Lorraine Williamson
Tucked away in the quiet countryside of Vilarmaior, in A Coruña province, lies a hidden gem that’s as puzzling as it is poetic. The Laberinto de Breogán – Spain’s largest maze – invites visitors to lose themselves, quite literally, in a landscape shaped by ancient legend and modern imagination.
Covering more than 6,000 square metres and designed in the shape of a Celtic cross, this intricate labyrinth blends nature, history and play. With 2.3 kilometres of winding paths bordered by 4,000 trees, it’s a place where GPS is forbidden, smartphones are useless. Moreover, only patience and orientation skills will guide you out.
Built to bewilder
From the moment you step between the green hedgerows, your internal compass is put to the test. Purpose-built to disorient, the maze offers no shortcuts – just countless dead ends and criss-crossing corridors. But this disorientation is part of the charm. Visitors often find themselves laughing in confusion as they double back, retrace steps, or wander in circles. The experience is as much about getting lost as it is about finding the way out.
Each visit feels unique, with changing light, shifting shadows and the occasional surprise – like the family dog suddenly leading the pack in the right direction.
A vision rooted in rock art
The maze began as a dream in 2017. Local resident José Luis Meitín wanted to draw attention to Galicia’s little-known prehistoric petroglyphs – ancient rock carvings found in the surrounding hills. He partnered with landscape architect Raúl Castellar, a disciple of renowned British maze designer Adrian Fisher. Together, they shaped an immersive, leafy tribute to Galicia’s Celtic past.
The final design took years of careful planting and growth. When the maze finally opened to the public in 2022, it wasn’t just a tourist attraction. It was a living artwork, drawing visitors from across Spain and beyond.
Breogán’s legacy and the Celtic touch
Named after the legendary Celtic king Breogán, who is said to have built a tower so tall his son could see Ireland from its top, the maze is steeped in symbolism. And that symbolism deepens with each passing year. In a clever twist, the creators add a new layer to the experience annually – from hidden messages to themed scavenger hunts.
Currently, visitors are challenged to locate 16 Celtic symbols scattered throughout the maze. These motifs – representing concepts like rebirth, harmony, protection and life – are based on millennia-old designs and displayed on carved wooden plaques. The goal? Find them in the correct sequence before exiting the maze.
More than a maze
While some adventurous types turn it into a timed competition, others stroll at leisure, savouring the serenity of nature, the whisper of leaves and the occasional glimpse of Galicia’s hills through the gaps. Families, school groups and even pets are welcome, making it an inclusive experience for all ages.
For some, it’s a whimsical afternoon. For others, a journey into Celtic heritage and a deeper connection with the landscape. Either way, Laberinto de Breogán offers a compelling reason to step away from screens and into something older, slower, and strangely magical.
A growing attraction in green Galicia
As Galicia continues to promote its lesser-known inland treasures, Laberinto de Breogán is becoming a firm favourite with those seeking alternative days out. It’s proof that sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to first get completely, gloriously lost.
The world´s first biotechnical maze is in Málaga