Foz

¡Hola! What a fantastic adventure you’re about to embark on! Foz, with its beautiful coastline and charming villages, is a great destination. Since you’re leaving from Madrid and prefer to avoid highways, I’ll suggest a scenic route that takes you through some lovely old towns and castles. Let’s dive into your 3-day itinerary!

Day 1: Madrid to Foz via the Sierra de Guadarrama

Morning:

• Departure from Madrid: Start your journey early in the morning to make the most of your day. Head northwest towards the Sierra de Guadarrama.
• **Stop in Manzanares el Real: This picturesque village is home to the stunning Castillo de Manzanares el Real, a well-preserved medieval castle. Take a stroll around the castle and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains.

Lunch:

• Lunch in Manzanares el Real: Try a local restaurant for some traditional Spanish cuisine. You can’t go wrong with a hearty paella or some tapas!

Afternoon:

• **Continue to Rascafría: After lunch, drive through the beautiful countryside to Rascafría. This village is known for its stunning natural surroundings and the Monasterio de El Paular, a beautiful monastery worth visiting.
• Explore the area: If you have time, take a short hike in the nearby Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. The views are breathtaking!

Evening:

• Drive to Foz: After a day of exploring, continue your journey to Foz. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Rascafría.
• Check-in and Dinner: Once you arrive, check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Foz is known for its fresh seafood!

---

Day 2: Exploring Foz and Nearby Villages

Morning:

• Breakfast in Foz: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. Try some fresh pastries and coffee!
• Visit the Beaches: Spend the morning at Playa de Las Catedrales (Cathedrals Beach) in nearby Ribadeo. The rock formations are stunning, especially at low tide.

Lunch:

• Lunch in Ribadeo: Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant with views of the beach. Fresh fish dishes are a must-try!

Afternoon:

• Explore Ribadeo: After lunch, take some time to explore Ribadeo. Visit the Iglesia de Santa María del Campo and stroll through the charming streets.
• Visit Castropol: Just across the river, Castropol is a quaint village with beautiful views of the estuary. Don’t miss the Mirador de San Juan for a fantastic panorama.

Evening:

• Return to Foz: Head back to Foz for dinner. Enjoy a leisurely evening walk along the promenade and soak in the coastal atmosphere.

---

Day 3: Castles and Villages on the Way Back to Madrid

Morning:

• Breakfast in Foz: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your accommodation.
• **Drive to Lugo: Head towards Lugo, known for its impressive Roman walls. Take a walk along the walls and explore the old town.

Lunch:

• Lunch in Lugo: Try some local specialties, like Lacón con Grelos (pork with turnip tops) at a traditional restaurant.

Afternoon:

• **Visit Castillo de Pambre: After lunch, make your way to the Castillo de Pambre, a beautiful medieval castle surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but the views are worth it!
• **Explore Sarria: On your way back, stop in Sarria, a charming town on the Camino de Santiago. Take a stroll through its historic streets and maybe grab a coffee.

Evening:

• Return to Madrid: After a day of exploration, make your way back to Madrid. Depending on your timing, you might want to stop for dinner along the way or wait until you’re back in the city.

---

And there you have it! A delightful 3-day itinerary filled with charming villages, stunning castles, and beautiful landscapes. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! Safe travels! 🌍✨