XUNQUEIRA ISLAND

About this heritage

Xunqueira Island takes its name from the Galician word xunco, meaning reed, reflecting the abundance of these plants on the site.

Its main values lie, on the one hand, in its wetland ecosystem, which provides habitat for migratory birds and native plants, and on the other, in its archaeological remains, with evidence of ancient human settlements, including stone tools and pottery fragments.

Local legends also add to its heritage. Fishermen tell that, on stormy nights, a protective spirit lived on the island. A faint light was said to appear among the reeds, guiding boats safely towards the shore.