Luarca - Viveiro

The hotel surprised us with a simple but excellent breakfast. I especially enjoyed the freshly squeezed orange juice, homemade strawberry marmalade, and sweet, ripe kiwi fruit. It was a wonderful way to begin another day in northern Spain.

Our first stop was the spectacular Playa de las Catedrales. This remarkable beach is famous for its towering rock formations, sea arches, and tunnels carved by centuries of wind and waves. One particular rock formation bears a striking resemblance to the arches and vaults of a cathedral, which inspired the beach’s name. The attached photos will tell the story far better than words can.

From there, we continued to Sargadelos, where we visited the well-known ceramics and porcelain factory. We chose the self-guided tour and were able to observe artisans at work throughout the production process. It was fascinating to see how each piece progresses from raw material to finished product, including the delicate hand-painting that makes every item unique. After seeing the craftsmanship involved, it became easier to understand why a simple coffee cup can sell for €34.

Our destination for the day was Thalasso Las Sirenas in Viveiro. After several nights in smaller hotels and guesthouses, it felt almost luxurious to stay in a modern four-star property complete with elevators, a spa, and all the comforts one could wish for. From our balcony, we enjoyed views of the beach and bay, while the city of Viveiro could be seen in the distance.

This evening we have reservations at the hotel’s fifth-floor restaurant, enclosed in glass and overlooking the bay. The setting alone promises to be memorable, and the menu looks equally inviting.

As we travel, Ursula and I are especially grateful to be sharing this adventure with our longtime friends Kurt and Renata. Our friendship goes back to the 1970s, when we all lived in New York. We have many interests in common, which makes traveling together both enjoyable and easy.

Kurt and Renata take the lead in planning much of our itinerary and selecting destinations, while all four of us remain flexible and open to changes along the way. Tomorrow will mark the 16th day of our journey as we prepare for a 150-kilometer drive to the coastal town of Cedeira.

Kurt handles most of the driving and does an excellent job behind the wheel. My role is more that of co-pilot. I also help Renata with finding accommodations and restaurants, making reservations, and handling much of the communication in Spanish.

Traveling as a team has worked remarkably well, and together we continue to discover the beauty, culture, and hospitality of España.Læs mere