In Galicia, the sea is more than just a blue horizon; it is a source of life and sustenance. Mussel farming is a vital part of this maritime relationship, a practice that extends throughout the Ría de Arousa and becomes a spectacle of sustainability and flavour. For those embarking on the Traslatio route, there is a special stop that brings passengers closer to the heart of this tradition: a visit to a mussel farm.

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Stop to visit a Batea
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Batea
A raft, with its floating wooden structure anchored in the middle of the estuary, is the point where the Galician mussel begins its journey from the sea to our table. On board our boat, we get close enough to one of these platforms so that you can see first-hand the process of mussel farming. Our guide, with one foot on the deck and another in the history of our coast, will tell you how these structures become home for the mussels that are raised hanging from long ropes submerged in the water.
The process is a balance of patience and care, where each mussel grows by feeding on the natural plankton that the currents bring with them, in an aquaculture system that Galicia has perfected over generations. It is not just a question of technique; it is a lifestyle that we respect and value. And while our guide shares with you the secrets of cultivation, you will feel part of this maritime tradition that brings so much pride to our region.
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Approaching the Batea
This approach to a raft is not just another stop on the route; it is an immersion in Galician culture, a tribute to the simplicity and complexity of a practice that has shaped both our coasts and our gastronomy. After this experience, every time you taste a mussel, you will not only savor its freshness, but you will also appreciate the history and work that goes into making it that morsel of the sea that we all revere.
That is why, on the Traslatio Route, we do not only sail through landscapes, but also through cultures and traditions. We invite you to get to know the raft up close, to understand mussel farming, and to take with you not only images and memories, but also the knowledge and appreciation of one of the pillars of coastal Galicia.
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Traslatio route enters Bateas