Baiona was once an important maritime trading post in Galacia. Baiona’s place in history is assured, as it was the first place in Europe to hear of the discoveries of Columbus. On 1st March 1493, the caraval Pinta, one of Columbus’ ships, called in with the sensational news that Columbus had ‘discovered’ the Indies.
Baiona's old town is a district behind the busy and more modern waterfront. It is a circular area of narrow streets lined with Galician terraced houses. Take the time to absorb its old-world charm. Good ports attracted envy and greed. The Castelo de Monterreal was built in a strategic position overlooking the port and town. Built over time between the 12th and 16th centuries it defended the town from enemies and pirates. One attack the town fended off was from Sir Francis Drake in 1585. The castle is now a paradore. Paradores are Spanish historic buildings converted into luxury accommodation and restaurants.
Visitors may walk castle battlements, dine and enjoy panoramic views and Galician entertainment. People lived on the hillsides of Mount Santa Tecla, south of Baiona, 2000 years ago. They belonged to the Castro culture, named after the castros or hillforts they built. The archaeological site of Castro de Santa Tecla has been excavated. Artefacts prove that the castro was occupied when the Romans arrived in the area. Part of the castro has been rebuilt to allow visitors to walk in ancient footsteps. But not the footsteps of those who carried shellfish from the coast for food.