The Monte Branco Dune, at 150 meters high, is one of the tallest rampant dunes in Europe. The strong winds carried the sand across the mountain, even surpassing it, creating a unique environment.
O Camiño dos Faros does not climb the dune. We know it is the most environmentally sensitive point in all of O Camiño dos Faros, and the route runs along the outside of the dune at Punta de Veo, at a height of just over 30 meters, along the Camino das Crabas, a path that fishermen from Santa Mariña have always used to reach Trece.
In any case, we must be extremely careful. It is mandatory to walk in single file, without straying from the sandy path or stepping on the vegetation that has taken years to form.
The section begins at Coído de Santa Mariña, where we must cross a small stream and then recross the boulders to follow the entire coastline along a narrow path between the ferns.
As we begin walking along the sandy path, we must be extremely careful, as we will cross a small sandy area of caramiñas (corema album), which gives its name to Camariñas. In ancient times, this plant was present throughout the Galician coast. Today, it is in danger of extinction. It is a plant that adapts perfectly to these extreme conditions, producing, in late summer, a white fruit that resembles a pearl.
Upon reaching Punta de Veo, we are at the halfway point of the Camiño dos Faros. We left Malpica 100 km ago, and we have another 100 km to go to reach Fisterra. But that’s not all; from here, you realize you are at the heart of the entire route.
The panoramic view of Praia do Trece and Punta Boi with the English Cemetery will remain forever etched in our memory. A completely unspoiled landscape, far from the hustle and bustle of the world, with the sound of the sea crashing incessantly against the Mar de Trece. The sensation is unique… this is O Camiño dos Faros!
How the wind must work in these places to lift the sand on the beach and, aided by the anchorage provided by these rocks, create a dune of such dimensions.
