Malpica and the Sisargas Islands: a day trip from Laxe

Malpica de Bergantiños is one of the most authentic fishing villages on the Costa da Morte, just 40 minutes from Laxe. Its harbour still works every day, it has an Atlantic-facing beach loved by surfers, and it is the km 0 of the Camiño dos Faros. And off its coast, a couple of kilometres out, lie the Sisargas Islands: the biggest seabird sanctuary in Galicia. This is the perfect half-day trip from Casa do Rancho, in the hamlet of O Canle.

What to see in Malpica de Bergantiños?

Malpica keeps the pulse of a real seafaring town. In one morning you can see the essentials:

• The fishing harbour, with the market and the boats; in the afternoon you can watch fish and shellfish being landed.
• Praia Area Maior, the large golden-sand town beach, open to the swell and much loved by surfers.
• O Castelo, the headland above the harbour with viewpoints towards the Sisargas.
• The maze of narrow seafront streets, with taverns to try market fish.

A few kilometres inland, the village of Buño is the capital of Galician pottery: worth a stop if you like traditional ceramics.

What are the Sisargas Islands and why are they special?

The Sisargas Islands are a small archipelago off Malpica made up of three main islands —Sisarga Grande, Sisarga Chica and Malante— plus several islets. They are a designated Special Protection Area for Birds and the most important breeding refuge for seabirds on the Galician coast: yellow-legged gulls, European shags and other species find here predator-free cliffs where they can nest.

On Sisarga Grande there is a historic lighthouse, and the whole reserve is part of the seascape that sailors take in from the edge of the Costa da Morte.

How to reach the Sisargas Islands?

There is no regular ferry and you cannot land freely: protecting the bird colony restricts access. The usual ways to enjoy them are:

1. From the sea. In summer boats leave the harbour of Malpica to circle the archipelago; it is the best way to see the bird colonies up close. Ask at the harbour for the seasonal timetables.
2. From land. The viewpoints of Malpica and the first sections of the Camiño dos Faros offer good views of the archipelago without a boat.

Tip: check the sea forecast before booking a boat trip. In rough weather the excursions are cancelled, but the views from the viewpoints are rewarding all the same.

How long from Laxe to Malpica and around?

Approximate driving distances and times from Laxe:

Destination	Distance	Time
Buño (pottery)	28 km	32 min
Malpica de Bergantiños	35 km	40 min
Harbour of Malpica	35 km	40 min
Praia de Razo/Baldaio	45 km	50 min

What else to do near Malpica?

Malpica is the starting point of the Camiño dos Faros, the 200 km trail linking this village to Fisterra along the cliff edge. If you fancy a stage, you will find the details in our guide to the Camiño dos Faros stages from Laxe.

To the east, the beaches of Razo and Baldaio form one of the best surf stretches in Galicia, with miles of sand. And if you would rather plan a longer route around the region, take a look at what to see on the Costa da Morte in 3 days to fit Malpica and the Sisargas into a bigger itinerary.

Based in Laxe, Malpica and the Sisargas Islands make a half-day escape that combines a fishing harbour, surf and wild nature: the Costa da Morte at its most authentic.