Loiba Bench: What to See, How to Get There & Travel Tips

A practical guide to visiting Loiba Bench, one of the best-known clifftop viewpoints in Galicia, set above the wild coast of Ortigueira.

The Loiba Bench is one of those places that became famous because of a single image: a wooden bench placed in front of the open Atlantic, with nothing else in the frame. For years it has been called "the most beautiful bench in the world", but beyond the photograph, what really matters here is what surrounds it. The bench sits on the cliffs of Loiba, one of the most striking stretches of the Ortegal coast. From here, an easy path connects several viewpoints along the cliffs, with the sea as a constant companion. The site is very accessible and works well as a short stop, but if you enjoy walking, it's worth giving it more time.

Best time of day

Loiba Bench is especially beautiful at sunset, when the light falls directly over the sea. That said, it's also the busiest moment. If you're after something quieter, the early morning is usually a better choice. Wind tends to be present even in the middle of the day, so it never feels too warm.

The essentials

Don't leave without sitting on the bench and taking in the view. Look closely at the headland you're standing on: just to the left rises **A Pena Furada**, an impressive sea-carved rock arch that emerges in front of Sarridal Beach (Ribeira Grande). It's one of those details people often overlook — and impossible to unsee once spotted. This whole stretch of coast is part of the **Cape Ortegal Geopark**, where rock arches in slate and quartzite are common, along with small islets and a sequence of sand and pebble beaches. If you have time, walk part of the **Cantábrico Coastal Path**. And remember: beyond the bench, the landscape is the point. A few minutes on foot opens up views just as powerful, with far fewer people.

How to visit Loiba Bench as part of a route?

For us, the Loiba Bench works best as a stop at the end of the day, or as a closing piece within a longer coastal route. It's a quick place to visit, but it gives any itinerary a strong finish — especially as the sun lowers and lights up the water.

**Circular route: Río Sor, Bares & Loiba Cliffs** Río Sor → Estaca de Bares → Porto de Bares → Loiba Cliffs → return **Practical info:** Location: Loiba (Ortigueira). Duration: Short-to-medium stop (30–60 min). Conditions: Exposed to wind. Recommended: Viewpoint and clifftop walk. Parking: Designated area near the access. **How to get there:** By car from Ortigueira along a local road to Loiba. The road is in good condition.

See Route between the Ortegal Geopark and the Wild North

If you're getting hungry…

There are several options you can find online, but we particularly like:

Pizzería do Baleo · Ortigueira

Wood-fired pizzas that are genuinely a must — even here

PizzaCasual / Family-friendlyTerrace€

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If you're thinking of doing something special:

Granja Labrada Bed & Horses

Horseback rides in the heart of nature in northern Galicia. No rush, no crowds, and calm horses raised and trained in a natural way.

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Before you go

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