We bring you two options of road trip in Rías Baixas, so that through its eyes you can look at the sea, the forests, the rivers. Lighthouses in the coast and viewpoints in the interior so that you know this land from another perspective.
The sea
The seafaring tradition of the province of Pontevedra has left its mark on its coastline with important lighthouses, witnesses of shipwrecks and storms, in enclaves of authentic beauty.
Starting from the north, the Punta Cabalo lighthouse, in A Illa de Arousa, offers a beautiful snapshot of the estuary and its rafts. The Arousa Estuary is a region rich in beautiful landscapes but also rich in fishing, shellfishing and aquaculture. You can organize a maritime excursion by the estuary, where you will know the islands and the activity in the singular bateas, parks of cultures of mussel, oyster and scallop.
At the other end of the island, the natural park of O Carreirón allows visitors to get in touch with nature. The culture and tradition of the world of the sea is deeply rooted in A Illa de Arousa, a fishing village par excellence. The shellfish gatherers of Rías Baixas are exemplary women, and with them it is possible to organise a shellfish workshop on foot, an activity for the whole family, in an accessible and safe environment, aimed at discovering and getting to know the world of the sea with the youngest children, and thus showing where the shellfish comes from and what is necessary to catch it.
Continuing towards the peninsula of O Morrazo, it is inexcusable to visit the Costa da Vela. The lighthouses that preside over this area will offer you beautiful views of Ons Island and the Cíes Islands, belonging to the National Park of the Atlantic Islands. A small itinerary joins the lighthouses of Punta Robaleira and Punta Subrido, necessary stops to cross this zone.
But it doesn’t end there. There is another Atlantic lookout waiting for you, a place of exceptional beauty and perfect to travel to the past: the Monte do Facho site. A unique castro that could have the function of a sanctuary. The whole family will enjoy the views and the freedom that is felt at the top of the mountain. You can not miss it!
Back to the car to take direction Vigo. Here begins a visit that will make you feel a little more sailor. The Museo do Mar de Galicia, is a place where to understand the enormous historical link of the Galicians with the sea. On the outside of the museum we will find the castro de la Punta do Muiño de Vento, a Bronze Age settlement; and at the end of the quay, the emblematic lighthouse that guards the entrance to the city.
In the city of Vigo we cannot forget to visit the Salinae Interpretation Centre and the Roman Villa of Toralla, where it is possible to organise guided tours and activities for the whole family, such as discovering and recreating the food of Roman times.
We continue towards the south of the province and stop at the Cabo Silleiro Lighthouse, a prism-shaped tower that offers incredible views of the Vigo Estuary. The adventure continues in Baiona, where the Fortress of Monterreal received Martín Alonso Pinzón aboard the Carabela Pinta, to give a great news “Christopher Columbus has discovered America! There is a reproduction of the caravel and it is possible to visit it.
The forests
The viewpoints located inside Rías Baixas are points from which you can enjoy the range of colours in the different seasons of the year. There are lush forests full of legends of mystery, century-old chestnut trees and places where the land meets the water.
We start in the south, from the top of Monte de Santa Trega in A Guarda. From here the views are majestic. No doubt the best thing to do is to find out the possibilities of this place: exploring the site and visiting the Archaeological Museum of Santa Trega are essential. You will feel like powerful warriors when you reach the top!
On the way inland, we have the viewpoint of Las Tres Rías, located on Mount Seixo and known as the Magic Mountain. Why is that? only by visiting this area can you understand! From there it is possible to see the Ría de Arousa, Pontevedra and Vigo, pure spectacle.
Around A Lama and Ponte Calderas there are lush forests of oaks, chestnut trees and birches that grow on the banks of the river Verdugo. The mountain scenery joins waterfalls, rivers and small villages very coquettish that will make your day only improve. Don’t think about it more family, they will offer you great moments of amusement between forest and water.
Finally, in the north, we arrive at the Mirador del Monte de San Sebastián, a natural space that is situated 700 metres above sea level and that offers us impressive views of the valley. Nearby is the Laguna Sacra de Olives y Brañas de Xestos, a place that combines nature and biodiversity, and one of the most interesting Galician wetlands. It is a point of interest to show the little ones how significant the ecosystem is and how to maintain it.
It is not possible to escape from the region of Deza-Tabeirós without having visited the Fraga de Catasós, in Lalín. Do not hesitate to explore it through a hiking route that will allow you to soak up the Galician idiosyncrasy.
In Silleda you will find the Monastery of Carboeiro and the waterfall of the River Toxa, linked by a hiking route. Its waterfall, the largest in Galicia, has a fall of 40 meters. The spectacle is wonderful! There is a viewpoint in the environment allows you to enjoy an excellent panoramic view.
The story goes that the Benedictine monks of the Monastery of Carboeiro stayed in this area because they found here the mineral-medicinal waters of A Brea. You can also enjoy them! A spa is waiting for you to rest from the wonderful route and thus regain strength for the next trip.
These two routes through the Province of Pontevedra take us to magical places that share their calm and fresh air with those who visit them. Luggage ready, car checked… Enjoy Rías Baixas!