In Oleiros, coastal paths, nature and culture offer different starting points for planning a trip. Along the coast of Dexo-Serantes, you can go hiking and observe native birds and plants. At the same time, castles, churches and historic manor houses tell the story of the area. If you like to plan your time around a clearly named route or a specific cultural site, you’ll find several concrete options here.

The Coast of Dexo-Serantes and its paths

The Coast of Dexo-Serantes Natural Monument stretches for 11 kilometres, from the Mera Lighthouse to the port of Lorbé. It was declared a Natural Monument in 2000 and included in the Galician Network of Protected Natural Areas. The coast is also part of the Natura 2000 network as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Hiking is one of the activities available; along the way, you can observe native birds and plants.

For a route with a specific duration, the Seixo Branco-Furnas route is a useful guide for planning your day: it is 3.6 kilometres long, takes 90 minutes and is of medium difficulty. It starts and ends in Canabal. The Porto de Dexo route starts and ends at the Church of Santa María de Dexo. At Faros de Mera, the Aula do Mar information centre is the starting and finishing point.

Other paths have their own focus: the Senda Litoral Mera runs along the Mera waterfront; interpretive panels there explain biological, geographical and ethnographic aspects of the area. The Sendero Costa Libre covers the coastal stretch from Santa Cristina to Santa Cruz. This information can help you choose a path based on its named route, points of reference or—in the case of Seixo Branco-Furnas—its stated duration.

Getting your bearings at Aula do Mar and how to get there

Aula do Mar is the visitor reception centre for the Natural Monument. The information centre is housed in a former lighthouse keeper’s cottage on the Costa de Dexo. It features a permanent interpretive exhibition about the coast, as well as information on appropriate conduct around the Natural Monument and on the walking routes through the area. Visitors can also learn about ecosystems and plan routes here.

From A Coruña, you can reach Costa de Dexo via A Ponte Pasaxe, heading towards Santa Cruz and the beaches. In Mera, you can turn off towards the lighthouse or continue to the port of Lorbé. So if you’re planning a coastal walk, the named landmarks—including the lighthouse, Aula do Mar and the port—can also help you choose a starting point.

Castles, museums and historic sites

Santa Cruz Castle stands on a small island connected to the port of Santa Cruz by a footbridge. Its construction was commissioned in the 16th century to strengthen the city’s defences. This followed the attack on the port of A Coruña by the English Armada led by Sir Francis Drake. Today, two municipal exhibition halls are located on the ground floor.

The Os Oleiros Museum is housed in As Torres de Santa Cruz, also known as Pazo do Coruxo. Its collection features pieces from more than 150 different pottery workshops. Pazo do Coruxo is designated as a Property of Cultural Interest; its origins date back to the 17th century. The Church of Santa María de Dexo is also an important historic landmark: its origins date back to 1108.

More details can be found in the garden of Pazo de Xaz: it is laid out in the French style and features geometric patterns made of myrtle, as well as a stone sundial. The garden of A Capela is a good place for a walk among lush vegetation and beneath the ruins of the old Pazo de A Capela. These sites offer different points of interest, from garden design and architectural history to the museum’s pottery collection.

Kayak trips and a mussel festival

Kayak trips are available along Mera Beach. In early August, the Lorbé gastronomic mussel festival takes place during the Carme festivities; it attracts hundreds of visitors every year. If you’d like to plan your stay around the festival, check the specific event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Mera, Perillo, Santa Cruz De Oleiros, Calo, Quintáns, Padrón, Pontedeume, Seoane.

For the broader travel overview: Coruña.