Great Things to Do Near Os Padrons
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.
Mingle with the locals on market day...
Held every Friday, Cangas market is one of the busiest and best markets in the area. Stroll around and pick up a few bargains, or load up with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables or local cheeses.
Take a ferry from Cangas to the Cies Islands to 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.
Take the half-hourly ferry service from Cangas to Vigo and indulge in 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 years. Also pay a visit to the gallery displaying Sargadelos ceramics. 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!
Enjoy the sea views at breakfast...
Open the French windows in the kitchen in the morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lovely views of the Ria de Aldan.
Walk through the meadow in front of the house to the little sandy beach of Pintens...
There's a little 'chiringuito' here where you can buy a fresh fish meal to eat there or take home with you.
Explore inland Galicia...
Ponte Caldelas, for example, is an attractive riverside town with some fine examples of Galician manor houses, known locally as 'Pazos'. Stroll along the banks of the Verdugo river or relax awhile on the river beach there. Stay for lunch too - trout from the river is a local speciality.
Spend a day in 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. There's a craft market to browse around and a casino too.
Take a boat to the island of Ons in the Pontevedra Ria and explore the contrasting coastlines...
Craggy rocks to the West with steep cliffs and caves, and fine white sandy beaches to the East. During summer months boats leave from Bueu or many of the mainland towns - the journey lasts around 40 minutes. Although the beaches are so inviting there are excellent marked walking routes to tempt you away, including the route to the lighthouse, nature and historical routes. There are also guides available to conduct guided tours if preferred.
Cabo Udra and Cabo Home Coastal Paths are delightful walks along the coast near Bueu...
Both have great photo opportunites and views to the Cies and Ons Islands! As you walk around you will come across old shepherds' huts or the remains of salting factories. Watch out for cormorants and bottle nose dolphins in the sea and sea parsley along the paths.
Follow the Albariño wine tour as far as the village of Combarro...
The Rias Baixas produce one of the finest white wines in Spain and you can often buy fresh local produce in little stores which will be unique to the area.
Grab something tasty to cook on your barbecue at the fish auction in Bueu, one of the best in the region...
Be there for the afternoon arrival of the catch at 5 pm. Then cook the fresh fish on your barbecue as the sun sets over the Ria. The locally-caught Galician fish is possibly the tastiest you will find in the world!
Get into the Great Outdoors for some fresh air and exercise...
The Morrazo peninsula not only has a beautiful coastal landscape but has several hiking routes through the hills to viewpoints offering amazing views over the Rias.
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.
Discover the little hidden beaches of the area...
Take a stroll along the coast and discover other delightful little beaches only accessible on foot - Playa de San Xian and Playa de Castiñeira for example.
Spend a day in the seaside town of Baiona...
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.
Visit the castle of Soutomaior. Surrounded by 100 year old trees and set in magnificent grounds which contain many rare species of plants...
Admire the 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
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.
Pack a picnic and head to Castineiras Lake...
In the hills above Marin, this lake in the Natural Park of Cotorredondo has some beautiful walks, picnic and barbecuing areas and childrens' play areas. You can also cycle or ride a horse around the paths.There are several information booths there with details of walks and activities in the Natural Park.
