Introduction
"Where on earth is Ortigueira?" you say.
Take out your map of Spain and there in the far north west corner (upper left) you will find the "Rias Altas" or the upper rias - long sea flooded vallies like the lochs in Scotland or fjiords in Norway. Ortigueira lies in the middle about 100 kilometeres north east of Coruña, the provincial capital.
"Sounds interesting, but what can we do there?"
Take a dip on a solitary Atlantic beach, go for a stroll through the local apple orchards overlooking the ria or a longer walk through the hills and woods to the centuries old sanctury of San Andrés de Texido perched on continental Europe’s highest cliffs, explore the open moors with wild horses or canoe down the river Sor to picturesque El Barqueiro. The lighthouses at Cape Ortegal and Estaca de Bares are Spain´s most northerly points and offer spectacular views. More organised sport facilities include an indoor swimming pool, paddle tennis and a riding school ideal for children.The local social centre has a children´s playground and occasional film shows. And in the evening enjoy tapas and Galicia’s fabulous seafood with Albariño wines in any of the numerous little bars and restaurants which litter Spain’s scenic far northwest coast. For memorable day out excursions you have a the possibilities of Santiago de Compostella and it's pilgrimage cathedral, the Roman walled city of Lugo, the Naval Museum of Ferrol or cosmopolitan Coruña with many attractions.
"Whats the weather like?"
We are on the Atlantic coast and therefore wetter than most of Spain - and therefore a lot greener!However our summers are usually fairly dry and warm ( around 20 - 25º C during the day) and you should be able to spend quite a few nice days on the beach. But if sun bathing is your sole summer holiday relaxation this is not for you! Being at sea level Our spring, autumn and winter remain fairly warm though of course rain is more common and sometimes we receive the full blast of Atlantic gales - ideal for stimulating walks on the Ortigueira beach!Also in spring and autumn the area is key point for migrations with opportunities to see a wide range of bird life.
Take out your map of Spain and there in the far north west corner (upper left) you will find the "Rias Altas" or the upper rias - long sea flooded vallies like the lochs in Scotland or fjiords in Norway. Ortigueira lies in the middle about 100 kilometeres north east of Coruña, the provincial capital.
"Sounds interesting, but what can we do there?"
Take a dip on a solitary Atlantic beach, go for a stroll through the local apple orchards overlooking the ria or a longer walk through the hills and woods to the centuries old sanctury of San Andrés de Texido perched on continental Europe’s highest cliffs, explore the open moors with wild horses or canoe down the river Sor to picturesque El Barqueiro. The lighthouses at Cape Ortegal and Estaca de Bares are Spain´s most northerly points and offer spectacular views. More organised sport facilities include an indoor swimming pool, paddle tennis and a riding school ideal for children.The local social centre has a children´s playground and occasional film shows. And in the evening enjoy tapas and Galicia’s fabulous seafood with Albariño wines in any of the numerous little bars and restaurants which litter Spain’s scenic far northwest coast. For memorable day out excursions you have a the possibilities of Santiago de Compostella and it's pilgrimage cathedral, the Roman walled city of Lugo, the Naval Museum of Ferrol or cosmopolitan Coruña with many attractions.
"Whats the weather like?"
We are on the Atlantic coast and therefore wetter than most of Spain - and therefore a lot greener!However our summers are usually fairly dry and warm ( around 20 - 25º C during the day) and you should be able to spend quite a few nice days on the beach. But if sun bathing is your sole summer holiday relaxation this is not for you! Being at sea level Our spring, autumn and winter remain fairly warm though of course rain is more common and sometimes we receive the full blast of Atlantic gales - ideal for stimulating walks on the Ortigueira beach!Also in spring and autumn the area is key point for migrations with opportunities to see a wide range of bird life.
Casa Miñeixa
"This is what we´re looking for, but what about these cottages?"
Casa Miñeixa is a converted stone farmhouse about 100 years old with spectacular views over the ria of Santa Marta and the “Sierra de Capelada” and the “ Sierra de Falladoira" ( about 600 metres high) The upper garden is dominated by a mature apple tree which gives shade to garden loungers and a slate table and benches ideal for outside drinks on long summer evenings. The house has a large living room with attached kitchen (washing machine, dishwasher, microwave etc) , double bed main bedoom with on suite bathroom, and another two bedrooms (one double bed, other two singles) with shared bathroom. There is also a sofa bed and the house comes fully equiped for babys. Outside the front door is another table and chairs in a shaded area close to the bar-b-q in the lower garden.Heating is by fire wood stove ( it's quite easy - you don't need to be a boy scout) and electric radiators.Parking for two cars.
Casa Miñeixa is a converted stone farmhouse about 100 years old with spectacular views over the ria of Santa Marta and the “Sierra de Capelada” and the “ Sierra de Falladoira" ( about 600 metres high) The upper garden is dominated by a mature apple tree which gives shade to garden loungers and a slate table and benches ideal for outside drinks on long summer evenings. The house has a large living room with attached kitchen (washing machine, dishwasher, microwave etc) , double bed main bedoom with on suite bathroom, and another two bedrooms (one double bed, other two singles) with shared bathroom. There is also a sofa bed and the house comes fully equiped for babys. Outside the front door is another table and chairs in a shaded area close to the bar-b-q in the lower garden.Heating is by fire wood stove ( it's quite easy - you don't need to be a boy scout) and electric radiators.Parking for two cars.
Casa Veiga
Casa Veiga is similar in age and style but smaller and very snug. The living room facilities are the same but upstairs there are a double bedroom and a second one with two singles and a shared bathroom.Also available a sofa bed. Outside is a patio in two areas: a covered area with table and chairs for summer eating or evening drinks and a small planted area with bar-b-q. Ideal for small children or pets. Parking for two cars opposite in front of neighbour's horreo ( traditional Galician granery).
"OK, but what about shopping etcetera?"
In a tranquil Galician village you cant expect a supermarket, and San Adrián is no surprise! All we have on the door step is an excellent bakery where Juan and Isabel produce fresh bread daily and a wide range of a bakery products on a wood fired oven. The local bar run by Julio is also a pizarria offering pizzas and lasagna both to eat in or take away. Ramón at the local hardware store also sells the local press and is the best informed villager to advise on sea or river fishing if that is of interest.
The next village , Ponte de Mera, is a little larger than ours and only one and half kilometres away. There you can find a grocery store and butcher, pharmacy and small bank. There is also a doctor's clinic. But for your main shopping we would recommend Ortigueira ( 10 kilometres) which boasts several supermarkets as well as a full range of shops,banks and health services.If you require daily non Spanish press we can put on order for you to collect daily in Ortigueira)
"How can we get to Ortigueira?"
By car from Madrid the distance is over 600 kilometers, mainly motorway though the last 20 kilometers are over the moors, sometimes with wild horses sharing the road! Allow about six - seven hours including one or two brief stops.By air you can fly to Coruña or santiago de Compostela and hire a car - allow and hour and a half - two hours driving.There are car ferry services to Santander and can reach Ortigueira in about four hours.
"OK, but what about shopping etcetera?"
In a tranquil Galician village you cant expect a supermarket, and San Adrián is no surprise! All we have on the door step is an excellent bakery where Juan and Isabel produce fresh bread daily and a wide range of a bakery products on a wood fired oven. The local bar run by Julio is also a pizarria offering pizzas and lasagna both to eat in or take away. Ramón at the local hardware store also sells the local press and is the best informed villager to advise on sea or river fishing if that is of interest.
The next village , Ponte de Mera, is a little larger than ours and only one and half kilometres away. There you can find a grocery store and butcher, pharmacy and small bank. There is also a doctor's clinic. But for your main shopping we would recommend Ortigueira ( 10 kilometres) which boasts several supermarkets as well as a full range of shops,banks and health services.If you require daily non Spanish press we can put on order for you to collect daily in Ortigueira)
"How can we get to Ortigueira?"
By car from Madrid the distance is over 600 kilometers, mainly motorway though the last 20 kilometers are over the moors, sometimes with wild horses sharing the road! Allow about six - seven hours including one or two brief stops.By air you can fly to Coruña or santiago de Compostela and hire a car - allow and hour and a half - two hours driving.There are car ferry services to Santander and can reach Ortigueira in about four hours.
Booking
If you have read this far you must be close to asking "How do I book my holiday"
Please contact Anna either by mail al smithsalgueiro@yahoo.es or on 0034-670 - 21 28 71.
For Spanish and Continental visitors we ask for a 20% euro deposit in advance and the rest with the keys.(Bank account details with tariff) We are well aware of the excrutiating commissions British banks charge for small Euro transfers and are willing to accept sterling cheques drawn on British banks providing these are sent well in advance for clearing.
The houses come fully provided with liquid hand soap, bed and bathroom linen and for those on long term stays we change every five - seven days.
We offer beach towels. We accept pets without any extra charge but expect our guests to exercise appropriate control and pay for any damage caused. Equally we dont bother with a good housekeeping deposit but again expect our guests to pay for any breakages. Our experience to date has proved our faith in human honesty! We hope you decide to stay with us and look forward to meeting you
Anna, Josefa, Richard and Juan Carlos
Please contact Anna either by mail al smithsalgueiro@yahoo.es or on 0034-670 - 21 28 71.
For Spanish and Continental visitors we ask for a 20% euro deposit in advance and the rest with the keys.(Bank account details with tariff) We are well aware of the excrutiating commissions British banks charge for small Euro transfers and are willing to accept sterling cheques drawn on British banks providing these are sent well in advance for clearing.
The houses come fully provided with liquid hand soap, bed and bathroom linen and for those on long term stays we change every five - seven days.
We offer beach towels. We accept pets without any extra charge but expect our guests to exercise appropriate control and pay for any damage caused. Equally we dont bother with a good housekeeping deposit but again expect our guests to pay for any breakages. Our experience to date has proved our faith in human honesty! We hope you decide to stay with us and look forward to meeting you
Anna, Josefa, Richard and Juan Carlos
