The port town of Rianxo

Rianxo is a typical, but perhaps more attractive, example of one of Galicia's many port towns. It is located in the lower bays and has a strong fishing heritage.

Some general information about Rianxo

Rianxo is definately off the main Galician tourist trail and is not mentioned as often as towns like Noia, Ribeira and Muros. That said this is a pretty town with a large harbour, local beach and pleasant sea front area. Rianxo itself is not large, but it is definately worth a visit if you plan to drive down this stretch of the coast. There are plenty of bars and cafes and the place has a very relaxed feel to it. It does tend to liven up on market day and can get quite busy.

What to see and do in Rianxo

Tip 1. This is more of a town to walk round and enjoy generally than to visit with the expectation of seeing a striking building or old monument. Rianxo has a pleasant town centre and a large weekly market and there are plenty of quaint cafes.

Tip 2. The sea front and harbour side areas are pleasant and recently refurbished and commercial fishing still takes place here. The rest of the town is built on a series of three tiers above this lower promenade area.

Tip 3. Rianxo has a famous citizen, one Daniel Alfonso Rodriguez Castelao, and he is credited with the promotion of being a citizen of Galicia. A plaque marks his home and birth place and there is also a statue to him.

Tip 4. Rianxo's town hall is a small but civic looking building and appears in the main square. There is also a tourism office close to this building (which you can see above) and there are cafes and bars in this area too.

Tip 5. Rianxo has a couple of churches with religious and historic importance, but whilst pleasing to the eye they are neither grand or detailled in construction or appearance. One of these, the one in the picture to the left, has a long stair leading to its entrance that descends into a small courtyard.

Where is Rianxo and how do you reach it

Rianxo is some way down the coast from the large airport serviced cities of la Coruna and Santiago de Compostela and a reasonable journey is required to reach it. Travel by car is the main option as a rail link is unavailable and buses would be impractical.

Visiting Rianxo would best be included in a day's trip exploring this area of coastline which has numerous other old fishing towns including A Pobra do Caraminal slightly further down the coast.