Northern Spain has the power to surprise even those who think they’ve seen it all. In Galicia, at the edge of the A Coruña province, lies a spot easily mistaken for the coast of Ireland. This is the Loiba cliffs—a place where nature follows its own rules and every glimpse of the horizon makes you lose track of time. It’s not just another dot on the tourist map, but a territory where you truly feel the force of the Atlantic and every visitor becomes a witness to a unique spectacle of the elements.
Loiba’s main feature is not only the height of its cliffs, which in places reach 160 meters, but also their rugged, almost untouched beauty. There are no typical beach amusements here, but instead a sense of freedom and seclusion that is rarely found at popular resorts. Locals are used to hearing their homeland compared to the most scenic corners of Europe, yet for most Spaniards, Loiba remains a mystery that invites personal discovery.
Landscapes without filters
On sunny days, the water at the base of the cliffs shimmers in every shade of green and turquoise, while in cloudy weather, the sea turns nearly black, heightening the drama of the landscape. You won’t find crowds of holidaymakers here—even in summer, the beaches hidden among the cliffs remain almost deserted. This is a place for those seeking not noisy entertainment, but a chance to immerse themselves in nature and feel part of something greater.
The Loiba cliffs stretch along the coast from Punta Bandexa to Esteiro beach, forming a series of natural viewpoints and secluded coves. Every trail here offers a unique adventure. The paths are well-marked but demand attention: sudden changes in elevation and occasionally slippery rocks are a reminder that nature, not people, rules this land.
Secret beaches and furnas
Nestled between the cliffs are small sandy beaches such as O Picón, Os Castros, Coitelo, Ribeira Grande, and the famous Praia Furada. Some are accessible only on foot, making them especially appealing to those seeking solitude. The water remains cold even in midsummer, but that doesn’t stop visitors from enjoying the scenery and listening to the waves crashing against the rocks.
Particularly notable are the furnas—natural caves and galleries carved by the sea into the cliffs. The most impressive ones can be found around Punta da Pena Furada. When the waves thunder against the stone walls, you feel as if you’re standing on the edge of two worlds. In those moments, it’s clear why local fishermen have always treated these places with respect and caution.
The legendary bench
The symbol of Loiba is a simple wooden bench set on the edge of the cliff at O Coitelo. From here, travelers from all over the world photograph a sweeping panorama. The bench became famous after musicians from Scotland, who performed at a local festival, left an inscription on it. Since then, people visit not just for the photos, but to feel part of this ongoing story.
The road to Loiba passes through a village where life moves unhurriedly, and every resident knows that their land is more than just a dot on the map—it’s a place of power. You can reach it via the AC-862 highway, then continue on foot along trails that lead to the most picturesque spots on the coast. Spring and summer are the best times for walks, but autumn here also has a special atmosphere: fewer people, more open space, and a fresh breeze. In winter, extra caution is needed—the wind and dampness can make the routes dangerous.
The border of two oceans
Loiba is not only a natural attraction, but also a unique borderline between the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic. Two worlds meet here, and you can feel it in every gust of wind, in every crashing wave. The height of the cliffs, the power of the surf, and the constant motion of the water create the sense of an eternal dialogue between land and sea.
There is no room for rush in this corner of Galicia. Here, people value silence, space, and the chance to watch nature change before their eyes. For many travelers, Loiba is a revelation—a reminder that Spain can surprise not only with the beaches of Costa Blanca or the architecture of Barcelona, but also with its wild, almost northern beauty.
Immersed in the atmosphere of Loiba, one can’t help but recall other unique corners of Spain where nature and history are intertwined in the most unexpected ways. For example, in Catalonia there is a village where glacial lakes and old houses in winter create a fairytale setting. Read more in the article on RUSSPAIN.COM it was told how such places become a magnet for those seeking unconventional routes and new experiences far from mass tourism.
The Loiba Cliffs are a challenge for those accustomed to comfort and a reward for those willing to take risks for genuine experiences. There are no common conveniences here, but there is a chance to see Spain from an unexpected angle and feel the breath of the Atlantic in every gust of wind.
Loiba is a small village in Galicia, part of the Ortigueira municipality. Its main pride is the unique cliffs that have become the region’s calling card. Locals treat their environment with care and strive to preserve its untouched beauty. The bench at the edge of the cliff has long been a symbol not only of Loiba, but of all northern Spain. Every year, travelers come here to see this landscape with their own eyes and experience a true sense of freedom.
