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.

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.





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





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


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.

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.




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.




River Eo at night
At night, sitting on the verandah of the Parador, the River Eo is quite magical!

Candy Blackham
It is lovely – sitting in grey and cold London I can hardly believe I was there, but I do remember the enjoyment!
restlessjo
It looks a beautiful part of the world, Candy 🙂 🙂