Discover Guitiriz through its riverside paths, waterfalls and the different periods represented in its architectural history. The PR-G 99 Ruta da Auga de Guitiriz is a low-gradient path along the Parga and Ladroil rivers. It runs from the Santo Alberto bridge to the Carballeira de Pardiñas. If you would rather choose a single waterfall as your destination than follow a river route, the Fervenza do Muíño da Ruxida ou Roxida offers another option for planning your trip.
Waterways and recreation areas
The Fervenza do Muíño da Ruxida ou Roxida can be reached from Guitiriz via the LU-2302 towards Mariz, followed by the signposted turn-off to Ferreira. There is a large car park and a recreation area with stone tables and benches. This makes the waterfall a specific destination with signposted access and places to sit; no walking time or route details are provided.
Another water destination is Sete Muíños. The recreation area is located on the Camino del Norte. The riverside path there includes a natural pool, an artificial waterfall and three more small waterfalls. The natural features differ: the Ruta da Auga follows the Parga and Ladroil rivers, while the pool and waterfalls are the main features along the Sete Muíños riverside path.
Archaeology and historic buildings
The Pena Xiboi archaeological site is an Epipalaeolithic rock shelter dating to 5000 BC. Archaeological remains found there in 1994 are on display at the Museo de Viladonga in Castro de Rei. A Pobra is a pre-Roman hillfort. The Castelo de Pobra de Parga is protected as a cultural heritage site; the Castelo de Parga dates from the 16th century. These different names and dates point to distinct chapters in local history.
The architectural history also spans several centuries. A Torre is a fortified house dating from 1372, which was destroyed and rebuilt in 1863. The former parish church of San Xoán de Lagostel was founded as a chapel in the 14th century and rebuilt between 1719 and 1720. From the centre of Guitiriz, you can reach it via the N-VI towards Lugo; it is about one kilometre past the Guardia Civil barracks.
The Igrexa Nova de Santa María was built between 1946 and 1968. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross; its style is Neo-Romanesque, with French influences. Its interior furnishings include a carved figure of John the Baptist from the 18th century. The Capilla de Ecce Homo at O Curro Vello dates from the 20th century. Its altarpiece depicts the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph with the infant Jesus, Christ the Saviour and the Ecce Homo.
Further nearby destinations have their own architectural history: Santa Cruz de Parga is a Romanesque parish church dating from the 12th century; the Pazo de Pontella, built in 1799, is an example of civil architecture. O Lousado is home to the well-preserved Muíño da Devesela, dating from 1875. The Muíño do Crego, built in 1900, is also located there and is still in operation. The two mills offer different points of interest: one for its state of preservation, the other for its continued use.
Mineral springs and a regional speciality
The springs of Pardiñas, Guitiriz and Parga are known for their mineral waters. The historic Balneario de Guitiriz closed in 2017 and reopened in May 2023; Iberik Hoteles breathed new life into the facilities. If you are planning a visit, please check current access arrangements in advance.
A regional speciality is Torta de maíz de Guitiriz, an artisan-made sponge cake. Its ingredients include eggs, sugar, butter and corn flour. Corn flour is one of the ingredients, not the cake’s sole base. Together with its waterways and historic buildings, this gives you a varied overview of Guitiriz, without requiring you to combine the individual places or themes into a fixed day’s itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Padrón, Loiba, Arteixo, Redonda, Reguengo, O Mesón Do Vento, A Boeira, Extramundi de Abaixo.
For the broader travel overview: Coruña.
