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Max Abroad : The Best of Spain

Quite simply writing about the best things Spain has to offer and anything that might crop up along the way. Spain is a lot more than just sun, sand and sea...

The only waterfall in Europe to fall directly into the sea...but don't be late!
Thursday, August 15, 2019 @ 10:15 AM

In the municipality of Dumbría, near Cape Finisterre, one can find the river Xallas and the Santa Uxía reservoir, a hydroelectric plant which unfortunately intervened with nature. Its gates are opened every Saturday and Sunday during the summer, creating once again the spectacular waterfall that can be seen in the photo – locally it is called “Cadoiro” - and the waterfalls from a height of 100m into a pit which is approximately 20 feet deep, forming an inlet that empties onto Ézaro beach, one of the most beautiful along the coast. However this is not because of the dam, the waterfall has always existed, the dam just regulates the opening hours, excuse the pun.

Before the dam was built, which by the way has ruined a little the landscape, this waterfall ran free and you might be asking what is so different about this one? Well, it is in fact the only waterfall in Europe that flows directly into the sea, however now it only falls during working hours and in peak season! The waterfall is open and running from 12:00 to 14:00 every Saturday and Sunday from 21 June to 21 September, and sometimes on bank holidays! One has to serve the tourists.

About a mile away is a viewpoint from which you can see the whole estuary of Corcubión. Ézaro, which is the only access to the sea within Dumbria, has three beaches: A Pedra Maior; Forcado, where the locals go and Area Pequeña, which as its name suggests is the smallest of the three.

Nearby there is the mountain O Pindo, which is an archaeological site where you can go trekking and discover the ruins and areas where ancient Druids carried out their rituals. From its summit -A MOA at a height of 641 meters, you can enjoy a great view and see stones with ancient inscriptions. Another place nearby is Carnota, which is famous for being home to the longest Hórreo (granary on stilts) in Galicia, supported by 11 pairs of columns and has been declared a national monument.

Following the route, one reaches Corcubión, a historic and artistic enclave. This region is full of legends and magical areas, noting especially, Cape Finisterre, which is almost mandatory to visit and contemplate its beautiful sunsets. In the same spot that people centuries ago considered the end of the earth, where the land ended and the sea began. The Phoenicians built an altar at which the Sun was worshipped. Many who came to Santiago on pilgrimage then continued to the lighthouse of Finisterre to burn the shoes that they had used on their long journey, a tradition that still stands today and is carried out beside the monument next to the lighthouse. 

 


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5 Comments


Rod Jones said:
Saturday, August 17, 2019 @ 11:39 AM

I've heard of this and I'd love to see it. And not to take anything away from your article, but I'd question "it is in fact the only waterfall in Europe that flows directly into the sea".

I've seen several waterfalls flowing into the sea in the Scottish Islands, one in Tintagel in Cornwall, and many in Norway. Perhaps it's the only one in Spain?


nancybenn said:
Saturday, August 17, 2019 @ 1:53 PM

Another place on my 'to visit one day' list!


migueldelnorte said:
Sunday, August 18, 2019 @ 12:35 PM

Ézaro truly is a fascinating place in an area which is full of great natural beauty. I am fortunate to live quite close by and the waterfall is certainly a place I always recommend our visitors to see. If you come to A Coruña, it should be on your list of attractions. At certain times, the falls are lit up at night, when they are particularly impressive.
Rod, In support of Max, the Xallas is probably the only real river which empties into the sea via a waterfall in Europe. Although there are other waterfalls, I understand that they come from lakes or streams. So we will continue to hold onto our local boast.
However, Max, actually you are a little out of date about the Horreo at Carnota, as it has had 22 pairs of legs since 1783. The size of the horreo was very important, being a measure of the importance of your local parish.
Carnota is also famous for having the longest beach in Galicia - 7 kilometers of dune backed sand, where dolphins may often be seen swimming close to the shore.
I enjoy your articles, Max, as you certainly do show that the Spain we know and love is more than sunny Costa beaches. Keep up the travels


Pablo said:
Wednesday, October 30, 2019 @ 1:01 PM

there are 9 waterfalls in Europe that fall directly into the sea:

Ézaro waterfall, Dumbría, Galicia (Spain)
Mealt Falls, Isle of Skye
Ketubjorg (Skagafjörður, Iceland)[4]
Mealt Falls (Isle of Skye, Scotland)[5]
Seven Sisters Waterfall (Geirangerfjord, Norway)
The Suitor / The Friar (Geirangerfjord, Norway)
Tresaith waterfall (Wales)
St Audries waterfall (England)[6]
Mulafossur waterfall (Faroe Islands)[7]
Bøsdalafossur (Faroe Islands)



Glauco Campos said:
Tuesday, August 4, 2020 @ 1:55 AM

Probably it is the only one in the continent (not considering its islands).


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