Ribeira Car Hire

Guide of Ribeira

Geography

Ribeira is a coastal town located on the western coast of the Ria de Arousa, a large estuary renowned for its rich marine life. It is situated on the Atlantic coast in Galicia, the country’s northernmost region. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and sloping mountains, as well as several islands and protected natural reserves. It is part of the Rias Baixas region, a network of estuaries or ‘rias’ well-known for their biodiversity.

Climate in Ribeira

Ribeira experiences a maritime climate with short, clear and warm summers and milder winters. Temperatures between June and September range from 17°C to 23°C and rarely exceed 30°C thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Winter temperatures range from 8°C to 14°C.

The town experiences a considerable amount of rainfall throughout the year, though the rainiest time to visit is during autumn and early winter. The best time to visit is in late spring when the temperatures are mild and the town is in bloom, or early summer.

Culture

Ribeira is proud of its Galician culture and heritage. Like many Galician towns, locals speak Galician as well as Spanish and celebrate countless festivals that pay tribute to Galician religious customs, traditions and folklore throughout the year. The Festa da Dorna, held in August, is one of the most important celebrations of the calendar. Traditional music makes use of instruments like the gaita (bagpipe), tamboril (drum) and pandeireta (tambourine).

Ribeira is also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, Spain’s most famous pilgrimage route. Thousands of pilgrims pass through the town every year en route to Santiago de Compostela.

Things To Do in Ribeira

Explore the Ria de Arousa

Ribeira is ideally situated for a day out in the Ria de Arousa. This sprawling estuary stretches 2 miles along the Galician coastline and encompasses charming islets, rolling green hillsides and forests packed with flora and fauna. Visitors can boat, kayak, sail, fish, hike and birdwatch too.

Brush up on the local history

The Ethnographic Museum of Ribeira offers a fascinating insight into the traditions, history and way of life in this coastal town.

Experience a local festival

Ribeira hosts dozens of festivals throughout the year, but the Festa da Dorna is the most famous. Held every August, this vibrant festival celebrates a traditional type of fishing boat called a ‘dorna’. Highlights include boat races, processions and parades, traditional Galician dishes, fireworks and live music.

Have a day out in Santiago de Compostela

Ribeira is less than an hour’s drive from Santiago de Compostela. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the endpoint of the famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and is packed full of historical sites, such as the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the Palacio de Rajoy, the Mosteiro de San Marino Pinario and the Parque de la Alameda.

Beach hop

Ribeira boasts a handful of beautiful beaches. Playa de Vilar is one of the most popular thanks to its golden sands, calm waters and excellent facilities. Praia de Rio Azor is renowned for its spectacular surroundings and secluded swimming spots, while Praia das Furnas is famed for its wild and unspoiled beauty.

Eating Out in Ribeira

RIberia is fiercely protective of its Galician culinary heritage, so you’ll find traditional Galician dishes on most of the menus across town. Popular local dishes include pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style octopus), mariscada (a seafood feast of clams, mussels and lobster served in broth), empanadas (savoury pies) and caldeirada (a hearty fish stew). The town is particularly famous for its sardines and there is no shortage of bars dotted around the town grilling them. There’s even a festival dedicated to the humble fish.

The town is bursting with brilliant places to eat, from cheap and cheerful tapas bars to fine dining restaurants. We suggest following your nose – or better still, following the locals – to sample the best the town has to offer. A Cantina Do Nautico is a popular stop for locals, as is A Casa Da Tia Elisa and Casa Fontao.

Transport

Airport

The nearest airport to Ribeira is Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ), which is located 43 miles (70 km) northeast of Ribeira. It is the largest airport in Galicia and offers a good range of flights from major European and Spanish cities.

The easiest way to get from the airport to Ribeira is by car. The journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. There are no direct buses from Santiago de Compostela Airport to Ribeira. If you choose to travel by public transport, you will need to take a bus to Santiago de Compostela city centre, then transfer to a bus heading to Ribeira. Journey times vary significantly depending on the bus timetable.

Getting around Ribeira

Ribeira is a small and pedestrian-friendly town and you can easily stroll between its main sights. The town also has a bike-sharing system that allows visitors to rent bicycles from stands across the town for a short period of time at an affordable rate. A reliable bus service connects most local neighbourhoods, though frequency varies.

However, for more flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace, we recommend hiring a car. The town is usually free from traffic and the roads are well-maintained. Plus, it will give you the chance to get off the beaten track to explore surrounding rural attractions and villages.