Great Things to Do Near La Casa de las Ranas
Visit the Templo Votivo del Mar and Visigoth Arch in Panxón...
Constructed between 1932 and 1937 by the architect Antonio Palacios, the Votivo del Mar temple is situated near the port of Panxón. Dedicated to the Virgin del Carmen (patron saint and protector of the seas), it is also known as the Parish church of San Juan in remembrance of the old church which stood where the Visigoth Arch remains today. Dating from the end of the 7th Century, the arch has a horseshoe form, typical of Visigoth art which supports two plain columns. The top of the arch, although in a poor state of conservation, shows a double crown of leaves and a series of geometric elements.
Ride the waves! Patos beach, close to Nigrán, is the place to go...
It's known as the 'beach of the waves' and there are a couple of surf schools based there too. An added bonus is the view over the Cies Islands and the lovely white sand.
Discover the beaches of Baiona...
There are 6 beaches in Baiona, all sheltered from the wind and strong currents. In 1585, Sir Francis Drake landed at Santa Marta beach in an attempt to attack Baiona. The beach is now one of many in the area awarded with Blue Flag status.
Scale the heights of Santa Tecla mountain...
Rising above A Guarda is Santa Tecla, a Celtic settlement with over 100 houses. Now fully restored with a museum and a shrine, it is one of the best of its type in Galicia. The entry price is very low and the views from the top of the hill over the River Miño towards Portugal and the Atlantic are absolutely breathtaking.
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.
Make time to visit the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela...
A trip to Santiago is a 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 liitle over an hour and a half via the motorway.
Visit the historic mills of Folón and Picón...
These 60 historic mills wind their way uphill through beautiful countryside offering a number of enticing walking routes. The local people see walking these routes as the perfect way to make contact with nature, culture and the rich history of their ancestors. You’ll find the mills well signposted from the centre of O Rosal. You’ll also find a Tourist Information Office at the Mills and a good restaurant nearby, A Casa da Pintora.
Follow the Rías Baixas wine route...
The house is situated near Galicia's most important wine making region. 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 one of the many Pazos (noble houses) to be found in Nigrán...
Examples of the legacy left by the prosperous feudal age, there are many Pazos (noble houses) to be found in Nigrán. Travelling from the centre of Nigrán along Rúa dos Pazos you will pass Pazo de Cea (just off of Rúa dos Pazos on Camiño de Cea) and Pazo de Cadaval-Urziaz (closed to the public) before reaching the Pazo de A Touza, considered the most important in Nigrán. Constructed in the 16th Century under the order of Vázquez Ozores, it is a stunning building and it sits amongst beautifully tended gardens. It now functions as a hotel and it is possible for members of the public to have a wander around and enjoy a drink at the bar. Look out for the family coat of arms carved in wood in the reception.
Look out from the natural lookout point, Mirador de Monteferro...
Contemplate the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean and the Estelas Islands which separate the Vigo River from the entrance to the bay of Baiona. The Monteferro natural park is home to numerous species of Seagulls and Marine Cormorants that can be seen perched on the rocks.
Set foot aboard the Pinta...
In 1493 a ship called the Pinta made its way into Baiona port to announce the 'discovery' of the New World. You can visit a replica of the vessel in Baiona Harbour decked out as it was in the days of Christopher Columbus, with models of the crew, Native Americans and even the exotic animals brought from the newly 'discovered' land.
Look out for A Ramallosa Bridge which crosses the Miño River and seperates the districts of Baiona & Nigran...
It was built in the 12th century under the orders of San Pedro Telmo, Bishop of Tui. The bridge is also the source of one of Galicia’s many legends. It is said that any woman that repeatedly miscarried would come to the bridge at midnight to perform fertility rites, bathing her stomach in water from the river. The first person to cross the bridge after the spell had been cast would then be asked to be the Godparent of the newly born child, an honour that could not be refused.
Soak up the atmosphere in the cobbled streets around the Rúa Pescaderia in Vigo...
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, the second largest fishing port in the world.
Get into the Great Outdoors for some fresh air and exercise...
Within easy reach of the house is the Parque Natural Monte Aloia. It was the first designated Natural Park of Galicia and offers 10km of paths with spectacular views across the Miño River. There are prehistoric and roman remains in the park, 5 look out points as well as a great variety of flora and fauna.
Indulge yourself in one of the many spas in the region, the perfect way to relax...
Spas offer benefits not only for your skin but also for your general well-being. There is one just outside Baiona (Talaso Atlántico) with a sea-water swimming pool and a gym. It also offers child minding facilities and has an excellent restaurant too.
Stroll the streets of A Guarda, the Lobster capital of southern Galicia!
This is a typical Galician fishing town with a rich history. Be sure to visit one of the many restaurants around the port and try the lobster for which the town is famous.
Kayak on the River Miño...
Local companies Tamuxe Kayak and Verdeazul rent Kayaks and also lead guided excursions on and around the Miño River. This is a great way to explore the beauty of this stunning region. Visit www.tamuxekayak.com & www.verdeazul.es
