Great Things to Do Near Casa de Descanso
Visit the port of Panxón
where colourful fishing boats line up at the edge of the beach. It's a lovely spot to enjoy a long lunch with some excellent open-air restaurants offering an amazing choice of seafood.
Sample wine from the Gondomar Valley
This region produces a delicious wine known as Val Miñor. Pick up a bottle or two in Gondomar town and whilst there, pay a visit to the enormous Gondomar Manor House dating from the 16th century.
Sample the Galician cuisine
Some say Galicia offers the worlds best seafood. Try lobster, octopus, barnacles, clams, mussels, oysters, at any of the port towns. Ordering tapas is great way to sample a variety of different dishes, they are available at almost all bars and restaurants.
Take an evening stroll through Baiona
The seafront has great views over the bay and marina. The promenade is almost 12 kms long so you might feel the need to stop for a cool glass of wine in one of the street cafés.
Watersports at Patos Beach
Try surfing or paddle boarding at Patos beach known as the 'beach of the waves'. There are numerous surf schools along this long white sandy beach, offering lessons and equipment hire. You can also enjoy the view towards the Cies Islands.
Relax on a river cruise
Enjoy a cruise along the Minho River, probably the most beautiful of the Galician Rías, and view Spain from one side and Portugal from the other! Tours start from the port at Camposancos.
Visit the 'Fiesta de Rosquillas' in July
Held in Gondomar on the 1st Sunday in July, these sweets are a local delicacy and similar to donuts.
Take a ferry to the Cies Islands
Now a National Park, enjoy a fabulous day on the fine white sandy beaches or walk through the sand dunes to sweet-smelling eucalyptus groves. Look out for rare species of birds or enjoy a meal in the island restaurant. Tickets/visits are limited.
A day trip to medieval Pontevedra
Pontevedra lies on the Pilgrim's route from Portugal to Santiago and the old part is probably the most beautiful and best preserved in Galicia. The Zona Monumental contains many noteworthy buildings of historical interest and is well worth a visit. A stop for tapas in the beautiful Plaza de la Leña is a must.
Head to the spa town of Mondariz Balneario
A pretty town with excellent restaurants and an elegant spa. Do not miss the Water Palace with its thermal pools, Jacuzzis, jets and waterfalls, all beneath a crystal dome.
Head to the coast
There are numerous Blue Flag beaches close to Baiona and Nigrán. Playa America is nearly 2km long and joins up with Panxón. A short distance over a headland lies Patos beach which faces the Atlantic and therefore has larger waves great for bodyboarding and surfing.
Explore the regional capital of Vigo
the second largest fishing port in the world. Soak up the atmosphere of the cobbled streets around the Rua Pescaderia and walk through the adjacent park to capture some amazing views across the water. Great for tapas and shopping.
Visit Porriño during June
when Spain celebrates the feast of Corpus Christi. The streets of Porriño are covered with a carpet of fresh flowers.
Visit the Celtic settlement at Santa Tecla
Rising above the seaside town of A Guarda is Santa Tecla, a Celtic settlement now restored and with a museum and a shrine. The views from the top of the hill over the River Miño towards Portugal and the Atlantic are wonderful. Follow up with an excellent fish dish in A Guarda, renowned for its seafood.
Walk part of the Camino de Santiago
Close to Porriño, 101km from Santiago itself, you can pick up part of the Pilgrim's trail. Follow signs for the Camino Portugués and enjoy scenic walks heading towards Redondela.