A former monastery site, a small harbour and a sandy beach at the foot of Monte Branco give Santa Mariña three specific points of interest. The parish church brings the area’s religious history to life; the Porto is a focus for the landscape and route connections, while the Playa is characterised by its sand, swimming, waves and coastal winds.
Church history at the site
The Benedictine monastery of Santa Marina de Tosto previously stood on the site of the Igrexa Parroquial de Santa Mariña de Tosto. The monastery was rebuilt twice. The parish church and the site’s former monastic use are therefore connected to the same location. If you are interested in the religious history of the area, Santa Mariña offers a specific point of interest here: the site’s history encompasses both the Benedictine monastery and the parish church. The two rebuilds are part of this monastic history and give it a distinctive historical emphasis.
Two routes to the church
Two described routes lead to the Igrexa Parroquial de Santa Mariña de Tosto. One follows the AC-432 from Ponte do Porto to Camariñas; at Xaviña, the road to Santa Mariña branches off. The alternative route follows the road to Camelle, then the turn-off onto the road to Arou, and finally a coastal path to Santa Mariña. The routes differ mainly in their sequence of roads and turn-offs: the AC-432 and Xaviña route versus Camelle, Arou and the coastal path. Check road conditions locally before setting off.
Harbour and route connections
The small Porto de Santa Mariña harbour is sheltered from southerly winds by the mountain slope. Porto de Santa Mariña is listed as a point of interest on the Ruta Litoral; Puerto de Santa Mariña is also listed as a point of interest on the Ruta dos Naufragios. Thus, the harbour combines a specific feature of its location with two route connections. Two distinct aspects stand out as you explore: its protection from southerly winds and its place on the routes.
Playa de Santa Mariña
Playa de Santa Mariña is a small sandy beach at the foot of Monte Branco. It is a quiet place for swimming; moderate waves and the wind typical of this coast are also part of its character. The difference between the harbour and the beach is clear: the harbour is sheltered from southerly winds by the slope, while waves and coastal winds shape the character of the Playa. The beach thus combines its location at Monte Branco with a coastal appeal distinct from that of the harbour.
Santa Mariña as a place to stay
If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Santa Mariña, you can plan your trip around these different highlights. The parish church connects with the area’s monastic history, the harbour with its location and the two routes, and the Playa with sand, swimming and coastal conditions. Consider whether you would prefer to focus your stay on local history or the coast.
Discover more destinations: A Capela, Rois, Pardaces de Arriba, O Bosque, Nantón, Negreira, Carballo, Queiruga
For the main travel overview: Coruña.
