Nature and the English Way

Map bringing together natural areas, rivers, green routes and the English Way as it passes through Betanzos

Mariñas Coruñesas and Terras do Mandeo Biosphere Reserve

Mariñas Coruñesas and Terras do Mandeo Biosphere Reserve

The Mariñas Coruñesas and Terras do Mandeo Biosphere Reserve is located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, in the province of A Coruña, and covers a wide territory of great natural and cultural value surrounding the metropolitan area of A Coruña. It was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in May 2013 and includes 17 municipalities and an approximate surface area of 116,700 hectares, both land and marine. The territory is deeply shaped by water, which acts as the backbone of the landscapes and ways of life of the reserve. The river basins of the Mandeo, Mero and Mendo, together with the Betanzos estuary, the Burgo estuary and the Artabro Gulf, form a mosaic of ecosystems that combines coastline, river valleys, agricultural areas and mountain zones. Within the reserve there are protected areas included in the Natura 2000 Network and a Natural Monument, reflecting its high level of biodiversity. The Mariñas Coruñesas and Terras do Mandeo Biosphere Reserve is also a living territory, inhabited by around 200,000 people, where a sustainable development model is promoted based on the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, the responsible use of resources and citizen participation, environmental education and social cohesion.

English Way
Historic route of the English Way from Ferrol to Betanzos, lightly travelled, combining sea and inland landscapes, natural scenery and medieval towns.
Mariñas Coruñesas and Terras do Mandeo Biosphere Reserve
Pelamios River
Area of great scenic beauty with remains of 19 traditional watermills, now crossed by a hiking route.
Mendo River
Mandeo River
The Mandeo River stands out for its rich fish fauna and for hosting the Os Caneiros pilgrimage, the largest non-religious pilgrimage in Galicia.
Betanzos Estuary
The Betanzos estuary, a protected Natura 2000 area, brings together the Mendo and Mandeo rivers and stands out for its landscape and wildlife richness.
Port of Betanzos
The medieval port of Betanzos has not been preserved, but quays and promenade areas remain.
Os Caneiros Route
Linear riverside route of 3.5 km and low difficulty, from Ponte Vella to Campo dos Caneiros, setting of the traditional pilgrimage.
Pelamios Route
Family-friendly route along the Pelamios River, just over 1.5 km long, easy and quiet, ideal for enjoying nature with children.
Mendo Riverbanks Route
Natural route starting at the Cascas washhouse and running through villages and medieval bridges until connecting with the Os Cabalos bridge.
Wine, Sanctuaries and Rivers Route
Route through Betanzos’ rural surroundings following the Mandeo and Mendo rivers, vineyards and sanctuaries, with two natural and heritage itineraries.