The Borough of Cariño
The sea pervades all aspects of life in the borough of Cariño, and is present in its industrial and tourist activity, as well as in its culture, leisure and local festivals.
Lying in the north of the province of A Coruña, between the Capelada Mountains and Cape Ortegal, the borough covers some 46 square kilometres and is divided into five parishes: Cariño (the town centre), A Pedra, Sismundi, Feás and Landoi, and boasts 4,788 residents.
Industry
The sea represents the principal source of income for this borough. Indeed, most of its residents work in the primary sector. Hook and line, long line and drop line fishing and shellfish farming are just a few of the traditional fishing arts. Tuna fishing is also a major summertime activity for the borough, as is aquaculture. The canning and fish transformation industries complete the borough's industrial activities.
The fruits of all these seafaring activities may be enjoyed in the town's restaurants and even in the local canning factories.
History and nature
Even though Cariño is a relatively new borough, following its separation from Ortigueira on 21 January 1988, it bears the hallmarks of a history that stretches back to prehistoric times. The rocks of Cape Ortegal are more than 1160 million years old, making them the most ancient in Europe and the fourth oldest in the world.
Cariño has seen the comings and goings of various settlers, all of whom have left their imprint on the area: Stone Age man in Limo; Megalithism in Capelada; the fortified Iron Age settlements (most probably Pre Roman); as well as the medieval constructions huddled around a small natural fishing harbour, sheltered from the elements by Castro Headland.
The rugged rocky coastline that runs from Cape Ortegal to Vixía Herbeira has recently been listed by the European Union as a Site of Community Interest due to its unique morphology and its natural and geological interest. Vixía Herbeira, with its sheer 613 drop, is the highest sea cliff in the European Union. Both Herbeira and the cliffs at Limo can be admired from the sea, thanks to Cariño's Maritime Interpretation Centre, which offers a fascinating and unique insight into this spectacular seascape (to reserve call to: 00 34 626 483 350).
Tourism
Experience the magic and excitement of sailing between the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, of experiencing at first hand the immensity of the most spectacular sea cliffs, of following trails through magnificently preserved natural landscapes, free from the noise of road traffic, of strolling around the town's narrow streets, of savouring fish products canned using traditional methods, or of relaxing on secluded beaches of fine white sand, under a gentle sun and far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. These are just a few of the unique pleasures awaiting you in this very special corner of Galicia.
Also worthy of mention is the fact that the borough of Cariño, which boasts more than 200 species of birds, many of which are extremely rare both in Spain and Europe, attracts large numbers of ornithologists. Particularly fascinating to watch is the spectacle of the migration to the warmer lands of the south that takes place in late summer by numerous species such as gulls, terns, skuas, petrels and shearwaters.
Festivals
The festivals in honour of the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of sailors, takes place on 15 and 16 July, and features a sea procession, a cliff top floral offering and the traditional Arcos Dance that accompanies the Virgin. The festivities of San Bartolome, in August, and the procession to the shrine of San Xiao do Trevo, in January, are just some of the highlights of the many events that take place in the borough throughout the year.
carino.dicoruna.es
