Pontevedra A warm and welcoming Spanish provincial town. Take a stroll through the shady streets and small squares, characterized by dozens of granite crossed, and soak up the gorgeous atmosphere. Close by, westwards along the ría, important Celtic remains can be found near the beach at Mogor.
Visit: Pontevedra, Vigo, Lllas Cíes, the vast beaches.
Vigo, Pontevedra’s neighboring town, has a spectacular view across its ría. Vigo has a population of more than a quarter of a million. One of the most interesting things Vigo has to offer is the seafood market on the Rùa de Pescaderìa.
A day trip to the Illas Cíes is strongly recommended, taking the boat from the Estaciòn Marìtima in Vigo every hour. The Illas Cíes consists of three small islands just off the coast, opposite the entrance to the rìa, once used as a refuge by Sir Francis Drake on one his many raids on Spanish shipping. You could enjoy the luxuries of a five star spa hotel when you stop to unwind here. If you are attracted by the idea of a spa hotel but don't want to pay five star prices or take the ferry to the islands, we can recommend the spa village and hotel at Mondarriz, a short drive inland. Massages, Celtic baths and fine cooking can make an ideal interlude in your travels.
Heading north of Vigo and west of Pontevedra, the Rìa de Pontevedra has, at times, a Scandinavian feel to it with its steep, rising forests marshalling the coastline. There are some great beaches and if you make it as far as Marin, we recommend that you catch the ferry to the Isla de Ons for some hiking or even more restful beaches. At the end of the northern edge of the rìa the open beach at Praia da Lanzada is a popular spot for windsurfing.
Stunning sandy beaches and river-mouths, around which many towns have developed, interrupt the craggy coastline of this fascinating and singular land.
Just so you know: The third of the Pontevedran rìas is the Rìa da Arousa, where a trip to Padròn will give you a chance to sample their very special peppers - a kind of Russian roulette, in that every now and then you will find one that will have you gasping for some cold water. Wherever you wander in Spain, you will be sure to come across these peppers, but few other parts of the country offer the coastal scenery, spectacular seafood and warm hospitality that make Pontevedra an excellent choice.
