Pico Muralla

About this heritage

The Pico da Muralla viewpoint is located in the parish of Araño (Rianxo), at the highest part of Monte da Muralla. It stands at an altitude of 678 meters above sea level overlooking the Ría de Arousa. It is situated in a border area between two municipalities, Rianxo (Arousa Norte) and Lousame (Noia region). The viewpoint consists of a wooden walkway that ends in a wider rounded area, allowing visitors to feel as if they are flying above the landscape.

From here, you can enjoy views of Rianxo, A Illa de Arousa, Illa de Cortegada, and the Illas Cíes extending to Noia and Monte Louro. On clear days, the interior area of Galicia can be seen, including municipalities such as Santiago de Compostela, Teo, Padrón, Pontecesures, and Valga, among others.

This mountain was largely unknown until this spectacular viewpoint was inaugurated. Additionally, it is also interesting during winter, as visitors can enjoy playing in the snow, which occasionally appears in this area during that season.

This space was inaugurated by the Conselleiro de Medio Rural, José González, on February 19, 2020. The project was funded with resources from the Senlleiro rural development project. The event was also attended by the mayors of Lousame, Teresa Villaverde, and Rianxo, Adolfo Muíños.

One of the characteristics of this viewpoint is the intensity of the wind. The air makes walking difficult and sometimes brings tears to the eyes, but it never diminishes the experience of ascending to this place that seems suspended in midair. On the contrary, it is an added attraction to visit and enjoy the pure air of the area.

The route to this place is recommended for all types of visitors: athletes, families with children, couples of all ages, or groups of young people. The ascent is made via a winding and narrow road until reaching the viewpoint. It is recommended to walk the last unpaved stretch on foot. To ensure visitors do not miss any detail of the area's geography, panels have been installed that allow them to identify what they see from this vantage point.

To learn more

The Pico da Muralla viewpoint is located at the summit of Monte da Muralla. It lies east of the Valle-Inclán Viewpoint, another landmark offering panoramic views of the Galician Rías Baixas. It is situated within the municipality of Rianxo, between the towns of Escabia and Bustelo, southwest of the Barbanza peninsula.

It is one of the best viewpoints in the entire northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Its surroundings are maritime-forested. From here, you can see all the Rías Baixas: from Vigo to Muros, more than eighty kilometers of coastline in a straight line. The Ría de Vigo is visible in the distance, and closer are the Rías of Pontevedra and Arousa, with their shellfish farms. This viewpoint also offers a bird's-eye view of the nearby Ría de Muros and Noia to the north. On clear days, Santiago de Compostela, located about 40 kilometers inland, can also be seen.

Additionally, there is a forest post to monitor the mountains for possible fires. It is located within an Iberdrola wind farm, so the last part of the ascent is along the park's tracks. Nature lovers can enjoy the presence of animals such as wild horses and cows, as well as non-native reforestation species in this area.

The road leading visitors to this mountain is the same one where the Hórreo de Araño is located. From Santiago de Compostela, it is a 43-minute drive via highway and secondary roads, and 1 hour and 7 minutes from Pontevedra by the same means.

Although the ascent by car is recommended, there is a hiking route—the semicircular PR-G 15 Subida ao Monte da Muralla route—for those who prefer to climb on foot. It extends approximately 14.3 kilometers and is estimated to take about 4 hours and 20 minutes. Its signage complies with the homologation standards of the FGM (Galician Mountaineering Federation). This place is visible from the sea while following the Ruta del Mar de Arousa y Río Ulla. This is a unique maritime and river itinerary commemorating the arrival in Galicia by sea of the body of the Apostle Santiago after his martyrdom in Jerusalem around the year 44.

To know it better

At the top of Monte da Muralla, 678 meters above the Ría de Arousa, is the Mirador Pico da Muralla. A spot in the municipality of Rianxo from which you can see the rías Arousa, Muros, and Noia, and even Pontevedra. Additionally, if the weather permits, you can also clearly see the Illas Cíes and Ons, as well as the Illa de Cortegada. The Mirador Pico da Muralla consists of a wooden walkway that you can stroll along. At the end of the path, there is an optical illusion effect, as it becomes a wider rounded area that gives the sensation of flying while walking on the path. It was inaugurated in February 2020 by the Conselleiro do Medio Rural, José González. Nature is one of the main attractions of this area, which can be enjoyed through various routes: both for walking on trails and cycling. It is a very fun and interesting experience for the whole family. If these options do not convince you, it is worth noting that the viewpoint can also be accessed by car. Rianxo is a coastal municipality located in the Barbanza region, in the province of A Coruña. This fishing town borders the mouth of the Ulla River and forms the provincial boundary between A Coruña and Pontevedra. Its name will always be associated with the Virgin of Guadalupe and its famous song "La Rianxeira." It is divided into six parishes: O Araño, Asados, Isorna, Leiro, Rianxo, and Taragoña.