San Simón Cove, Protected marine area in Galicia, Spain
San Simón Cove is a protected marine area within the Ría de Vigo that contains several small islands and shallow waters rich in marine life. The waters support seagrass meadows, mollusks, and fish species that thrive in this sheltered environment.
The cove witnessed a 1702 sea battle when Dutch and English ships attempted to capture Spanish vessels during the War of Spanish Succession. This naval encounter left a lasting mark on the region's history.
The San Simón archipelago holds significance for local communities who maintain traditional fishing practices in these protected waters.
The best way to visit the cove is by taking local boats from surrounding municipalities like Redondela and Pontevedra. Good footwear is essential if landing on the islands, as the shores are rocky and natural.
A submerged monument in the cove pays tribute to Jules Verne's novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea with this unusual tribute. The structure is a curious reminder of the literary connection between this location and the classic adventure story.
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