Estaca de Bares

Estaca de Bares is a cape in O Porto do Barqueiro, in Galicia, marking the northernmost point of both Spain and the entire Iberian Peninsula. It sits at a latitude of 43°47′38″ North, with precise coordinates of 43.790278, -7.687778. No other point on Spanish territory lies further north, which alone makes it a draw for travelers who like to seek out a country's geographic extremes.

The cape is protected as a Special Area of Conservation, meaning the surrounding nature falls under EU environmental rules designed to safeguard coastal habitats. In practical terms, this keeps the landscape largely free of development — a rocky edge of land facing directly onto the Atlantic Ocean.

How do you get to Estaca de Bares?

The point lies within the municipality of O Porto do Barqueiro, on Galicia's northern coast. It's a rural area, set apart from the region's larger towns, so arriving by car is the most practical option — local roads connect the coastal villages to the headland. It's worth allowing extra time, since reaching Spain's outermost geographic points typically means narrower, winding approach roads, common along this stretch of the Galician coast.

What will you see there?

The main draw is simply standing at the northernmost point of Spain and the Iberian Peninsula — for many visitors, it's a symbolic waypoint, much like visiting the country's other geographic extremes. Because the surrounding land is protected under conservation rules, the cape offers open views over the Atlantic and a coastline that hasn't been reshaped by development. It's a spot that appeals to travelers drawn to a raw, unpolished stretch of Atlantic coast, away from the busier tourist circuits of Galicia.

When is the best time to visit?

Given its exposed position facing directly onto the open ocean, weather conditions at the cape can shift quickly and are strongly influenced by wind — a common trait of the Atlantic coast's most exposed headlands. Anyone planning a visit should expect conditions here to run windier and cooler than inland towns in the same region, even on an otherwise mild day.

Frequently asked questions

Is Estaca de Bares really the northernmost point of Spain? Yes — the cape sits at a latitude of 43°47′38″ North and is recognized as the northernmost point of both Spain and the wider Iberian Peninsula.

Where exactly is the cape located? It's in Galicia, within the municipality of O Porto do Barqueiro, at coordinates 43.790278, -7.687778.

Is the area protected? Yes, the land around the cape holds Special Area of Conservation status, which brings restrictions aimed at protecting local habitats.

Is it a popular tourist destination? Its status as a geographic extreme attracts travelers interested in visiting the country's outermost points, though it remains quieter than Galicia's main coastal attractions.