Parador de Ribadeo 4*

In a magnificent position, Ribadeo's modern Parador has a fine view of the pretty inlet of the Ria de Ribadeo that marks the frontier between Asturias and Galicia. The elegant interior has been furnished with nautical undertones and the bedrooms are spacious and comfortable. The lovely gardens provide a ringside seat for the superb views across the water to the tree-clad shores opposite and the restaurant, which has the same outlook, is air conditioned for comfort and features some good traditional Galician dishes. Pet accepted (1 per room) 30€/night + 100€ deposit.

The attractive fishing town of Ribadeo sits on a ria/estuary of the same name on the Rias Altas coastline, an area of outstanding beauty. It is the last coastal town in Galicia before Asturias and has a lovely historical quarter where impressive palaces and a 12th century chapel mingle alongside proud Indiano mansions - from here you can walk up to the top of the Monte de Santa Cruz from where there is a fantastic panoramic view of the marina and estuary.

No stay here is complete without a trip to Playa de las Catedrales (12km -reservation necessary in summer) - the beach of the cathedrals - which has been designated a natural monument and is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Visit at low tide when its hidden caves and rock archways become visible and you can walk amongst them. You will be truly in awe!

A visit to the Pancha Island lighthouse is also highly recommended. Connected by a bridge to the mainland, visitors are not allowed onto the actual island but viewing it from afar is still one of the area's 'must see' sites.