Great Things to Do Near Casa Camboa
Take a boat trip from O Grove along the sheltered Ría de Arousa.
The calm waters of the Ría provide the perfect conditions for the cultivation of mussels and oysters and Galicia is the second largest producer in the world. The Ría is also a resting place for migrating birds en route from Africa to Northern Europe and the coast here is a protected zone for them. You'll even get to sample the fresh mussels on board!
Galicia's camelia route
Early or late season is the time to catch the best of Galicia's famous Camelias which grow throughout the length of Galicia from La Coruña down to Vigo and especially around the Rias Baixas. There are several historic country houses with beautifully landscaped gardens where you can marvel at their beauty. The closest is the Pazo de Oca near La Estrada.
Wild horses from the mountains
near this area are rounded up in a grand festival of 'La Rapa das Bestas' - the Capture of the Beasts which takes place in A Estrada over several days of the first weekend in July. The stockbreeders gather to tame, brand and groom the animals following a tradition dating back to the 16th century.
Cambados, is a peaceful seaside town,
about 40 minutes' away by car and possibly one of the prettiest in Galicia. Not only possessing admirable architecture, it is also in the heart of a prime wine production area and has many specialist shops selling the local produce.
Pontevedra is Galicia's smallest provincial capital.
During the 16th century it was the capital of Galicia and an important port too (Columbus' ship the 'Santa Maria' was built here). As a result it has a fascinating historical centre, both beautiful and well preserved with a maze of lanes, arcades and delightful stone flagged squares.
Olé!
If you would like to see a bull ring, take the opportunity whilst visiting Pontevedra - Galica's only bull ring is here and the tradition of bull fighting is still strong.
Pontevedra is not only a feast to the eyes
but also the taste buds! Try some Iberian pork, some delicious Spanish cheeses or the unforgettable home smoked salmon from the Meson area situated behind the Town Hall.
Padrón, about a half hour drive to the north,
is traditionally believed to be the town where the remains of the Apostle James landed. The boat was tied to a stone, a 'pedrón', which can be seen below the altar of Santiago Cathedral. It was once a great Roman town but is now best known for the delicious peppers grown there and eaten throughout Spain.
A trip to Santiago is obligatory!
The jewel of Galicia where, for more than 1000 years, pilgrims have gathered from all over Europe. Visit the impressive cathedral, the Plaza del Obradoiro and the old pilgrims' hospital, now a luxurious Parador.
Wine Museum
One of the first to be set up in Spain is in Cambados. All you need to know about cultivation, history and processing of the Albariño wine. Combine with a visit to a bodega - there are many on the roads around Cambados or Tui. (A tour lasts about an hour.)
Stroll through the gardens of the Manor House 'Pazo de Oca'
on the road from Santiago to Lalin. So beautiful are they that they are frequently referred to as the Versailles of Galicia.
Watch for the Cruceiros as you drive around the countryside
Made of stone, they are generally found at the entrance to churches or on crossroads and are respresentative of Galician culture and art. They are also full of legends and offer amongst many other things, protection for the weary traveller.
In nearby Amil lies the pretty little chapel of the Virgin of the Miracles
where a mass is sung every day. It is a pilgrimage site too based on the belief that a miracle was performed here in the 18th century.
Go West.... to La Toja, home to a 'Balneario' of spas and thermal waters.
Take the bridge over to the island to take the waters, renowned for their healing effects on the skin. Buy some of the toiletries made with the local minerals in the little shop on the island, which also serves as a fascinating museum. Try to visit the artesan market too.
A trip to Vigo is well worthwhile
visit the old town with its streets of oysters and basket sellers, have a shopping spree in any of four different shopping centres, and take in the museum which has around 300,000 square metres of parkland surrounding it.
Pottery.
Pay a visit to the gallery displaying Sargadelos ceramics in A Estrada. With exceptionally attractive figurines, plates and jewellery of a design unique to this part of Galicia you will find it hard to resist bringing home a piece!
Take a seat.......
Relax in the elegant surroundings of the house or sit in the shade of one of the three camelia trees in the garden. As the evening cools down move into the conservatory where you can still take advantage of the lovely views.
Pop down to the market in nearby A Estrada
on Wednesday mornings for a fine range of fresh foods and local produce from the area. - there's another in Cuntis on Saturday mornings too.
Galicia has many thermal springs with reputed medicinal qualities.
The Thermal Village in Cuntis dates back to Roman times and many have claimed to have rid themselves of their aches and pains over the years. Now a new spa has been built which you can try for yourselves.
Wend your way to the preserved fishing village of Combarro
to see the famous view of its horreos (grain stores) lined up in perfect formation overlooking the banks of the Ria of Pontevedra. Stop for a tapa in one of the tiny tavernas whilst there.
