Ensenada de San Simón
The interaction between tides and the Verdugo River reveals a marine area rich in bivalves and a large number of wintering birds on the estuary of Vigo. This cove is the location of the archipelago of San Simón, which consists of four islands: San Bartolomé, San Antonio, San Simón and San Norberto.
San Simón, which is part of the Natura 2000 network, is perhaps the most noteworthy. From the 12th to the 19th century it was used by different religious orders and was the target of many naval incursions. From 1838 to 1927 it operated as an isolation hospital, and in 1936 it became a prison for republicans, holding over 4000 political prisoners. In 1948 it was used as a hostel for Franco’s guards, and in 1950 there was a shipwreck in which 43 people lost their lives. From 1955 to 1963 it was converted into a home for orphaned children. The area was restored in the 90’s, and today it is a natural paradise packed with history.
San Simón, which is part of the Natura 2000 network, is perhaps the most noteworthy. From the 12th to the 19th century it was used by different religious orders and was the target of many naval incursions. From 1838 to 1927 it operated as an isolation hospital, and in 1936 it became a prison for republicans, holding over 4000 political prisoners. In 1948 it was used as a hostel for Franco’s guards, and in 1950 there was a shipwreck in which 43 people lost their lives. From 1955 to 1963 it was converted into a home for orphaned children. The area was restored in the 90’s, and today it is a natural paradise packed with history.
Access
- ¿Existe transporte público para acceder al recurso?: Sí
Features
Native aquatic flora and fauna The cove has a number of molluscs like clams, cockles and particularly oysters, as it is one of the last oyster beds in Galicia. It is one of the most common places in the region for migratory birds like the mallard, shoveler, pintail, common teal, common pochard, tufted duck and egret, as well as other birds like the common sandpiper, redshank, dunlin, curlew, etc. Bottlenose dolphins can also be spotted in the area, especially when the grey mullet swim up the Verdugo River.Native terrestrial flora and fauna The marshes scattered around the cove of San Simón are a great place to listen to the water rail or watch the sparrowhawk or the kestrel. Large intertidal flats are exposed at low tide, which have an exceptional community of brown and green algae. There is also a forest on the island with extraordinary specimens of box.
Responsible body Department of the Environment
- Pesca deportiva o submarina: Sí
- ¿Se necesita licencia?: Sí
- Zona de buceo: Sí
- Description of the surroundings: Sea
- Interés Paisajístico: High
Environmental protection status
- Figura de Protección: ZEPVN, Red Natura 2000, LIC
Services
- Information point: Sí
- Navegación y fondeo: Sí
- Observatorio de Aves: Sí