On March 1st, 1493, the Pinta caravel docked in the port of Bayona, bringing exciting news - the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. Even today, this city celebrates this event every year in March. Located 150 kilometers north of Porto, this small Galician town becomes a popular destination during the summer months, attracting tourists who come to enjoy the ocean beaches and cross paths with pilgrims on their journey to Santiago de Compostela.

The Portuguese route along the Atlantic coast was officially recognized by the Spanish authorities in August 2016, although this pilgrimage route has existed since the Middle Ages. Pilgrims are about 115 kilometers from their destination when they pass through Bayona, where they can stop and admire the vast ocean views from the fortress.

Here, you can enjoy a drink at a pirate-themed bar in the old town, or take a ride on a replica of the same caravel that once docked in the local harbor over 500 years ago. It's worth wandering through the winding streets of Bayona, admiring the historic architecture of the Galician city, with its stone houses, iron balconies, and ancient churches.

You can also take a stroll along Paseo de Monte Boi, a path that winds around the Monte Real fortress. Nearby, you can explore the remains of a 1,000-year-old fortress used by the Celts, Phoenicians, and Romans. To top off your day, you can climb the mountain Virgem de la Roca and see the giant statue of the Virgin Mary holding a caravel. She is the patron saint of sailors and was erected on the mountaintop in 1930.