Rías Altas

The Rías Altas indent the northern coast of Galicia, where river valleys open into the Atlantic and Cantabrian Sea. Deep inlets at Ribadeo, Viveiro, Ortigueira, Ferrol and A Coruña offer sheltered waters between exposed capes and rocky headlands. Estaca de Bares marks the turn between the northern and western shores. Fishing boats and coastal vessels could find refuge in the rías, while the open sea beyond remained subject to Atlantic wind and swell.