Although it may seem impossible, in beautiful Galicia there are still towns that keep their seafaring essence of the past intact, with active fishing ports and arcaded streets that lead to the sea. Muros, in A Coruña, is one of those towns: it was once one of the most important maritime routes and today its life continues to revolve around the sea.
This fishing village located in the Muros e Noia estuary is declared a Historic-Artistic Site, with its alleys full of arched arcades, traditional stone fishing houses, fountains, churches and Galician crosses. Its old town, founded in the 13th century, keeps the medieval seafaring architecture alive. All this seasoned with exquisite gastronomy, idyllic beaches and quiet tourism without gentrification.
Visiting Muros is done by hand, getting lost in its network of streets with a calm rhythm and a life that revolves around the sea, under continuous balconies of Gothic influence and covered galleries, where we can still see the fishing gear drying after a day of seafaring. Some of the most beautiful visits that this town offers us are O Curro da Prada, a central square full of bars where the City Hall, the Town Hall and the best seafood, fish and octopus à feira in the area are crowded.
Other architectural jewels of Muros are its Food Market, with a beautiful double staircase; or the Collegiate Church of Santa María do Campo, a Gothic sailor temple from the 13th century that maintains the Romanesque façade. Today it is the church of San Pedro de Muros and has a deconsecrated area, which has been used to house the Vila de Auga e Sal Interpretation Center.
The Prada Work
The port is the heart of Muros and continues to be a space of bustle, hustle and work, with small boats coming and going to work to supply the town's restaurants with hake, octopus, crabs or crayfish. From there starts the promenade, which borders the entire coastline to the municipal fish market and the 15th century Virxe do Camiño Sanctuary, with unbeatable views of the sea.
Praia do Castelo
Right next to the port is Praia do Castelo, a charming corner of white sand and turquoise waters in the heart of town, ideal for taking a dip protected from the wind. However, if you prefer wilder and larger beaches, on the outskirts you will find the incredible Praia de Area Maior, a 1,400-meter stretch of virgin and wild sand, ideal for walks away from the crowds. Even in the holiday season.
