Great Things to Do Near La Pintoresca
Pontevedra, with its beautiful old town 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. If you would like to see a bull ring, take the opportunity whilst visiting - Galica's only bull ring is here and the tradition of bull fighting is still strong.
For late season visitors to Galicia, indulge yourself in O Grove which becomes seafood party central 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.
Dating from Roman times, Tui is a pretty border town on the edge of the Minho River...
One of the seven ancient capitals of Galicia, the town has much worthwhile architecture scattered through its narrow, granite lanes. If you find the Clares Convent be sure to buy some of the almond cakes made by the nuns who live there.
Take the bridge over to the island of La Toja, home to a 'Balneario' of spas and thermal waters...
Buy some of the toiletries made with the local minerals in the little shop on the island, which also serves as a fascinating museum.
Visit the castle of Soutomaior. Surrounded by 100 year old trees and set in magnificent grounds which contain many rare species of plants...
Including Camelias which thrive in this part of Galicia. This imposing castle, with drawbridge, portcullis and well preserved walls, has spectacular views from the battlements. Take a picnic or enjoy a meal in the adjoining hotel.
Galicia is steeped in legends, discover some of them as you sightsee...
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 go there still 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
Take the children to the aquarium at O'Grove...
Built on a strip of land which is almost completely surrounded by the sea.
Stop in Hio to view the elaborate stone cross beside the church...
A true work of art, crafted from a single piece of stone and famous throughout Galicia.
Take a boat to the island of Ons in the Pontevedra Ria and explore the contrasting coastlines...
The craggy rocks to the West with steep cliffs and caves, and fine white sandy beaches to the East. During summer months boats leave from many of the mainland towns - the journey lasts around 40 minutes.
Visit one of Spain's oldest wine museums 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.)
Make time to visit the beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela...
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.
Wend your way to the preserved fishing village of Combarro...
Admire the famous view of its horreos (grain stores) lined up in perfect formation overlooking the banks of the Ria of Pontevedra. An enchanting village and now preserved as a National Heritage Centre.
Vigo is justly proud of its Museum 'Quiñones de León' housed in a Galician Manor house, one of the best preserved of its type...
It has nearly 300,000 square metres of parkland and gardens, including English, French and Rose gardens. Also, every summer live performances of all types of music, dancing and theatre are held there
Take a ferry from Cangas to the Cies Islands...
Enjoy a lazy day on the fabulous beaches of fine white sand. Or walk through the sand dunes to sweet-smelling eucalyptus groves, watch for rare species of birds or enjoy a meal in the islands' restaurant.
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 horreo to be found in Galicia.
Spend a day exploring pretty Baiona...
Not far away via the motorway and well worth a visit. Walk along the Marina promenade, tour the grounds of the Monterreal Castle, visit the replica of La Pinta (which brought the news of the discovery of the New World to Baiona). Explore the old town or make your way up to the Virgen of La Roca statue and admire the views. Not to mention the excellent restaurants - find time to stop for lunch!
Take the half-hourly ferry service over to Vigo...
for a spot of retail therapy. You can buy almost anything in Vigo from one of the four main shopping areas all within easy reach of each other. Visit the Basket Weavers Street where hand made baskets have been produced and sold for decades.
Head back towards the beach and follow the path which runs alongside the Ria de Vigo for a pleasant stroll after your lunch...
the path eventually takes you to Cangas if you're feeling like a longer trek!
For a truly Galician Sunday lunch order a stew (cocido) from nearby restaurant Casa Broullon...
Work up your appetite by walking to the restaurant along the beach. Or try one of their tasty 'empanadas' for a midweek special treat.
With 1300kms of coastline in Galicia there are plenty of beaches of all types for you to discover...
One of the prettiest is on your doorstep - a short stroll from the house to Limens beach - a perfect way to spend a relaxing day.
