The Ria of Cedeira is one of the two estuaries in the territory of the Cape Ortegal Geopark Project. Despite its small size, it has two entrances separated by the Robaleira Point, which shelters the port of Cedeira to the north and is clearly dominated by the sea, and, further south, the Vilarrube inlet, which at low tide is dominated by the river. In the latter sector, the estuary of the river As Mestas is particularly noteworthy, with different intertidal channels and sandy bars. One of these bars originated the current Vilarrube beach, which has a palaeo-cliff at its highest point.
In the surroundings of the town of Cedeira there are good examples of folds, both in the port and on the beach of Sonreiras. During low tide, the prodelta of the Condomiñas river is noteworthy. Near the Robaleira lighthouse is the Miseñora cove, we can observe a small marine arch, which is a relatively abundant geomorphological element in this estuary, since there are two others in the lower part of Monte Burneira.
In the area of the port of Cedeira, the amphibolite forms draw the attention of the visitors. This is the predominant material from this point to Punta Balteira -near San Andrés de Teixido-, although in the area closest to the coast there is a strip between 100 and 200 metres wide in which gneiss alternates with peridotites and serpentinites. This rocky band runs from Punta do Carreiro to Punta Candieira and has at least four faults that break the linear continuity of these materials.
City council: Cedeira
Can I visit it?: Yes, by car or on foot along the coast and the inner edge of the estuary.
Further information: The areas of geological interest located further south are in the Vilarrube sandy area and at the mouth of the As Mestas river. The areas near the town – the port, Punta Sarridal, Sonreiras and even the chapel of San Antón – can be walked on a footpath. If you feel like continuing on foot, it is also highly recommended to go to Punta Candieira.
