Noia, Coastal municipality in Galicia, Spain
Noia is a coastal town in Galicia situated where two rivers meet and open toward the sea. The town spreads between the Tambre and Traba rivers, with the San Marcos mountains rising behind and a wide estuary shaping the surrounding landscape.
In medieval times, the town rose to become the third most important trading port in the Santiago de Compostela bishopric, after the capital and Pontevedra. This position made it a key center for maritime commerce in the region.
The Church of Santa Maria a Nova houses medieval guild tombstones that form Europe's oldest museum of this kind. These graves tell the story of the craft traditions that once shaped the town.
The town is best reached by regular bus services from Santiago de Compostela, with the journey taking about 40 minutes. It is also accessible from La Coruña and Vigo, offering good transport connections for visitors.
The area around the town is known for its many beaches spread along the coastline, each offering different experiences. Praia de Testal lies just a short way from the center and is one of the more easily accessible swimming spots.
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