Ribadeo on the River Eo

Ribadeo lies on the River Eo, the border between Galicia and Asturias, and just yards away from the sea. People have been here probably for thousands of years, living from both the land and the water, and trading from the safety of a harbour in a small sheltered inland bay. Today the estuary is a Wetland of International Importance.

We came here after a few days in Lugo and stayed in the Parador which includes part of an old manor house, situated on the hill overlooking Castropol on the far side of the estuary. The Parador is comfortable, friendly, and an easy walk into the town centre. It is a wonderful stopping place in which to unwind for a few days.

Castropol in the evening light seen from the Parador in Ribadeo

The River Eo

The River Eo is 91kms and apparently it is one of the world’s best salmon rivers. It is also home to brown trout, eels, and elvers.

Mouth of the River Eo — The mouth of the River Eo

Ribadeo on the River Eo — Looking up river into the hills

Praia de Os Bloques in Ribadeo on the River Eo — Praia de Os Bloques

River park in Ribadeo on the River Eo — Park of Os Bloques

The port of Ribadeo on the River Eo

Porcillan is the port of Ribadeo, originally established by the Romans. Today there is both a trading port, a fishing port, and a marina in Ribadeo. I think this port area was also the site of the original village here, Cabanela.

Working port in Ribadeo on the River Eo

Ribadeo on the River Eo in the port — Loading wood at Ribadeo

Marina in Ribadeo on the River Eo — Pleasure boats in the Marina of Ribadeo

Customs House in Ribadeo — Old Customs House at the Marina in Ribadeo

Cabanela

The original old village of Cabanela is just above the port, I believe.

Sign in Ribadeo — Sign in the streets on the hill above the park

Figueras on the River Eo

There is a large ship building yard at Figueras, on the opposite side of the estuary. We did not visit but it is clearly visible from Ribadeo. All three towns in the bay face on to and use the River Eo.

Figueras opposite Ribadeo on the River Eo — Ship building yard in Figueras

Trade at O Cargadeiro

As a sea port Ribadeo has always traded. And here at O Cargadeiro ships were loaded with iron ore brought down the river or on the railway from Vilaoudriz. The ‘broken’ bridge in the foreground is where the ore was loaded on to ships; the bridge in the background is the new Os Santos road bridge.

Iron ore railway bridge & Os Santos road bridge at Ribadeo on the River Eo — Iron ore railway bridge & Os Santos road bridge

Rail junction and loading point for iron ore

Fort of St Damian on the River Eo

The original Fort of St Damian was built in 1624 to protect the estuary of the River Eo, and Ribadeo and the towns opposite – Figueras and Castropol. In the following centuries it was attacked by the British, and destroyed by explosion; but today the outer walls are restored and it is used as an exhibition space by Ribadeo.