Looking out between forests, rivers and beaches, Outes emerges, a privileged enclave to disconnect through rural tourism and traditional Galician culture, in the province of A Coruña.
Outes, very close to the Rías Baixas, is located in the heart of the Ría de Muros and Noia, it is made up of 11 different parishes, including A Serra de Outes - the capital-, Cando, Entíns, Roo, Matasueiro or San Cosme de Outeiro.
Its landscape is one of contrasts, with areas of medium altitude, such as Monte de Tremuzo with its spectacular views of the Noia estuary, while in between the Tambre river makes its way to the soft sands of the coastal area, such as Playa de Broña, the largest in the town and one of the most visited in summer. Although, those seeking tranquillity can opt for a day of relaxation at Picouso Beach, a somewhat more sheltered beach from the crowds.
The result? A unique and beautiful landscape that every nature lover can appreciate.
Can we put a brushstroke of history? As many people are aware, Celtic culture is closely intertwined with Galicia in general, but if there is a prominent figure at this particular point, it is Francisco Añón, a famous poet and journalist who promoted the Rexurdimento -in Spanish the resurgence- of the Galician language, in defence of its characteristic culture.
Much of the economy of this town is based both on traditions, such as everything related to fishing or the paper and wood industry, as well as tourism, that has become much more prominent in recent years, especially the sector dedicated to rural tourism .
And the architectural heritage that is distributed throughout its geography, is of incalculable value and one of its great attractions for the traveler.
What places are essential in a visit to Outes? Starting the tour in the parish of Entíns, we can visit the Castro de Coiradas that is elevated over the Lagaño cove. While the structure still visible we see evidence of it being dismantled and used as contruction materials for later buildings.
This is not the only remnants left from the Celtic culture, since you can also visit other castros such as Diz, Mirás or Brión, the latter in the parish of Roo.
The Pazo do Tambre, also known as do Ensido, is located in the parish of Cando and is one of those ensembles that perfectly represents traditional Galician architecture. While in Santo Ourente de Entíns, its homonymous church and the Capilla del Rial, host the Campio pilgrimage, one of the most important festivals in the area, in which many parishioners go on pilgrimage in honor of San Campio.
And, speaking of festivals, we cannot forget to point out some others that are also highly relevant in the region.
As in many places in Galicia, the Entroido -or Carnival in Spanish- is a celebration that does not go unnoticed, so Outes is no exception. There is usually a parade and contests to reward the best costumes, in addition to the traditional Enterro da Sardiña.
All this celebration will surely make you hungry… So, let's go over traditional dishes from Outes? As a coastal municipality, we cannot ignore dishes prepared with fish or shellfish, especially lamprey, as well as pulpo a feira (an octopus dish).
Among its meats, one of the iconic dishes is the pork shoulder with turnip greens, accompanied by tail or chorizo, as well as the empanadas, made with wheat or corn flour, and filled to taste with fish, meat or seafood.
Now that you know a little about the town of Outes, you just have to get to know first-hand its culture, festivals and gastronomy, in a quiet environment where rural houses are one of the best options for accommodation.
