Imagine yourself on a stone bridge surrounded by fog and vegetation.
Scotland? No, much closer.
On pilgrimage in Ponte Maceira, on the road from Santiago to Finisterre.
Do you know how much it costs to travel back in time?
3.5 hours on foot from Santiago or 15 minutes if you go by car.
Will you join us?
Ponte Maceira, on the list of the most beautiful villages in Spain
The small village of Ponte Maceira belongs to the municipalities of Ames and Negreira, divided by the Tambre river.
And right in Negreira lives a good friend who hosted us during our visit to Galicia in September 2019.
Having a local person show you around is the best way to discover your destination when you travel.
The locals are the only ones who can put you in touch with the real culture of the destination and take you to places you would have a hard time getting to on your own.
And if a good friend (and her family) welcomes you into her home with open arms, what more could you ask for?
When we were there it was not yet among the most beautiful villages in Spain, although it was already a cultural heritage of Galicia. So it does not surprise me at all that very soon after (2 months later) it was included in the list.
What to see in Ponte Maceira
Ponte Maceira is a place to experience the outdoors. So bundle up (if it's cold or rainy) and enjoy the journey into the past as you walk around:
- A Ponte Vella: the medieval bridge rebuilt on an ancient Roman bridge that connects the municipalities of Ames and Negreira, separated by the Tambre River. Under the bridge you will see paths to walk among the rocks of the river and get an even more beautiful perspective of the Ponte Vella.
- Watermills: I counted up to three old watermills on the left bank of the Tambre that you can visit inside. It's a great way to get even closer to the shore and feel the force of the water under your feet.
- Pazo de Baladrón: the view of the river, the stone bridge and the well-preserved houses on both sides of it acquires its final cherry with the sight of this huge palace covered with vegetation. It is private, but contemplating it from the outside is worth it.
Where to stay
I spent the night at a friend's house in Negreira, so I can't recommend first hand any accommodation in the area.
However, there are several rural houses surrounded by vegetation in the vicinity of Ponte Maceira that look very good 🙂
Useful Links
- Accommodations in Negreira.
- Flight offers to Santiago: Trabber, eDreams, Momondo and Vueling.
- Get 5% off when you purchase travel insurance with IATI.
If you are traveling in Galicia, you may also be interested:
- Complete hiking route through the Cíes Islands.
- Route along the Costa da Vela and Cabo do Home.
- Why visit Combarro in low season.
Map
Have you been to Ponte Maceira on your way to Finisterre from Santiago? Tell me what you thought of it. 👇