Things to See and Do in the Rias Bajas - Galicia

On the coast between the O Grove peninsula and the Isla Arousa, Cambados is well placed for a typical seaside holiday with a difference. Apart from its well-kept old town, what really makes Cambados special is that it is the centre of the Alabriño wine region, with lots of lovely little bars and restaurants to have a tapas or a seafood feast and sample the local produce. The town does have its own beaches, but a trip to nearby Isla Arousa is well worth the trouble for fantastic beaches and unspoilt fishing villages.

Named best beach in the world by the Guardian, the Islas of Cies and Ons just off the western coast of Galicia are certainly a beach-bum’s dream. With white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, they could be said to have a Caribbean air to them, until you dive in!

The islands enjoy National Park status and are only open to the public in the summer, when you can get there by boat from Vigo, Cangas or Baiona: Cies - from Vigo. The ferry sails 6 times daily, mid-June to mid-September, from Vigo’s Estación Marítima. In the summer, there is also a morning boat from Cangas. Las Islas de Ons -ferry from Bueu on the O Morrazo peninsula.

The historic town and pleasantly lively summer resort of Baiona, with its well-sheltered, natural harbour, in the southernmost part of Galicia, south of Vigo, favoured by the King of Spain in his sailing days, was founded in 140 BC. With a yacht club and a marina, its main claim to fame, perhaps, was the arrival here on 1st March 1493 of La Pinta, the first ship to bring the news of Colombus’ discovery of the New World. There is now a replica of it in the harbour and a medieval festival called La Arribada is celebrated in the first week in March every year. 

The imposing Castillo de Monterreal, now a hotel, sits on the promontory with the lovely Playa de Ribera on the shore. Behind the sophisticated waterfront with  stylish cafeterias, lie quaint, cobbled, porticoed backstreets crowded with popular bars serving delicious fish and seafood tapas.

Ancient tradition has it that the city of Pontevedra in the Rias Bajas in Galicia, first called Helenes, was founded by Teucer (Teucro) who fought in the Trojan Wars and named it after Helen. True or not, this impressive, granite city on the Rio Lerez, houses one of the best Old Quarters in the whole of Spain - untouched and picturesque - arcaded, flagstoned streets and delightful squares with ancient stone crosses and typical balconied houses adorned with flowers and avenues lined with Camelias makes it the perfect Gallego town. 

Don’t miss the charm of the Praza de Lena, where the Jewish quarter once thrived and where the exceptional Museo Provincial de Pontevedra boasts an excellent collection of jet figures from Santiago and paintings by the Spanish greats. There is much to see from the church of La Peregrina (shaped like a scallop shell) to the C13th church of San Francisco to the C16th Basilica de Santa Maria la Mayor. But perhaps Pontevedra’s real forte is the fact that it is still a lively and lived-in town and to get the most of its atmosphere, no better to enjoy it than in the wonderful old bars sampling the traditional food and drink of Galicia at its best.

Finisterre, so named by the Romans who really believed it to be so, although it is not the mostwesterly point of Spain at all. Pilgrims to Santiago have for centuries considered this to be their final destination after visiting the shrine of St James, and more recently, they come here to burn their boots and clothes!

The treacherous coastline, combined with its proximity to the major shipping route between northern Europe and the Mediterranean, has led to a large number of shipwrecks, earning it the name Costa de la Muerte - literally ‘Coast of Death’.

The charming, traditional, old granite seaside town and fishing port of Muros, tucked beneath Monte Costinos, lies on the north edge of the beautiful Ria de Muros and Noia. With well-preserved Gothic-arched arcaded streets, glazed balconies, a fine town hall and market building, a fountain with a stone turtle and several interesting churches, it is a delight to wander around. Though with its fair share of tourism, it is still a real working port and retains a true maritime feel, especially when the catch comes in in the evenings. 

An interesting old town; the Gothic church of Santa Maria a Nova has a mysterious cemetery with its 10th – 16th century headstones carved with pagan symbols (designs relating to the trades of the deceased); there’s 15th century San Martin church, a colourful covered market and local Mount Ararat with numerous dolmens.

A long-standing favourite with our team, setting for many a family holiday and even honeymoons, Carnota Bay, with its arch of fine white sand facing out to the Atlantic, must be one of Spain's most beautiful beaches, and one of the least spoilt! Round towards Muxia and beyond, there is no end of gems with Playa de Nemiña, Playa de Lago and many more to choose from, with tranquillity guaranteed as mass tourism is yet to reach this secluded corner of northern Spain - shhhh!

Padrón - the Roman “Iria Flavia”, and the place where the legendary boat came bringing Saint James to Spain. It has the Casa Museo de Rosalia, the home of Galicia’s favourite poet Rosalia de Castro (1837-85) (Open 9.00-4.00 and 16.00-20.00), an interesting “Jardin Botanico” and is the birthplace of Nobel prize-winning novelist Camilo José Cela. Padrón is also famous for its little green peppers - mostly they are sweet but the odd one has a kick (like a mule!).

It was once an island, but thanks to the effect of winds flowing and gathering sand for centuries, it is now joined to the continent by the isthmus of the extensive beach of A Lanzada. With more than two dozen splendid sandy beaches, options for all kind of outdoor activities and a fair share of bars and restaurants, O Grove is one of Galicia´s best-known holiday resorts. As many other Galician seaside towns, its charm also lies in its authentic marine tradition, evidenced in the atmosphere of its fishing ports and market, where you can find the freshest seafood and finest local produce.

Connected to O Grove by a bridge, nearby Illa de A Toxa is also a must. Its thermal springs and mud, with therapeutic properties for the skin and respiratory ailments, have turned the island into a major and famous spa resort. Protected from the raging sea and blessed by the mild climate that dominates the entire valley of O Salnes, it is ideal to combat stress. Play golf at its fabulous course and don’t miss the Capela das Conchas, a chapel covered with scallop shells and, if you are travelling with children, you can take a walk around to discover the playground Aldea De Os Grobits (small beings that live deep under the hot spring waters).

Between Pontevedra and Sanxenxo. This picturesque, granite built, fishing village is a museum piece with no end of horreos and stone crosses and balconied houses that tumble into the sea.

Very touristy, but well worth a visit. Have a plate of prawns and a  chilled Albariño at one of the bars that sit on the water.

Apart from offering wonderful views over the Miño estuary and the Atlantic, the Galician-Roman proto-city of Monte Trega is one of the most important Celtic sites in Galicia, whose excavations began in 1913.

It comprises a major excavated area where the Castro habitat can be seen. From an urban point of view, the site includes squares and narrow streets, separating groups of constructions which could be called neighbourhoods.

Similarly, beside the road leading to the summit, reconstructed homesteads can be seen. Most of these constructions are circular and in many cases, they have lobbies where there are often stone ovens. This type of habitat, plus the different archaeological remains excavated over repeated campaigns carried out, allow us to date the settlement in the 1st century B.C., in the time of Emperor Augustus, abandoned around the end of the Julius-Claudius period, which finished in 68 A.D., therefore making it a castro from the Roman period.

Monte Pindo -” the Celtic Olympus “ - with huge granite boulders, mysterious petroglyphic engravings and ruins of ancient shrines, is of local mythological importance.

Ceramic findings evidence human presence in the area from 600 years ago. There is a hydro-electric plant here at sea level, and dramatic waterfalls further up.

A wonderful outdoor art gallery in one of the most picturesque settings imaginable. If you're lucky, you might get to meet the man himself who's welcoming down to earth and charming. Best to call ahead, book using the form on the website or ask your hotel to make arrangements.

Here's the official description: The MANOLO PAZ MUSUEM OF CONTEMPORARY ART centres its discourse on Contemporary Art and on the work of Galician sculptor, Manolo Paz, with the artist and his work as the common thread. His works are the most  transcendent and representative works in the development of Galician contemporary art. 

The artistic richness of Paz's works constitutes a rich heritage that is a part of Galician Historical Heritage. The Museum is located near the mouth of the Umia River, in beautiful surroundings; a place where visitors discover sculptures brimming with strength, the nudity of the material and the essence of the natural surroundings.

Caldas de Reis, on the Camino Portugues, twelve kilometres inland from the coast at Vilagarcia de Arousa, in the Rias Baixas, is an old spa town, founded by the Romans. With a lovely Alameda and botanical gardens, some good restaurants and bars, it is said that if you drink the waters here, you will be married within a year! 

On the outskirts of the town, the "Fervenza de Segade" with its impressive waterfalls and pools, can be reached by a pleasant walk along the river Umia. Romanbridges and Romanesque churches dot the surrounding area and other nearby spa towns, such as Cuntis, are well worth a visit. The C18th stately home, Pazo de Oca, with its fantastic gardens, is not far away and even nearer is Morana, with its pilgrimage centre, El Santuario dos Milagres de Amil. 

Popular and traditional fiestas are held here including the "Rapa das bestas" (branding of the wild horses), "The Milagros de Amil" and "Porquino a Brasa" (roast pig) and "Carneiro ao espeto" (whole lamb on a spit). Here you will see Galicia at its purest.

The lively fishing port of Rianxo at the head of the Ria of Arouxa, just over 40km from Santiago de Compostela, has a strong seagoing character as well as lovely beaches and nice coastal walks straight from the town.

Popular in the summer months with Madrileños ‘in the know’, the town is a nice mixture of traditional and modern with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. There’s a strong literary tradition here and the town has produced some of Galicia´s most celebrated writers.

In September (first Sunday after the 8th) the town celebrates the fiesta of its patron the Virgin of Guadalupe including a sea born procession. The festivities go on for a whole week!

Built in the early 15th century by Duke García Caamaño on the site of a former fort tower of the 12th century, Pazo de Rubianes is the only lordship in Galicia. It belongs to the mighty Caamaño family which gave name to nearby Vilagarcia de Arousa. The palace was rebuilt 300 years later, adding some French touches, so the building now reminds more of a French Chateau than a Galician palace. The cellar, the riding stables and the stables, instead, keep their original structure. Part of these dependences have been re-used to complement the cellar, such as salon, shop (where you can purchase their own-produced Albariño wines, liquors and camellia oils, creams and soaps) and other services.

In its close to 70 ha the camellia stands out as the main theme. It boasts a wide collection of botanical species with 4500 specimens of camellias and 800 different varieties of unique species. They offer guided visits where you can walk through their extensive vineyard (largest in the region of Salnés), the botanical marvels of the gardens, and get amazed with the architecture and interiors of the palace built 600 years ago. It is definitely worth a visit!

Set between bustling Cangas with a fantastic fish market and plenty of shops, and Bueu, a lively fishing village -setting off place for the Isla de Ons National Park, Hio is the perfect base to explore the Rias Baixas. A quiet village, less exploited than most in the area it boasts the fine white sands of Playa Arneles (and many more nearby) as well as a famous cruceiro (Galicia’s most elaborate stone crucifix, sculpted out of a single block of granite) and historic church. There is a good selection of bars & restaurants, the Doade in particular being of some renown for its fish and seafood. There is a supermarket and a health centre too. 

Within the municipalities of Ribadumia and Meis in the heart of the Salnés region, Ruta da Pedra e da Auga (Route of Stone and Water) is one of the most popular walking routes in Galicia. It is so called because it runs along the Armenteira river for more than 8km, down and up little slopes with torrents jumping over rocks, old laundry places and a striking number of medieval stone water mills. The pathway coincides with an old traditional route for pilgrimage on Easter Monday, when the locals used to climb to the Monastery of Armenteira, still open to visit. As it has little difficulty, it is suitable for all ages as well as for mountain biking. On the riverside, you will find some resting areas with wooden benches and tables for that well-deserved snack.

Southeast of the Barbanza Peninsula between the estuaries of Arousa and Muros and Noia, the Corrubedo Dune Complex and Carregal and Vixán Lagoons Natural Park is impressive in size. With more than 1,000 ha, it consists of an amazing and unique system of mobile dunes, paradise beaches and the Vixán freshwater and Carregal saltwater lagoons.

There are well-signposted trails and routes connecting the different areas of the park. Take a stroll along any of them and you will find out that it is home to several waterfowl species, playful otters, squirrels, reptiles and native flora. You can also enjoy the splendid views of the sea from Corrubedo lighthouse or the Mirador Pedra da Rá and visit the Dolmen de Axeitos (one of the oldest and best preserved in Galicia). Anywhere you go in the park, you will definitely feel the connection with nature. Go and breathe fresh air!

Built in the 16th century in the historical village of Cambados by the Sarmiento-Valladares family, advisers to King Philip II of Spain and one of the Earls of Fefiñáns, this is one of the most important pazos (Galician traditional houses, similar to manor houses, usually located in the countryside and former residences of important people in the community) in the area. Though it is predominantly of Renaissance style, some additions were made a century later, so Baroque elements can also be identified.

The palace is located on a historic square, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Galicia. It comprises a harmonious complex with its arcade, keep (homage tower), and the neighboring Church of San Benito. The gardens and woods are located behind the palace. Owned by the descendants of the Marquises of Figueroa, it now houses an Albariño winery, which is believed to be the first one to bottle wine in the area, under the brand name 'Albariño de Fefiñanes,' registered in 1928.

In the heart of the Arousa Estuary and connected to the mainland by a 2 km long bridge, the tiny Illa de Arousa is a paradise you will definitely fall in love with. Vestiges of Roman settlements and even evidence of Viking invasions testify to its exciting history, which origins seem to date back to prehistoric times.

Though it is a bustling holiday resort during the summer, with local companies offering all sorts of watersports and boat trips along the estuary, most of its inhabitants work in the fishing and mussel industry, so its traditional feel is still perceived. You’ll be fascinated by the beautiful landscapes of Carreirón Natural Park and its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. You can rent a bike to visit its historic lighthouse at Punta Cabalo or take a peaceful walk around to discover its surprising nature and wildlife.

From Porto do Son, take the C-550 towards Ribeira. After 4.5 km, you will come to Baroña. On the right-hand side, there is a sign for Castro de Baroña; park there and take the path next to the bar 'O Castro,' which goes down towards the coast and leads straight to the site.

Perhaps the most spectacular Castro in all of Galicia due to its stunning location, this Iron Age settlement is a very representative example of a 'coastal castro.' It is located on a small, rugged peninsula that reaches out into the sea. Although the site was occupied from the second Iron Age to well into Roman times, its present appearance dates from the change of era (1st century B.C. to 1st century A.D.), when the settlement underwent an urban and demographic expansion.

It is structured on the basis of a complex defense system, with a first line of moat and rampart that protected the isthmus, followed by another that encircled the homes and reached monumental proportions. Here is where the main entrance was situated, with an access stair.

Inside, grouped into three platforms, there are over thirty architectural structures adapted to the uneven contours of the peninsula, with simple ground plans, in a circular or oval shape. Most of them were homesteads, although some were used as craft workshops.

At the southernmost western point of Galicia, where the River Miño, the natural border with Portugal, flows into the Atlantic, the small fishing port of A Guarda occupies a position of obvious strategic importance.

Just beside the town, Monte Santa Tecla is famous not only for its amazing views over the Miño and the Atlantic coast but also for the remains of a Celtic settlement there, one of the most important in Europe.

Here, the combination of river, beach, and mountain, combined with ease of access not only to the local Spanish towns of Baiona and Tui but also to those in the north of Portugal right on your doorstep, means there is something for everyone.

Add to that the local gastronomy — A Guarda is famous for its lobsters — with a fantastic lobster festival held here in July and fish restaurants to suit all budgets lining the seafront. Along with the deliciously fresh white Albariño wine produced here, the scene is set for a great holiday.

Atlantic-facing Vigo is Europe’s largest fishing port and a great place to explore at any time of the year. While it may not be particularly picturesque, it has an interesting old town and is nicely quirky. For oyster fans, don’t miss Mercado de A Pedra, where the Rua de Ostras is full of oyster and seafood bars. There is great shopping, or you can just watch the huge ships come and go up the estuary.

The city has a lively history, having been taken twice by the English (firstly by Francis Drake), as well as by the French and the Turks. There are lovely beaches nearby, or you can take a ferry across the estuary to Moaña.

Arcade – near Vigo – not a scenic town at all, but the place to go if you love oysters. Amazing oyster festival at the beginning of April. Try Restaurante Avenida for your own oyster feast.

The only zoo in Galicia, VigoZoo is the ideal place to spend an afternoon with the family.

With over 60 hotels, impressive restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, it is a bustling destination in the summertime when many people, especially Spanish visitors, arrive to enjoy their holidays. Often called the Marbella of the North, Sanxenxo is certainly one of the most exclusive resorts, being a favorite for public figures such as former president Mariano Rajoy and even King Emeritus Juan Carlos I. Due to its microclimate and sheltered waters with mild temperatures until October, it can be a pleasant destination out of season if you prefer to avoid the crowds.

Though not as wild as some others in the area, Sanxenxo’s beaches are all splendid, sandy, and have crystal-clear waters, many of which are within walking distance from the downtown of Sanxenxo and Portonovo. It is also worth discovering the breathtaking views over the estuary by hiking the numerous pathways through the nearby small forest and promenade. Indulge yourself and feast on the finest seafood or take a boat trip to the magical Ons Island.

The small city of Tui, in the south of the province of Pontevedra, on the border of Spain and Portugal, looks out over the River Mino across to the fortess town of Valenca on the other side, reached by an iron bridge built by Gustave Eiffel. Starting of as a Roman settlement called Tude, Tui, in its strategic position, had a turbulent history, but is now a much calmer place with its compact, historic old quarter of medieval lanes and houses. Not to be missed is its fortress-like C13th Cathedral de Santa Maria with its battlements and fortifications.

Perched high on a hill it is dedicated to San Telmo, the patron saint of fishermen. Other smaller churches, the Romanesque San Bartolome and the Gothic Santo Domingo are well worth a visit too. Tui is still a nicely old-fashioned place with little shops and a good selection of bars and restaurants and a proper country market on Wednesdays.

The “furanchos” or “loureiros” – that can be identified by a branch of laurel placed on their front doors, have their own history that make them different to normal restaurants. Wine growers originally sold the remaining wine of their vintage to their neighbours, who accompanied it with food. As time went by, some of them turned into inns that only open at certain times of the year. Some of them have a good Albariño vintage wine and a menu of tapas which are reasonably priced. The “furanchos” are spread about the Ria. However, we suggest you try the ones in the village of Cobas. This journey is worth doing, not only because of the “furanchos” but also because of the wonderful landscape. 

The Salnés area, a touristic and wine-producing region, has fought against development. You can go up to 2 viewpoints with amazing views of the Salnés valley. One of the viewpoints is before Cobas, and the other – San Cibrao´s viewpoint, a must see, - just past the village, signposted at the crossroads.