, integrating traditional designs with more modern techniques. 



It is a small village, perfect for an afternoon stroll and seafood tapas and a drink or a gelato. 



In this port, or in any port in Galicia, it is not uncommon to see people, like this man, mending nets before the fishing boats go back out to sea. 





After our gelato, we drove up to Cabo Vilán, home to the oldest electric lighthouse in Spain. 



Because of its rocky cliffs, Cabo, or Cape Vilán is considered one of the most dangerous ares of the Death Coast. In 1890, an English ship, the HMS Serpent, sank here, killing 173 men. 


The lighthouse stands 410 feet high and its light reaches just over 34 nautical miles. It is attached to the old lighthouse keeper's building and it is considered a national monument. It was declared of National Interest in 1933.



There are areas around the lighthouse to explore, like this rocky outpost with the remains of the original lighthouse, built in Roman times, that provide other views of the more modern lighthouse and coast. 





At the base of the Cape is Stolt Sea Farm, one of the world's largest producers of turbot, sole, sturgeon and caviar. Headquartered in Santiago de Compostela, Stolt has six farms in Spain, as well as farms in France, Iceland, Norway, Portugal and caviar farms in the United States. 



Cafe con leche...with a view.


With each trip, we explore more that Galicia has to offer. Spain is so much more than Madrid and Barcelona. If you have the opportunity to visit Spain, consider a trip to Galicia. You won't be disappointed. 








26 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. It was such a perfect afternoon. I miss that sky...and warmth...and views. :-)

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  2. WOW! What a stunning place to visit! I hope to travel oversees in my lifetime!

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    1. Add it to your round-the-world travel list. Stay in touch...I know somewhere you can stay. :-)

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  3. Oh wow! The bobbin work...that is just as incredible as the views and those wonderful boats. Let me know next time you go, I'll roll up in your suitcase! LOL

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  4. We want to go to Spain and can't wait to go now after looking at your beautiful pictures!

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    Replies
    1. Spain has so much to see and do. You will love it, Helene. Thank you so much for stopping by!

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  5. just remarkable!! on my wishlist for sure!!

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    1. You won't be disappointed, Elle. Spain is worthy of a bucket-list item for so many reasons...and Galicia is definitely one of them.

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  6. SO beautiful! And so great to have a little vacation there via your blog on this grey day! (and grey week)

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    1. I miss that blue sky too, Jill. And the views. And the gelato. :-)

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  7. Beautiful pictures! I would love to visit here one day.

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    1. You won't be disappointed, Rena. Spain is worthy of a bucket-list item for so many reasons...and Galicia is definitely one of them.

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  8. The lace work looks so beautiful. Looks so beautiful based on your pictures.

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    1. Thank you! Spain has so much to see and do. It is worthy of a bucket-list item for so many reasons...and Galicia is definitely one of them.

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  9. How lovely?! It looks so green compared to our little corner of Spain and that bobbin work looks amazing!!
    Merry Christmas honey x

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    1. The rain in Spain does tend to fall in Galicia...but it is quite green. :-) Merry merry, Elle. :-) xoxo

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  10. It's so beautiful Kelly, you take the most loveliest photos. Seeing the ocean really makes me homesick.

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    1. Thank you, Jazmine. Spain is worthy of a bucket-list item for so many reasons...and Galicia is definitely one of them. I hope you are having a wonderful holiday.

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  11. I loooove these photos! They're gorgeous. And, oh my goodness, the bobbin lace work is amazing. I just can't imagine the patience it takes.

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    1. Thank you, Suheiry! Spain is worthy of a bucket-list item for so many reasons...and Galicia is definitely one of them. So much to see and do.

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  12. This looks like such a wondeful place to visit; I love how you've captured all of the details! :)
    ~ Marcella

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    1. You won't be disappointed, Marcella. Thank you. :-) Spain is worthy of a bucket-list item for so many reasons...and Galicia is definitely one of them.

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  13. Oooh I love lighthouses. Thanks for sharing all of the awesome pics. And thanks for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust!

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  14. Galicia does not disappoint when it comes to lighthouses, or anything else, for that matter. I hope you can visit this corner of hidden Spain one day. Thank you for the opportunity to link up.

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