July 2005:

Having recovered from our Biscay crossing we are settling to a period of exploring the Rias Bajas. They are littered with ‘viveros’ which are rafts anchored in the Ria in groups of 50 or more. Innumerable lines are suspended from them and these are used for growing mussels. It goes without saying that they are not lit...

Villagarcia was a useful first port of call and going straight to Bayona would have missed out these beautiful Rias. There is fuel in the marina and this is not common in these parts.
There is an excellent local market on Saturdays and Tuesdays with fish and the produce from local smallholdings - extremely good value. Sardines are the ‘must have’ local fish and we could happily eat them most nights. Lobster and crab too - Yum Yum! Shopping in large and small supermarkets is easy and the marina is friendly and secure.

This anchorage is typical of the area and was very secure from the strong evening northerlies. The only disadvantage was the start of the shellfish season on 1st July when we were awoken early by a steady stream of fishing boats of all sizes headed up the local river estuary to gather what appeared to be cockles. There was a busy local beach and temperatures were high. By day the wind tends to be lighter first thing and then veer and strengthen as the late afternoon and evening arrive. Things settle down again around dusk unless gradient winds are very strong.