A Aldea Vella offers different starting points for a trip: the medieval A Misarela Bridge, the ruins of a group of mills, and a route to natural pools on the Río das Pedras. If you would like to combine culture and activity, you can consider historical sites and route options as different focal points. If you plan to go swimming, changing conditions at the natural pools are also something to take into account.

The bridge and historical traces

The medieval A Misarela Bridge spans the Río Pedras. The remains of a former Franciscan monastery are located nearby. Their proximity brings together two different historical sites: the bridge is a medieval structure, while the monastery is represented by the remains of a former Franciscan establishment.

A Aldea Vella is considered a village dating from the 9th century. The village consisted of a group of mills, which now lie in ruins. The mill ruins draw attention to the village’s former composition, while the bridge is a single structure. The history of the place thus brings together different scales: a structure, the remains of a monastery, and a village whose mills are now ruins.

A Corte do Santo is also part of the historical context. One hypothesis links the excavation site to the end of the High Middle Ages and the beginning of the Late Middle Ages. The Ponte Romano do Miserela is on the Route of the Sea of Arousa and Ulla.

Routes and activities

The route along the Río das Pedras leads from A Aldea Vella to the natural pools of the Río das Pedras. You can do it independently or as part of a programme offered by the Concello da Pobra do Caramiñal with an official guide. Organised departures may be seasonal. If you are planning a guided tour, check the available dates in advance.

The “Hiking and Archaeology” route starts in Aldeavella. Confirm the route details before planning. The “Canyoning on the Río Barbanza” route has a different requirement: it is suitable for people who are qualified in canyoning and have mastered the techniques required for it.

Natural pools on the Río das Pedras

The Piscinas Naturais do Río Pedras comprise natural pools with waterfalls and small cascades where swimming is possible. This offers a different focus from the historical sites: here, the emphasis is on the water and the opportunity to swim, while the bridge and monastery ruins focus on structures and the past.

Swimming conditions may vary. If you are planning to swim, check the conditions before your visit. This will help you distinguish the nature-focused part of your trip from the historical stops and plan around what interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Sobrado, Dormeá, Sada, San Andres de Teixido, Ambroa, O Mesón Do Vento, Cuíña, O Milladoiro.

For the broader travel overview: Coruña.