Xuvia - Castro

Xuvia - Castro is a Special Area of Conservation (ZEC) within the Natura 2000 network, spanning several municipalities in the Galician province of A Coruña, including San Sadurniño. The protected area covers more than 2,000 hectares and follows the valley of the Xuvia River (also known as Río Grande de Xuvia) and its tributary, the Castro, combining two distinct landscapes: a lowland river valley and the higher Forgoselo mountain range.

What makes this natural area worth protecting?

The core value of Xuvia - Castro lies in its riparian forests — the belts of trees that grow directly along riverbanks. Along the Xuvia and Castro rivers, alders, willows, birches and ash trees form a dense, shaded woodland that has largely disappeared elsewhere in Galicia due to agricultural pressure but survives here in good condition. This riverside forest, together with the aquatic wildlife and bird species tied to river ecosystems, is the main reason the area was included in the Natura 2000 network.

What lies in the upper part of the protected area?

Following the Castro River upstream, the terrain rises toward the Forgoselo mountain range, reaching around 500 metres in elevation. The relief here is gentle and rolling, and the region's abundant rainfall favors the formation of extensive peat bogs and heathland. These upland wetlands have a markedly different character from the river valley below — open, wind-exposed spaces covered in heather-type vegetation, contrasting with the shaded riparian woods along the rivers.

When was the area granted protected status?

Xuvia - Castro was previously listed as a Site of Community Importance (LIC) and has formally been part of the Natura 2000 network as a Special Area of Conservation since 2011. Its boundaries stretch across the municipalities of A Capela, Moeche, Narón, Neda, San Sadurniño, As Somozas and As Pontes de García Rodríguez, reflecting how far the river valley extends and its significance for the wider region.

How can visitors explore the area?

Along the Xuvia River, particularly near San Sadurniño, walking paths have been laid out that follow the riverbank, allowing visitors to walk beside the water and observe the riparian forest up close without venturing into the mountainous terrain. This is the most accessible part of the protected area — flat, shaded by trees, and suitable for a relaxed walk or a short cycling trip. More demanding routes lead toward the higher stretches of the Castro valley and the base of the Forgoselo range.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a national park? No, it is a Special Area of Conservation (ZEC) under the European Natura 2000 network — a protection status focused on preserving specific habitats and species, rather than a national park with extensive tourist infrastructure.

What should visitors prioritize on a short visit? The stretch of the Xuvia River valley near San Sadurniño, where walking paths run alongside the riparian forest — the most accessible and scenic part of the protected area.

Is the area suitable for a full-day trip? Yes, for those wanting to explore the higher terrain as well — the Castro valley and the Forgoselo range offer longer routes with a different landscape character, including heathland and views over the surrounding hills.

Which municipalities does this protected area cover? The area spans the municipalities of A Capela, Moeche, Narón, Neda, San Sadurniño, As Somozas and As Pontes de García Rodríguez.