It spans just under 800 km², including nearly 170 km² of sea. The area consists of low mountain ranges that flow into a very steep coastline, with cliffs stretching over 600 meters high, the tallest in mainland Europe. The region features islands, bays, and vast sandy plains with high biodiversity. Remarkably, you can also visit a black beach of non-volcanic origin (a unique phenomenon worldwide!).
The scientific significance of Cape Ortegal’s geological complex isn’t limited to the coast. Inland areas such as San Sadurniño, Moeche, and Cerdido have a strong mining tradition, particularly around the pyrite mines of Piuito and Barueira, thanks to the abundance of serpentinite quarries (a type of green marble).
This area includes 108 catalogued sites of geological interest, of which six are internationally important ‘Geosites.’ These locations offer deep insights into geological events from 350 million years ago and are often called “the geological showcase of Earth’s interior.” In this park, you can see rocks at the surface which are over 490 million years old, along with materials that normally lie more than 70 km deep within the Earth's mantle. These rocks were pushed to the surface around 400 million years ago during the collision of the continents Laurussia and Gondwana.
Cabo Ortegal also bears traces of human activity dating back over 6,000 years. The area is rich in cultural and built heritage from the Middle Ages. Many local festivals are connected to ancient traditions, such as the International Festival of the Celtic World in nearby Ortigueira, and the maritime processions held in the coastal towns of Cariño, Cedeira, and Ortigueira.
Tourism promoted by the Geopark focuses on geological heritage, tangible and intangible culture, scenic value, and local gastronomy. However, public transport in the region is limited, and parking options are often scarce.
The UNESCO Global Geopark designation is a recognition intended to preserve and share information about geological sites with unique geological, ethnographic, ecological, and cultural value. Contrary to what some may think, the Geopark label does not offer legal protection. It acknowledges the area’s international importance and promotes responsible land use, but it is not legally binding in terms of conservation. The protective designations that cover much of the area (most of which is part of the Natura 2000 network) exist independently of the Geopark status.
https://proxecto.xeoparquecaboortegal.gal/en/what-is-a-geopark/
Written by Jacques Dubois as part of YOUCA2023
