The Mountain Peak Viewpoint of Muralla

About this heritage

The viewpoint of Muralla is at the peak of its Mountain in the parish of Araño in Rianxo. It has an altitude of 678 meters above sea level on the Arousa estuary, bordering the area between two municipalities, Rianxo in the North Arousa and Lousame in the Noia region. The viewpoint consists of a wooden footbridge that ends in a broad round-shape space, which produces the sensation of flying over the landscape.

Visitors can contemplate the views from Rianxo, Arousa Island, Cortegada Island, Cíes Islands to Noia and Mount Louro. On clear days, anyone can see the interior municipalities of Galicia, such as Santiago de Compostela, Teo, Padrón, Pontecesures, and Valga, among others.

This mountain was a great unknown until the inauguration of this spectacular viewpoint. Moreover, during the winter, the attraction is to enjoy playing with snow, occasionally seen in this area during this time of year.

On 19 February 2020, the Councillor for the Rural Environment, José González, inaugurated this viewpoint, attended by the mayors of Lousame, Teresa Villaverde, and of Rianxo, Adolfo Muíños. The "Senlleiro" rural development financed this project during previous years.

One of the characteristics of this viewpoint is the intensity of the wind. The air makes the walk challenging. Although not too often, the wind might cause watery eyes, but in no case, it tarnishes the experience of ascending to this stunning place that seems suspended in the emptiness. On the contrary, it is one more attraction to visit and enjoy the pure air of the area.

This hike is recommended for all types of public, no matter the age: sportsmen, families with children, couples, or youth groups. The ascent is across a winding and narrow road until reaching the viewpoint. However, the advice is to walk the last stretch of unpaved road by foot.

There are information panels to ensure that no traveler misses any detail of the area's geography and allow visitors to identify what their eyes see from this enclave.

To learn more

The viewpoint of Muralla is at the peak of its Mountain. Located to the east of the Valle Inclán Viewpoint, another reference point to see a panoramic view of the Galician Southern estuaries (Rías Baixas). It belongs to the municipality of Rianxo, between the towns of Escabia and Bustelo in the southwest of the Barbanza peninsula.

It is one of the best viewpoints of the whole northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Its surroundings are maritime-forest. From it, anyone can see the entire South Estuaries (Rías Baixas) from Vigo to Muros, more than eighty kilometers of straight coastline. Visitors can see the Vigo estuary in the distance and, closer, those of Pontevedra and Arousa, with their mussel rafts.

This viewpoint also offers a bird's-eye view of the nearby Muros and Noia estuaries to the north. If the day is clear, anyone can also see Santiago de Compostela, located about 40 kilometers inland.

It also has a forestry control post to monitor the mountains for possible fires. It is within a wind farm from the company Iberdrola Company; therefore, the last stretch of the climb is along the park's tracks. In this area, nature lovers can enjoy the presence of animals, such as wild horses and cows, as well as non-native species of reforestation.

The road that takes visitors to this mountain is the same one where the Hórreo of Araño is located (traditional Galician granary). From Santiago de Compostela, it is 43 minutes by freeway and secondary roads and from Pontevedra can take an hour and 7 minutes by freeway and secondary roads.

Although the recommended option is to get to the viewpoint by car, there is a trekking route - the semicircular route PR-G 15 Ascent to "Monte da Muralla" - for those who prefer to go up on foot. It is approximately 14.3 kilometers long, and the given time estimate is about 4 hours and 20 minutes. Its signposting is according to the official regulations of the FGM (Galician Mountaineering Federation).

It is visible from the sea while participating in the "Route of the Sea of Arousa and the Ulla River." A unique maritime-fluvial itinerary to commemorate the arrival by sea to Galicia of the remains of the Saint James the Apostle (Saint James the Great) after his martyrdom in Jerusalem in 44 BC.

To know it better

At the top of the Mountain of Muralla, 678 meters above the Arousa estuary, is the Mountain Peak Viewpoint of Muralla. It is an enclave in the municipality of Rianxo from where anyone can see the Arousa, Muros, Noia, and even the Pontevedra estuaries. Moreover, when the weather allows it, visitors can see perfectly the Cíes and Ons Islands as well as Cortegada Island.

The Mountain Peak viewpoint of Muralla has a wooden walkway through which visitors can walk. At the end of the route, anyone can appreciate an optical effect, as it becomes a wider rounded area that gives the sensation of flying while walking on the path. The Councilor for the Rural Environment, José González, inaugurated it in February 2020.

Nature is one of the main attractions of this area, enjoyable through several routes: both by foot across walking trails and by bicycle, which can become a fun and captivating experience for the whole family. If these options are not convincing, consider that anyone can also access the viewpoint by car.

Rianxo is a coastal town in the Barbanza region in the province of Coruña. This seafaring town borders with the mouth of the Ulla River, forming a natural division between the Coruña and Pontevedra provinces. Its name is always associated with the Virgin of Guadalupe and her famous song "La Rianxeira." It comprises six parishes: O Araño, Asados, Isorna, Leiro, Rianxo, and Taragoña.