Culture and History of the National Park

"The islands, haughty and watchful as faithful dogs, keep the gates of the Rías undisturbed so that they can rest and dream, while rivers present the Ocean with their gentlest inland poetry" Castroviejo.

These Atlantic islands, used as a hideaway for nearby towns and enemy ships, were a livelihood for villagers and also a tourist's paradise. All of them have left behind legends, superstitions, and customs. These islands experienced similar situations throughout history due to their relative proximity to each other and the coast. The list of situations includes; occupation by different monastic orders in the Middle Ages; ownership by the Church at the beginning of the second millennium; fiefdom of nobles of the time; attack by invaders and use as a base for their coastal incursions; and establishment of salting plants. They now share their beauty with visitors.

These islands located at the entrance of the Rías slow down the rougher ocean waters, surrounded by calmer waters rich in fish and shellfish, which formed an important part of the diet of their inhabitants, and converted them into expert sailors. The islanders learned to cultivate land for food, use plants to heal themselves, and created an entire unique conventional wisdom, which is now in danger of extinction. However, the particular location and characteristics of each island created its own history and gave rise to a varied heritage and cultural wealth.