Castro de Santa Trega An Incredible Place to See Celtic Ruins in Spain
A unique place to visit in Spain is the Castro de Santa Trega, a fascinating Celtic site tucked away in the far corners of the Galicia Region of Spain. Galicia has a deep history with Pre-Roman Celtic civilizations, and Castro de Santa Trega is one of the more impressive sites to see what remains of these ancient dwellings.
Castro de Santa Trega sits on top of Monte de Santa Trega, which is above the seaside village of A Guarda. This small town is blessed to be on the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of the Minho River. Across the Minho River is the historic city of Caminha in Portugal.
A Guarda is part of the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route, and the Castro de Santa Trega is worth the short, but uphill detour.
The hilltop settlement was inhabited by the Celts since before the 1st century B.C. Some say the area was settled maybe around the 4th century B.C. At its peak and prime during the Iron Age around 5,000 people lived on the hillside of Santa Trega.
Monte de Santa Trega is home to the impressive archaeological site of Castro de Santa Trega. While the Castro ruins are the main draw, there are numerous viewpoints, hiking trails, a museum, and a small chapel that can all be visited over a few hours.
Most visitors will stay in A Guarda to explore Monte de Santa Trega, so I’ve included a few tips on how to visit and what to see.
Here’s how to make the most of a visit to Castro de Santa Trega and why it’s worth visiting.
Table of Contents
- Where is Castro de Santa Trega?
- Ways to Visit Castro de Santa Trega
- What to See on Monte de Santa Trega
- Is Castro de Santa Trega Worth Visiting?
- A Guarda the Village at the Foothills of Monte de Santa Trega
- Where to Stay in A Guarda Spain
- Conclusion | A Quick Guide to Castro de Santa Trega
Where is Castro de Santa Trega?
Castro de Santa Trega covers the hilltop of Monte de Santa Trega in the village of A Guarda. This seaside village is located on the Atlantic Ocean and close to the northern border of Portugal. The Minho River separates Portugal from Spain, with A Guarda village near the mouth of the river.
A Guarda is easy to reach with a car. As the village is also part of the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route, many visitors arrive at A Guarda on foot.
Tips on How to Get to A Guarda Spain
The best way to reach Castro de Santa Trega is by car. I included this site as part of my southern coastal Galicia road trip. After spending a few days in Santiago de Compostela, I picked up my rental car in Santiago de Compostela and headed south. A Guarda is less than a 2-hour drive from Santiago de Compostela.
As the village is close to the Portuguese border, Porto is another popular starting point to visit the south of Galicia. A Guarda is only 1 hour and 15 minutes from Porto.
Much of the Old Town area in A Guarda has pedestrian-only streets. There are numerous parking lots, some of which offer free parking. Be mindful that some parking spaces have an hourly fee. The city highlights these parking areas. I had good luck parking my car in this large open lot.
How to Visit Castro de Santa Trega
Castro de Santa Trega is one of the most interesting places in Galicia to see an extensive archaeological site of the Celtic people. The Celts lived throughout northern Spain and there are intriguing studies stating that Celtic tribes actually descended from Spain, rather than Ireland. New theories suggest that the Celts were a fishing community that traveled from the Bay of Biscay north to the British Islands.
The Castro de Santa Trega is a large site with two different sections where you can see what is left of this little-known civilization. For me, it’s one of the best places to see Celtic ruins in Spain.
There is an entrance fee to access Monte de Santa Trega. Admission does include the worthwhile museum. Those who travel by car will have lots of parking options throughout the site.
- Cars who access Monte de Santa Trega pay €3 plus €1.50 for each adult passenger (€4 caravan / €2 motorcycle)
- Foot travelers can pay €1.50 to visit the Museum and the site does offer “free days” on the first Saturday of each month and a few local holidays.
- Guided Tours must be arranged before visiting and cost €5 per adult
In 1931 Castro de Santa Trega was awarded a Monument of National Historical Interest and is listed on the Places of Cultural Interest (BIC).
Hike up to Castro de Santa Trega
Another option to reach Castro de Santa Trega is to hike up from A Guarda. This saves a few Euros for the parking fee. The PR-G 122 Camiños do Trega route offers over 7 Km of trails that connect A Guarda to Castro de Santa Trega and the community of Camposancos. The community of Camposancos is found to the south of Monte de Santa Trega along the Minho River.
Many of the trails are well-marked with yellow and white blazes. Also, look for wooden signboards posted along the Camiños do Trega route.
Castro de Santa Trega and the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route
A Guarda is found along the Camino Portuguese Coastal Way. Most pilgrims will spend the night in Caminha Portugal where there are two options for the following day. Take a ferry across the Minho River, or cross by a bridge just after the village of Vila Nova de Cerveira. Note that the latter option is longer, but the ferry boats depend on the tide.
Caminha village is an important divergent point for those pilgrims walking the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route. From here, the coastal path continues to A Guarda and follows along the Atlantic coastline up through Baiona and onto Vigo. Those pilgrims continuing on the Camino da Costa can easily add the hike up to Santa Trega to their daily walking itinerary.
Alternatively, from Caminha, pilgrims can divert to the Portuguese Central Route and head towards Valenca in Portugal or cross the river to Tui Spain. Those continuing to the Central route will miss the Celtic hilltop ruins of Monte Santa Trega.
If walking any Camino de Santiago route, it’s best to walk your way and pack only what you need, One of the best Camino de Santiago tips is to listen to your body and enjoy the journey. No matter what way you choose, all paths lead to the significant and historical city of Santiago de Compostela.
What to See on Monte de Santa Trega
A majority of the highlights of Monte de Santa Trega can be seen over a few hours. Those with a car will have plenty of time to hike around the ruins, visit the museum, and appreciate the many viewpoints.
I found the parking lot near the abandoned Forest House was a super convenient place to park.
Those who want to hike up Monte de Santa Trega will spend a couple of hours hiking to and from the site. Allocate a few hours to explore the site. Pack a picnic lunch or eat at one of the dining options. Don’t miss visiting the museum.
Castro Ruins
The main Castro ruin settlement is found not far from the access entrance point on the road.
This is the most visited area of Castro de Monte Trega and only 20% of the site is believed to be excavated. There are incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and make sure to wander respectfully through the Castro to catch unique details on the rocks and a grand fortress entrance gate.
Some of the rock patterns reminded me of Kuélap Fortress, an unmissable site in Northern Peru built by the Cloud Warriors.
This ancient Celtic settlement thrived during the Iron Age and at its prime, it is believed that more than 4,000 people called this hilltop home. Many of the dwellings still have a centerpiece stone that was used for cooking. Little is known about the life of these Celtic tribes, but what remains is intriguing to see.
One of the dwellings has been modified to how historians envisioned each home functioned.
Mergelina Site
While many visitors spend a majority of their time in the main Castro ruins, my favorite area of the site was the Mergelina section.
These Castros are found along the slopes of Monte Trega and overlook the Minho River. This sector was one of the last to be discovered, but it was maybe one of the most important. During a recent excavation, many pieces of pottery fragments and carved stones were found within this section.
These castros are rarely visited, so this space offers a quiet place to walk and reflect. The views are incredible and the circular dwellings are picturesquely nestled into the hillside.
Do not skip this underappreciated area of the Mergelina sector of the Castro de Santa Trega site.
Walk the Way of the Cross
A great walk on Monte de Santa Trega is the Way of the Cross. This short footpath follows a stone path from across the Casa Forestal and up to the Obelisco do Trega. Pass by artistic stone crosses that highlight different calvary stages.
From here, continue to the Santa Trega hermitage chapel that was built during the 16th century.
Museo Arqueolóxico Monte Santa Trega (MASAT)
Do not miss the extremely well-done MASAT Museum. Although small, this museum showcases artifacts that have been found steps away in the Castro ruins of Monte de Santa Trega.
The area has a unique history that can be seen in Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Age artifacts. As the Romans pushed west on their search for gold, these Castro civilizations were incorporated into the Roman Empire. There are numerous coins and currency from the Roman Empire that confirm this. Sadly, it is part of the reason why the traditions and way of life of the Celtic civilizations have been lost.
The Museo Arqueolóxico Monte Santa Trega is in Spanish and Galician. They offer a virtual tour in English that can be viewed in real-time on your phone. If you don’t have a SIMCard, the sweet museum director can offer a pamphlet in English that is informative.
MASAT | Entrance Fee: Included in the Car Entrance Fee, €1.50 for those who walk up Monte Santa Trega | Hours: vary by season, but always closed on Mondays, check the schedule here
The highest peak of Monte de Santa Trega is near the MASAT and is the San Francisco viewpoint at 1,119 ft (341 m). Take a short walk to the peak to stand at the tallest point of the hillside.
O Facho Observation Deck
While San Francisco is the highest peak, one of the best views from Monte de Santa Trega is at the O Facho Observation Deck. Follow the stone staircase up to the peak for panoramic views.
While the peak is littered with cellphone towers, O Facho boasts views of the port of A Guarda, the Castro ruins, and stellar views of the surrounding River Valley. The views are worth the short climb.
O Facho is found at 1,075 ft (328 m) and was my favorite viewpoint from the mountaintop.
Other Places of Interest on Monte de Santa Trega
There are a few more places to see on Monte de Santa Trega.
The main parking area at the top offers a public bathroom. Throughout the parking lot find stalls with vendors selling souvenirs and local artisan items.
There are two places to eat on Monte Santa Trega. Mar y Cielo is a small cafe with a few outdoor tables to enjoy the views. There is also a restaurant Garfo e Coitelo that is connected to the Alda Santa Trega Hotel.
Those looking to sleep on the mountaintop can stay in one of the 27 rooms of the Alda Hotel Santa Trega.
Is Castro de Santa Trega Worth Visiting?
Yes, Castro de Santa Trega is worth visiting. The hilltop Castro is one of the most well preserved Castros in Galicia to get a glimpse of the Celtic history in Spain. Monte Santa Trega has hiking trails, Castro ruins, and a informative museum.
In addition, find plenty of observation decks to appreciate the Minho River, A Guarda village, and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.
Castro de Santa Trega was a highlight of my coastal Galicia road trip.
A Guarda Village at the Base of Monte de Santa Trega
A Guarda is a fantastic place to base to explore Monte de Santa Trega. Here are some interesting places to see while visiting A Guarda.
✔ Plaza do Reló is the heart of the historic Old Town and is a great place to wander.
✔ Stroll along the old fishing port. There are many things to see from the Museum of the Sea and the colorful old fishermen’s houses. I loved this walk in the morning as the sun was beginning to rise. Don’t miss the Fish Market on the south port or Malteses Street, which runs parallel to the seaside promenade and offers a glimpse at traditional fishing homes.
✔ Another fantastic walk is to follow the sea north from the Museum of the Sea. This route meets with the Camino Portuguese Coastal Way and passes by parks and sandy beaches. The scenic way is accompanied by the sounds of waves crashing along the sea.
✔ If traveling by car, don’t miss the nearby inland hike of Muíños do Picón e do Folón. This beautiful hiking route includes 67 stone mills, a waterfall, and incredible views of the O Rosal Valley.
Where to Stay in A Guarda Spain
A Guarda is a fantastic place to sleep to enjoy the Castro de Monte Trega. As the village is a popular stopping point on the Camino Coastal Portuguese, there is a wide range of accommodation options from Pilgrim Albergues to Hotels.
- Municipal Pilgrim Hostel of A Guarda is an accommodation option for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. A pilgrim credencial is required and reservations are not allowed. The hospitalerios are fantastic, and welcoming, and go above and beyond for pilgrims walking the Camino.
- Albergue O Peirao is a highly-rated hostel in A Guarda that accepts reservations.
- Monumento Convento de San Benito Hotel offers private rooms in an old convent
- Hotel Celta is a standard hotel found close to the Old Town of A Guarda
- Vila da Guarda Hotel is steps away from the port and has everything you need to enjoy your time in A Guarda
➜ Browse all the Best Places to Stay in A Guarda Spain
Conclusion | A Quick Guide to Castro de Santa Trega
In short, this is a quick guide on how to make the most of your time visiting Castro de Santa Trega. These fascinating Castro ruins are above the village of A Guarda, a seaside hamlet in Spain on the border of Portugal.
Monte de Santa Trega offers not only Celtic ruins, but plenty of hiking paths, viewpoints, and an interesting museum.
Castro de Santa Trega is one of the most beautiful places to see Celtic ruins in Galicia Spain.
Have you visited the Castro de Santa Trega hilltop Celtic dwelling? What did you think? Is there anything that needs updating in this guide? Let me know in the comments below!
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