Great Things to Do Near Casa do Conde
Go on a nature safari...
300 years ago O Grove was actually an island, a build-up of sand and pebbles created A Lanzada beach connecting it to the mainland. It is a stunning area of natural beauty and what better way to discover the flora and fauna than a cruise called the ‘Route of the Isles and birds’ which leaves from O Grove port. www.crucerosmaresdogrove.com/ap/home
Head for the surf! A Lanzada beach is one of the region's Surf Hotspots...
There is a good surf school based at the beach, Prado Surf who also have another school at one of the region's other renowned Surf beaches, Playa de Patos in Nigrán.
Follow the Rías Baixas wine route...
The O Salnés Valley is one of the four areas which form the Rías Baixas Guarantee of Origen and Quality. Visit a number of bodegas, soak up their rich legacy and sample some of the region's finest wines. Find more info on the wine route at www.rutadelvinoriasbaixas.com
Explore Vigo, the regional capital and second largest port in the world...
Soak up the atmosphere in the cobbled streets around the Rua Pescaderia and walk through the adjacent park to capture some amazing views of the Ria which plays such an important part in the life of this fascinating city.
Relax on one of the world's best beaches on the Cies Islands..
A short ferry crossing from Vigo or Baiona will take you to the stunning Cies Islands and the world famous Playa de Rodas, named the best beach in the world by the Guardian Newspaper in 2007. There is a limit on the amount of visitors allowed to the islands each day so booking in advance is essential.
Make time to visit the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela...
A trip to Santiago is an absolute must! 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. It'll take a little over an hour via the motorway.
Stroll along the walkway by the sea from Sanxenxo to Portonovo as the sun sets...
Stop off for an apéritif before returning for dinner in one of Sanxenxo's many restaurants.
Learn about wine making at the Wine Museum in Cambados..
Here you'll find all you need to know about the cultivation, history and processing of the Albariño wine for which Galicia is famous. Why not combine the visit with a trip to one or two of the local bodegas.
Look out for the 'Cruceiros' as you drive around the countryside...
Made of stone, these crosses 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.
For late season visitors, indulge yourself at the huge seafood festival which takes place each year during the first two weeks of October...
Seafood menus, stalls on the quayside, cookery demonstrations and delicious local wines, O Grove has them all! Expect fresh langoustines, crabs, shrimp, octopus and squid plus inshore and deep sea fish. Plus barnacles, a local delicacy.
Take a boat to the Isla de Ons...
Forming part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, the Isla de Ons was designated a special protection area for bird-life by the European Union in 2001. Easily manageable as a day trip, you can get a ferry from the port in either Portonovo or Sanxenxo.
Visit the Monastery of Poio...
A fascinating and atmospheric monastery officially declared to be of historic and artistic interest dating from the year 942 or possibly even earlier. It has a interesting library containing the smallest book in the World, an impressive mural of mosaic depicting the French road to Santiago and possibly the largest hórreo (grain store) to be found in Galicia.
Look out for local fiestas around Pontevedra...
Music, processions, food-tasting, fireworks and traditional dancing are just some of the events taking place in the many fiestas held in the Pontevedra region during the summer months. Watch for musicians in traditional costume playing the 'gaita galega' (bagpipes).
Try the famous Padrón peppers...
Padrón is home to the famous 'Pimientas de Padrón'. These tasty little peppers, originally from Mexico, are now grown throughout the region to meet the high demand. Try them roasted in oil but watch out for the occasional really hot one! Dedicated pepper fans can visit the pepper festival held in the town in August.
Enjoy some of the best seafood available anywhere in the world!
Galicia is world renowned for its seafood, famed for its excellent quality and intensity of flavour. With so many great restaurants nearby offering freshly caught local produce, you'd be mad not to try it.
Explore historic 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.
Visit A Lanzada beach...
Galicia is steeped in legends - it is said, for example, that when God put his hand down on the earth between the Atlantic sea and Galicia he formed the Rias with his fingers. La Lanzada beach between Sanxenxo and O Grove has its legends too and women still go there to perform the Ritual of the Nine Waves to guarantee their fertility. It is a glorious sandy beach backed by dunes and great for beach and seaside activities.
Pay a visit to the aquarium in O'Grove...
Built on a strip of land almost entirely surrounded by the sea, the children will love to watch the otters playing and get a close up view of the octopus!
Follow the Water Route in Caldas de Reis...
If you fancy experiencing the beauty of inland Galicia, a 40-minute drive will take you to the start of a circular walking route which follows the Umia River through lush countryside. With an approximate duration of 2 hours 30 minutes, it is an itinerary of low difficulty where you will find roman bridges, old mills and waterfalls.
Go Karting!
Near A Lanzada beach you’ll find the Paris Dakart Race Track. Karts, quad bikes, canoes and a mini golf course ensure hours of fun for children and adults alike. www.parisdakart.com/sanxenxo
