Estaca de Bares

Estaca de Bares is a rocky headland at Spain's northwestern tip that juts into the sea and forms a natural dividing line between two ocean regions. The landscape features steep cliffs, windswept terrain, and a small station building situated on the elevated plateau overlooking the coast.

The headland served as a hub for maritime commerce in ancient times, with archaeological evidence of salt fish production from Phoenician settlements. Over the centuries it became a crucial navigation landmark and eventually a point for monitoring coastal activity.

The site serves as a gathering place for birdwatchers who come to observe species moving between continents. Local naturalists and visitors share a common passion for tracking these seasonal journeys through this coastal vantage point.

The site is accessible by road and offers lodging in a converted historic building on the grounds. Weather here is persistently windy and wet throughout the year, so bring protective clothing and gear suitable for coastal conditions.

The region receives exceptional rainfall that creates conditions similar to a temperate rainforest ecosystem. This persistent moisture keeps vegetation lush and supports specialized plant and animal communities found in few other coastal locations.