Until the 18th century, the port of Betanzos was one of the most important fishing and commercial centres of the former Kingdom of Galicia. River sediments that gradually filled the estuary and reduced its depth weakened maritime traffic, among other factors. Today, the Betanzos estuary contains one of the largest expanses of coastal marshland in Galicia and still preserves a small port and boats at the confluence of the Mendo and Mandeo rivers, which embrace the urban area. The riverbanks form the other part of this protected area, extending in the case of the Mandeo up to 25 kilometres upstream.
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Map to discover the highlights of Betanzos: heritage, town centre churches, parish churches, historic centre and accommodation.
Port of Betanzos
The medieval port of Betanzos has not been preserved, but quays and promenade areas remain.
Magdalena Chapel
Small 18th-century chapel, heir to a former medieval hospital for lepers under the dedication of Saint Lazarus.
English Way
Historic route of the English Way from Ferrol to Betanzos, lightly travelled, combining sea and inland landscapes, natural scenery and medieval towns.
Town Hall
Neoclassical Town Hall designed by Ventura Rodríguez, with historic coats of arms and an outstanding art collection inside.
CIEC (International Centre for Contemporary Printmaking)
Printmaking workshop and museum, housed in the modernist building created by Rafael González Villar for the Núñez family.
García Naveira Brothers Statue
Church and Convent of San Francisco
14th-century Gothic temple declared a BIC, with extraordinary tombs of the Andrade family and rich sculptural decoration.
Church of Our Lady of the Way
Renaissance sanctuary linked to the English Way, associated with Marian legends and the historic care of pilgrims.
Church of Santa María do Azogue
14th–15th century Gothic church with Flemish altarpieces, mural paintings and tombs of medieval Betanzos society.
Church of Santiago
15th-century church transitioning from Romanesque to Gothic, linked to Fernán Pérez de Andrade and the Way of Saint James.
Church and Convent of Santo Domingo
Dominican church and convent begun in the 16th century, with a historic cloister and the tower from which the traditional San Roque balloon is launched.
Pasatiempo Park
Historic garden created by Juan García Naveira in the late 19th century, famous for its grottoes, sculptures and social and cultural symbolism.
Archive–Liceo Building
18th-century neoclassical building created to house the Archive of the Kingdom of Galicia and now home to the Liceo of Betanzos.
Museo das Mariñas
Extensive ethnographic collection of traditional costumes, photography and history.
Casa Núñez
Modernist building by Rafael González Villar combining architecture, commerce and art, now home to the CIEC Foundation.
Porta da Vila
Former medieval gate of Betanzos, also known as the Royal Gate, decorated with the coats of arms of Galicia, Castile and León, and the city.
Bandstand
Neoclassical 18th-century manor house, with an L-shaped floor plan and a large heraldic coat of arms, promoted by Archbishop Sánchez Baamonde.
Former Hospital of San Antonio
Orphans’ School
18th-century building with balcony and city coat of arms, founded as a school and now used for municipal services.
Diana the Huntress Fountain
Monumental fountain inaugurated in 1867, a replica of the Diana of the Louvre and one of Betanzos’ most recognisable urban symbols.
Pazo de Bendaña
Historic building from the 15th and 16th centuries with pointed arcade and coats of arms, still serving as the headquarters of the Treasury.
Casa Pita
1906 modernist building on Valdoncel Street, designed by Matías Witz, restored and characterised by balconies and an upper cornice.
Casa del Pueblo (People’s House)
Building promoted in 1917 thanks to the legacy of Jesús García Naveira for the Federation of Workers’ Societies of Betanzos.
Jesús García Naveira School
Os Cabildos or San Francisco Schools, built in 1917, a unique example of modernist architecture with Islamic and Baroque references.
García Naveira Schools
Schools built in 1908 by the García Naveira brothers, eclectic in style, with innovative educational methods and now housing social services.
García Naveira Brothers’ House
French-influenced building built in 1890 as the home and business of Juan García Naveira, notable for its use of marble and commemorative plaque.
Four Seasons Fountain
Monumental fountain inspired by the Louvois fountain in Paris, decorated with female figures representing the four seasons.
Alfonsetti Cinema
Cinema theatre. Capacity: 235 people.
Statue of Charity
Contemporary sculpture “Charity”, a reinterpretation of Roman Charity, symbolising solidarity and the philanthropic legacy of the García Naveira brothers.
Former Municipal Slaughterhouse
Former municipal slaughterhouse from the early 20th century, with distinctive architecture and iron and tile decoration.
Manuel Naveira Asylum
Charitable building from 1914, promoted by Manuel Naveira González, eclectic in style and now converted into a hotel.
Casa Limiñón
Casa Limiñón, built in 1902 on Rúa Traviesa, a clear example of modernism and decorative craftsmanship.
Casa da Rega or Villa Flora
Casa da Rega, built in 1922, an outstanding example of Indianos architecture and 20th-century Galician eclecticism.
Soportales del Campo Arcades
Popular street with gallery houses and arcades, now an area of bars and restaurants and a social meeting point in Betanzos.
Casa da Pescadería Pilgrims’ Hostel
Pilgrims’ hostel located on Pescadería Street. It has 32 beds and is part of the official Xunta de Galicia hostel network, intended for pilgrims on the English
Río Mandeo Pilgrims’ Hostel
Pilgrims’ hostel located on Doctor Fleming Street. It has 34 beds and is designed for the rest of pilgrims walking the English Way.
Santa María Pilgrims’ Hostel
Pilgrims’ hostel located on Santa María Street. It has 16 beds and offers basic services for pilgrims in the heart of the historic centre.
Torre 21 Apartments
Set of tourist apartments located on Travesía de Lanzós. It offers two apartments with capacity for four people each, designed for family or independent stays.
Hostal Pórtico
Hostel located on Castro Street, in the historic centre. It has 14 rooms and offers functional, centrally located accommodation, ideal for exploring the town on
Hotel Garelos
Two-star hotel located on Alfonso IX Street, within the urban area of the town. It has 22 rooms and is a practical option for tourist or business stays.
Hotel Villa de Betanzos
Three-star hotel located on Avenida de Castilla. It has 30 rooms and offers a comfortable, well-connected option for staying in Betanzos.
El Hórreo Guesthouse
Guesthouse located on Venezuela Street. It has 10 rooms and offers simple, well-located accommodation within the urban centre.
La Plaza Guesthouse
Guesthouse located on Avenida de Castilla. It has 10 rooms and is a comfortable and accessible option for short or medium stays in Betanzos.
Betanzos in the Feminine Route
Cultural route that explores Betanzos from a gender perspective, highlighting the contribution of women to the city’s history and culture.
Historic Centre Route
Route through Betanzos’ historic centre, a historic-artistic ensemble, covering the medieval enclosure and its main monuments and churches.
Modernism Route
Urban route that visits the main examples of modernist and eclectic architecture in Betanzos, reflecting its urban development in the late 19th century.
Trades Route
Cultural route that explores Betanzos through traditional trades and the spaces where the city’s artisanal and commercial life developed.
García Naveira Brothers Routes
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.
Underground car park
Underground paid parking
Motorhome area
Area with AC service where you can discharge grey and black water and fill up with clean water. It has 15 marked spaces and a maximum parking time of 72 hours.
Electric vehicle charging area 1
Active in 2026
Electric vehicle charging area 2
Active in 2026
Xulio Cuns Cultural Classroom
Located on the ground floor of the Archivo-Liceo building. Capacity: 181 people.
Municipal Study Room
Space set up as a study room. Access with card.
Betanzos Town Council
Explore historic architecture, vibrant festivals, cultural hubs, and a rich library and museum experience in this charming town.
Nautical Base Biosphere Reserve
Biosphere Reserve nautical station. Booking of activities and information. Operational in the second half of 2026.
A. Castelao Municipal Public Library
A cultural hub offering book lending, a reading club, children's area, and shared space with a museum and archive, ideal for tourists seeking local culture.
O Carregal Football Pitch
Artificial turf football pitch, with stands and changing rooms
CEIP Vales Villamarin
State nursery and primary school
Municipal Cemetery
Senior Citizens' Centre
Social centre for the elderly, located in the former Orphanage School
Health Centre - PAC
Primary care medical centre. It has a 24-hour emergency department.
Alfonsetti Cinema-Theatre
Alfonsetti Theatre-Cinema, inaugurated in 1882, one of the oldest cinemas in Spain, now the municipal theatre in the former convent of San Domingos.
O Carregal sports complex
Heated indoor pool with stands, outdoor pool in summer, sauna, changing rooms
Municipal Conservatoire
Educational centre offering elementary music training
CPR Our Lady of Carmen-Grande Work of Atocha
Co-educational state-subsidised school offering nursery, primary, secondary and sixth form education
Civil Guard Barracks
24-hour service
Tax Agency Delegation
Regional tax office delegation
Taxes Delegation of the Deputación da Couña
Taxes Delegation of the Provincial Council
Hey, the Blue Hen
Public early childhood education centre for children aged 0-3, run by the Regional Government of Galicia
The Child Jesus - Raiola
Early childhood education centre for children aged 0-6
EI Santiago de la Fuente
Municipal early childhood education centre for children aged 0-3, located in the former Jesús García Naveira schools.
Betanzos Youth Space
Youth Centre
Betanzos City Railway Station
Railway station
Betanzos Infesta Railway Station
Railway station
García Hermanos Stadium
Football stadium with stands and changing rooms
A Galera Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Pharmacy As Cascas
Pharmacy
Couceiro Pharmacy
Couceiro Pharmacy, operating since the late 17th century, the oldest commercial establishment in Galicia.
Doctor Couceiro Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Leis Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Los Soportales Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Betanzos Hospitalarias Foundation
A unique destination offering specialized residential and day services for adults with severe and intellectual disabilities.
As Mariñas Institute of Secondary Education
State secondary school, sixth form college and vocational training institute
IES Francisco Aguiar
State secondary school and sixth form college
INEM - Employment Office
Employment and benefits office
National Social Security Institute
Social Security Offices
Courts
Courts of First, Second and Third Instance and Civil Registry
Free Public Washhouse
Public washhouse inaugurated in 1902 by the García Naveira brothers, with two levels and capacity for more than twenty washerwomen according to the tides.
Municipal Market
Food market and hospitality area. Scheduled to open in 2026.
Weekly Markets
Regional Agricultural Office
Regional government office for agricultural, forestry and veterinary matters
Post Office
Post office, open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Shipping backpacks for the Camino de Santiago.
Tourist Office
The Tourist Office is located in the Liceo Building. It provides visitor services, stamping and information on the Camino de Santiago, and guided tours.
Jose María Valeiro Iglesias “Tocayo” Municipal Pavilion
It has indoor and outdoor courts for various sports, a gym area and guided activities, changing rooms and stands.
Bus stop 1. Plaza Hermanos García Naveira
Bus stop 2. Avenida da Coruña
Bus stop 3. Emilio Romay Street
Bus stop 4. Jesús García Naveira Avenue
Bus stop 5. Saavedra Meneses Street
Taxi rank
Taxi rank open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Radio taxi and tele taxi service. Adapted taxi.
Regional Fire Station
Regional fire station
Local Police
Located in the Liceo Building. 24-hour service.
Civil Protection
Municipal Civil Protection Base
Port of Betanzos
The medieval port of Betanzos has not been preserved, but quays and promenade areas remain.
Recycling Centre
Recycling Centre
Exhibition centre
Livestock market and pulpeiras area
Land registry
Land Registry Office
Mariñas Coruñesas and Terras do Mandeo Biosphere Reserve
García Hermanos Residence
Retirement home
Free parking area 1
Free, unguarded parking area
Free parking area 2
Free, unguarded parking area
Free parking area 3
Free, unguarded parking area