Exploring Cedeira's Surroundings | Los alrededores de Cedeira
I had a couple of hours to kill in Cedeira. I'd already explored the town itself, but on my last visit, I never actually made it to the castle. So, that’s where I headed.
On the way, I noticed on the map that I could first hike up to the hermitage (Ermita de San Antón). It’s a quaint little white chapel perched on a hill, surrounded by pines and absolute silence, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay. It’s the perfect spot to catch your breath after the climb—even if my legs were already covered in scratches from trekking through the brush.
Heading back down toward the castle, I realized I could stop by the lighthouse viewpoint on the rocky headland. This area is home to the ruins of an old fort and an ancient Celtic settlement (Castro de Sarridal). With the lighthouse standing right on the edge of the world and the open ocean beyond, it’s easily the best vantage point for the entire Cedeira bay.
Moving along, I followed the coastline down to the Sonreiras viewpoint, which looks out over the beach of the same name. The bay takes on a whole new look from here: turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and the rhythmic sound of the crashing surf. It’s arguably Cedeira’s finest beach, and clearly a popular one given the crowds. The views in every direction are still absolutely stunning.
Finally, I reached my goal: Castelo da Concepción (Castillo de la Concepción). The finish line. The 18th-century castle was actually closed, but I wasn't going to let that spoil things. The walk around the fortress walls was worth the effort alone.
Even without going inside the castle, the walk was a solid 10/10. Between the Galician capes, the fresh ocean breeze, and the scenery, it was well worth the extra couple of kilometers.