Natural Site of National Interest since 1933 La Estaca de Bares

Natural Site of National Interest since 1933 La Estaca de Bares

The cape of Estaca de Bares was declared a Natural Site of National Interest in 1933, during the Second Spanish Republic. Being the northernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula and establishing the boundary between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea, it houses a natural heritage of indisputable wealth.

To its strategic location it owes much of its international fame as an obligatory passage for hundreds of thousands of birds. Several migratory routes of marine and terrestrial species from the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Arctic lead to this point.

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Why it was declared a Estaca de Bares Natural Site of National Interest

In addition to the views that can be enjoyed from the promontory invaded by vegetation, Estaca de Bares is a birdwatching destination in Europe. The Estaca de Bares ornithological station attests to this. Thousands of birds pass through this place every year, between the months of September and December. This attracts the attention of ornithological tourism worldwide.

Dimensions of the protected site at Estaca de Bares

The dimensions are less than one hectare. Nevertheless, it is a protected natural site of nature and symbolizes that in Spain there are still virgin places. It is not only because of the scourge of the winds, predominant in the climatology of Estaca de Bares, but also because of its protection against urban speculation.

In 1933, under the Government of the Republic, the northernmost area of the cape, with an area of less than one hectare, was declared a Natural Site of National Interest. Since 2001 the area has been included as a Special Area of Conservation in the Natura 2000 Network, the current protected area is 852 Ha, according to the Department of the Environment (935.79 Ha according to the European Nature Information System database). The only environmental management plan for the area is the General Plan for Shellfish Exploitation.

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Atlantic bioclimatic region

Estaca de Bares presents an enormous diversity, being composed of land and sea by means of cliffs and beaches. There are also points of fresh water, providing interesting biological communities.

O Coído de Bares

The whole area is a treasure as it is formed by granitoids of alkaline tendency and highlights the importance that Estaca de Bares offers to the distribution of species.

But, in addition, one of the greatest findings and that represent the natural value of Estaca de Bares is the Coído de Bares.

O Coído is a cove and is composed of stones rounded by the sea. It occupies more than five thousand square meters and accumulates eroded granite boulders. It is a refuge for boats.

Underwater surveys

Several underwater archaeological surveys in O Coído de Bares showed that the size of the structure is extraordinary. In these tests it was found that at a distance of six hundred meters it is still visible as it rises about seven meters high.

The natural formation due to the erosion of the granite dome suggests that the Coído dates back to before the Phoenicians and its use may have originated in time immemorial.

Outside Galicia O Coído is unknown. It was a surprise for everyone, it is fascinating as a port and anchorage.

David Fernández Abella ( Argos S.L)

Where is O Coído de Bares

Located in the inlet of Estaca de Bares and inside the concellos of Ortigueira and Mañón. To get there, take the AC-862 road (Ferrol-Viveiro) to the estuary of O Barqueiro and turn off towards the port of Bares, along the AC-100. The Estaca de Bares Ornithological Station (place of Muíños, parish of Bares) allows overnight stays.

Dune system of Estaca de Bares

Dressed in dune vegetation, this system that borders the beach of Bares (Praia de O Porto de Bares) is of great beauty and ecological value, despite the fact that it has been exposed to stress. Nevertheless, the dune system shows species of flora such as gramineae, lobularia, malcomia and ammophilia arenaria.

But there is also the cat’s claw, or Carpobrotus, a plant of South African origin that penetrates into coastal areas.

Cliffs of Estaca de Bares

The height of cliffs and lighthouse of Estaca de Bares is 101 meters. The third highest cliffs in Europe. Rising above a place positioned on the map as the northernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula.

Except for the beach of Concha de Bares, the rest of the area is formed by high cliffs. This is one of the claims of tourism, although here has not reached the overcrowding, and thus too often the signs of incivism. Unfortunately, there are still found residues produced by the human passage.

The American base of Estaca de Bares has been bought by the Concello de Mañón with the purpose of giving it a tourist use due to its privileged location.

The mills of Bares

This is one of the most striking points. The mills are on the cliffs and their channels make it an image that evokes part of Galician history.

The mills of Estaca de Bares symbolize the feat of the human being, who takes advantage of the natural resources for his survival.

Grass of the Lovers

The cliffs of Estaca de Bares are covered with the Herba de Namorar. The vegetation in this area is diverse, because in addition to the above, we also find the sea fennel or sea fennel.

Lighthouse of Bares has a height of 33 meters and its lantern can reach 25 nautical miles.

Estaquín de Sigüelos

Estaquín de Sigüelos is a group of small islets, located at the most salient point of the Punta de Estaca de Bares.