A Local’s Guide to the Rias Baixas, Galicia
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The Rias Baixas, famed for its seven estuarine inlets, are one of the prettiest areas in Spain and they have an almost mystical appeal in the country.
Located in the southwest of Galicia, these little inlets and the gorgeous landscapes that surround them produce some of the best seafood and wine you can find anywhere in the world, as well as a wonderful combination of capes, caves, beaches, and islands, all bathed by the warm Atlantic sun (if you visit in summer anyways!).
The beaches and clear blue sea of the Rias Baixas are sometimes compared to the Caribbean, and in summertime it’s not in any way an exaggeration. But beaches aside, the entire region is simply a delight, and it’s the type of rural and bucolic place that is perfect for leisurely exploration.
There are a few pleasant cities here (Vigo and Pontevedra), but the main draw are the pretty little towns, the countryside, the sea views, and the excellent vineyards that produce the highly regarded Albariño wine.
A trip through the Rias Baixas is a chance to travel through a gorgeous part of Spain where you can forget about sightseeing and instead focus on simply being in a place and savoring it.
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Table of Contents
What are the Rias Baixas?
Why visit
How to get to/around the region
When to visit
How long to spend
Where to stay
Towns to visit
Things to see & do
Wineries in the Rias Baixas
Best beaches
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What are the Rias Baixas?
The Rías Baixas (“Lower Estuaries” in English) is a coastal area of western Galicia’s Pontevedra and A Coruña provinces that is formed around a group of four estuarine inlets or rías - Ría de Muros e Noia, Ría de Arousa, Ría de Pontevedra, and the Ría de Vigo.
The area covers the whole southwestern coast of Galicia, starting from just below Cape Finisterre and continuing down to the border with Portugal. This very intricate stretch of about 500 km of coast is full of capes and caves, fjords and rivers, islands, little towns, fishing ports, and beautiful beaches of all kinds and sizes.
And while the scenery is what it’s most famous for, the region is also renowned for its excellent white wine - called Albariño - and wonderful seafood, especially oysters, mussels, and clams.
There are also a few very nice cities found here - Pontevedra and Vigo in particular -, and a clutch of charming little coastal villages that will give you an authentic glimpse into Galician life.
Additionally, although this is mainly a coastal area, some of the cities and villages that are located in the innermost part of the estuarine inlets (Pontevedra, for instance), offer a slightly more inland feel, making it a rather diverse and varied region.
Why visit?
The main appeal of the Rías Baixas is its pretty unbeatable trifecta of great beaches, fantastic wine, and incredible food. Do you really need any other reasons to visit?!
And while Galicia is maybe best known for rain, the Rias Baixas, at least during the summer, are significantly drier and warmer than other parts of the region, due to the mix of the chilly Atlantic waters with warmer southern currents. This means lots of sun and heat, making this a perfect beach escape during warmer times of year.
Of course, tourism is significant here because of that, but the area’s rugged and expansive coastline provides plenty of space, meaning that it will rarely feel crowded. Whether you want to find a secluded cove or stretch out on the vast sands of Carnota, there’s always room to breathe.
Some of the most remarkable spots here are the Atlantic Islands National Park, with the Caribbean-like islands of Illas Cíes, Ons, Sálvora, and Cortegada standing just off the coast. These are a perfect reflection of the region’s character: wild, beautiful, and deeply tied to the sea.
On that note, the sea shapes life in the Rías Baixas in every way. Beaches like A Lanzada, Lariño, and Patos are popular with surfers thanks to their open exposure to the ocean, while the calmer waters of the Vigo and Pontevedra rías are ideal for kayaking and have produced some of Spain’s best athletes in the sport.
Posh towns like O Grove and Sanxenxo cater to yachters and sailors, while hikers can enjoy trails in the mountains of Curota, Santa Tegra, and Monte Pindo, all with splendid views that reward your hard effort.
The connection to the ocean extends to the food as well, which is marvelous here. The Rías Baixas are one of Europe’s best places for seafood, from the mussel farms in the rías to percebes (goose barnacles) gathered along the wild northern coast. This is a region where the sea’s richness can be seen on every table and at every restaurant. If you like seafood, there’s no better place to be.
And when you’re thirsty, pair your meals with a tasty Albariño wine, grown in the hilly, green vineyards next to the rías. This is the perfect complement to seafood - crisp and aromatic.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the towns and villages here, which also reflect a deep maritime heritage. Pontevedra and Cambados were fishing hubs in the 19th century and their historic squares, narrow alleys, and traditional seafood restaurants are well worth exploring and sampling.
Vigo, the largest city, is an industrial town that’s been changing rapidly in recent years (for the better), while smaller villages like A Guarda, Vilagarcía de Arousa, Bueu, Cangas, and Baiona come alive in the summer months.
Getting here and around
The main cities and towns of the Rías Baixas are reasonably well connected to A Coruña and Santiago de Compostela by both trains and buses, so getting here is quite easy. You’ll find many daily options for public transportation from both cities above.
The cities and towns in the south of the region (Vigo and Pontevedra, among others) are also well connected with Madrid by train, so you can head straight to either of them from the capital if you won’t already be traveling around Galicia beforehand. The journey from Madrid is around 4 hours and will cost 60-80 euros, while trips from A Coruña might take about 1.5 hours, and around 1 hour from Santiago de Compostela (less to reach the towns and natural areas in the north of the region).
If coming from elsewhere in northern Spain, you’ll find lots of bus routes run by ALSA, the main bus company throughout the country.
Getting around within the region
As for getting around the region, buses will take you between the main cities/towns, but this is a rural area whose main appeal lies in the beaches, coves, inlets, and other natural areas, so if you want to get out and visit those, you should absolutely rent a car. You will most definitely need one if you want to see the best of what the region offers.
When to visit
Praia da Nossa Señora in the Cies Islands. Photo: Fernando Losada Rodríguez, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Summer
The Rías Baixas show their best side in summer. The weather is warm and dry, and the days are long, creating really perfect conditions.
In line with this, there’s a funny story about a Gallego immigrant who left for New York as a kid, only ever returning to Galicia during his summer vacations. Because of the wonderful weather during this period, he grew up thinking of Galicia as something like the Caribbean, with clear, warm days and beautiful sun-drenched beaches. Oh if only!
Of course, he was very very wrong, as overcast days and rain are all too common during the rest of the years, but I love this idealized image of theirs!
So, my recommendation is to follow the example of that returning Gallego and visit the Rías Baixas in the summer. If you don’t mind some crowds, especially on weekends in July and August, this will let you see Galicia as they did - like a Caribbean paradise. And if you want good weather but prefer a quieter experience, June and September are great alternatives.
Spring and autumn
Spring and autumn are ok choices, as you’ll avoid any semblance of crowds, will avoid the long waits at popular restaurants, and have no trouble getting reservations for trips to the Cíes Islands. But the trade-off is cooler weather, and there’s a good chance of rain.
If this is when you’re going to be in Spain anyways, it’s certainly worth visiting during either season, but if you’re flexible and are deciding when to come, I’d still aim for summer.
Winter
As for winter - well, this is Galicia. You’d have to be Gallego (or maybe from somewhere equally rainy like the US states of Oregon or Washington) to appreciate our wet, windy, and chilly winters. The beaches lose their paradise feel, instead becoming the edge of a wild ocean with massive waves (they’re very impressive!).
The days are short, with darkness setting in by 5 PM, and yes, it rains a lot. Winter in the Rías Baixas is really only for those who enjoy darkness and stormy weather. I’m not sure if that person exists, but hey, you never know.
How long to spend
I think four days is the ideal amount of time to spend in the Rías Baixas, as this gives you enough time to enjoy a little of everything: the culture, the food, the beaches, and even some outdoor activities.
Of course, you could spend a lot longer here, but assuming you have limited time and are planning to visit other areas of Spain during your trip, 4 days gives you a good chunk of time to explore the area.
For the first day, I’d suggest starting off with a morning visit to Vigo, which has the most cultural offerings of anywhere here (whether that’s visiting a museum, catching a concert, or treating yourself to a nice meal at a good restaurant). From there, you can take the ferry to the Cíes Islands for the afternoon, which is an absolute must. The English newspaper The Guardian even once named the beach of Rodas in the Cíes as the best in the world!
For the second and third days, I’d recommend exploring the beaches and coastal areas. There are other islands to be visited, if that’s something that interests you, and the Illa de Arousa is perfect if you’re in the mood for a relaxing, laid-back day, while the Illas Ons are a bit wilder, offering opportunities for hiking in addition to swimming and beach lounging.
You could plan full-day trips to each, or you could visit them for half a day and then mix in some towns and beaches back on the mainland. Assuming you opt for the half-day island trips, leaving the afternoons and evening for the mainland, you’ll have tons of beaches and seaside villages to choose from. None are uniquely spectacular or “must-visit”, so just choose whichever ones look most appealing to you.
Further down in this article I’ve listed a few of my favorite cities/towns and beaches in the region, so you can pick from those and just map out a route between them for each day.
On the fourth day, I’d recommend trying something a bit different: spend part of the day doing an active pursuit like a river rafting trip, kayaking in one of the inlets, or hiking one of the area’s trails: there are many pleasant coastal ones, but my personal pick is Monte Pindo in Carnota - it’s a memorable climb with incredible views.
Then, spend the other part of the day visiting some of the area’s wineries and sampling the renowned Albariño variety that the Rias Baixas are famous for. (I’ve listed a few good winery choices toward the end of this article).
Where to stay - best bases
The Rias Baixas is not an especially large area, so as long as you stay somewhere relatively central, you should be able to reach just about anywhere you want to go on any given day. To give you an idea, driving from Carnota, in the far north of the region, to Tui, in the far south, will take you about 2 hours.
Of course, that’s a straight shot, whereas many of the places you’re likely to want to go will be out on the ends of the various estuaries, meaning you’ll have to drive out along the peninsulas to get to them. That can take a bit longer, but even so, we’re not talking huge distances or long day trips here.
With that in mind, I think that for trips of 3 days or less, you’re best off choosing one base and staying there the whole time. Pontevedra is pretty much in the center of the region (from a north-south perspective), so if you stay there or any of the surrounding towns you won’t typically have much more than an hour’s drive anywhere you want to go.
However, if you stay’ll be staying for longer (4 days or more), and especially if you want to cover a lot of territory, two bases is even better. In that case, I’d suggest staying somewhere in the north for part of the time, and then somewhere south for the remainder.
Of course, apart from the geographic location and the ease of sightseeing that it affords, you also have to consider the type of place you want to stay in: are you looking for a city? A summer resort-style town? A little fishing village? Somewhere remote and tucked away? Do you want to be right on the beach? We have all of those things here, so you’ve just got to decide what it is you’re after.
Here are a few of my recommendations:
Vigo & Pontevedra - for city life
Vigo is the largest and most lively city in the Rías Baixas. Known across Spain for the Movida Viguesa, the movement that put this industrial city on Europe’s cultural map in the 1980s, it’s a great choice if you want to be close to nature but still enjoy the comforts of a big city.
It’s also one of the main departure points for ferries to the Illas Cíes, with ferries running six to eight times a day during peak season. It’s toward the south of the region though, so you’ll have longer drives if you choose to stay here but want to visit places up north.
If Vigo feels a little too big, Pontevedra offers a smaller, quieter alternative. Set inland at the far end of its ría, Pontevedra almost has the feel of an inland town - though the region’s best beaches are only about a 20-minute drive away. It’s also just about in the center of the Rias Baixas, so is an excellent base from which to travel around.
Pontevedra is easier to explore on foot than Vigo and has a historic charm, with well-preserved architecture and a lively but manageable atmosphere. Its nightlife is centered around the tradition of tapas: order a drink, and the food is free. So spend your evenings wandering from bar to bar and you might find that you never want to leave.
Aldán and the the towns of the Morrazo Peninsula - for the best beaches
If you want to be right in the heart of Galicia’s best coastline without losing touch with civilization, the Morrazo Peninsula is ideal. Aldán, along with other towns like Cangas, Bueu, and Moaña, offer access to some of the most beautiful beaches and coves in the Rías Baixas.
This area strikes a nice balance between urban convenience and a more natural, less developed feel. From here, you can visit Melide Beach with its open ocean views of the Illas Cíes or Area Brava, a quieter spot perfect for a relaxing day. The Morrazo Peninsula is also convenient for ferry trips to both the Illas Cíes and Illas Ons.
Sanxenxo and Baiona - for a bit of luxury
For a more upscale experience, Sanxenxo and Baiona are excellent choices. Located about 20 kilometers west of Pontevedra (Sanxexo) and 40 kilometers south of Vigo (Baiona), these towns offer the amenities of a resort but in a smaller, village-like setting.
The difference between these spots and the Morrazo Peninsula lies in their atmosphere: Sanxenxo and Baiona have a reputation as luxury destinations, attracting high-profile visitors like the former King of Spain and other members of the Spanish aristocracy. If you enjoy a more glamorous vibe, these are the places to be.
Corrubedo, Noia, Muros, and Carnota - for wilder nature
For a quieter, more nature-focused trip, head to the northern edge of the Rías Baixas. The areas around Corrubedo, Noia, Muros, and Carnota offer a wilder experience. These spots are less touristy and more off the beaten path, perfect for eco-tourism and anyone looking to spend blissful days in nature.
This area is also known for its unique accommodations, like the cabins at Nidos de Carnota or Aldea Os Muíños, which let you stay right in the heart of Galicia’s natural beauty.
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Cities and towns to visit
Although the Rías Baixas is most associated with beaches, seafood, and wine, the region is also home to a variety of towns and villages with interesting history, culture, and a beauty of their own. Here are some of my favorites among them, starting in the south and heading north:
1. Tui
Tui and its hilltop cathedral. Photo: Fernando Pascullo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tui is the most important village in the Baixo Miño, the southernmost area of the Rías Baixas, where Galicia meets Portugal. The town is well known for its history, perfectly represented by its breathtaking cathedral. Originally built between the 11th and 13th centuries and restored several times since, the Romanesque and Gothic details of this religious building are a testament to the town’s crucial importance in medieval Galicia.
In fact, it was, and still is, a key entry point for pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela via the Portuguese stretch of the Way of Saint James.
Perched on a promontory overlooking the River Miño, a walk through Tui’s Old Town is like stepping into the Middle Ages. If you have the chance, it’s worth experiencing.
2. Baiona
Baiona. Photo: Alma, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
I mentioned earlier in this article that Baiona is one of the poshest towns in Galicia, a tourist destination for the rich and famous who come to enjoy the yachts, beautiful mansions, and magnificent restaurants with views to the Atlantic Ocean.
But there’s more to this town than just that: I’ve already told you about the relationship between Galicia and the United States, and Baiona is living proof of that. It was in this town that the first returning ship from Columbus’ expedition to the new world returned to share the news of their discovery.
And that event is still celebrated in the Arrivada, Baiona’s main local celebration. In case you come to the Rías Baixas during the spring, you might want to save the dates - 1, 2 and 3 of March.
3. Vigo
Vigo was little more than a village until the 19th century, but its fortunes soon changed when its port became one of the most important in Europe. The industry and riches of the port turned this into the most important city in Galicia, similar to those English cities of Portsmouth or Liverpool with whom it established most of its commercial relations.
That industrial and commercial activity brought modernity, industry, and football (very important) to Vigo, and can still be felt here nowadays. This is very much still an industrial town.
My recommendation is that you spend at least an evening of your trip walking around the alleys and bars of the Berbés, the harbor neighborhood where both tradition and modernity are fused in every plate of food you try.
Basically, Vigo is an example of what the Rías Baixas would look like if it were an industrial, rich country in Northern Europe.
4. Pontevedra
Plaza de España in Pontevedra. Photo: juantiagues, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pontevedra was one of the mast important ports in Medieval Europe and also a mandatory stop along the Way of Saint James, the pilgrimage that ends in Santiago de Compostela. This made the city important and rather grand, and those glorious times can still be seen and felt on a visit here. To experience that, follow this route: start in the gothic ruins of the Santo Domingo convent, then walk to Peregrina Square and the San Francisco monastery, before wrapping up with a Galician vermouth in Praza de Leña.
The vermouth may be a more modern additioin, but the rest of the route will take you centuries back in Pontevedra’s history.
5. Combarro
Horreos in Combarro. Photo: Víctor González, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Only 10 km away from Pontevedra, the tiny seaside village of Combarro has become one of the main touristic spots in the Rías Baixas over the last decades. The reason for this boom are its horreos - a typical Galician stone structure used for storing potatoes, corn, and other agricultural products - that here are built right beside the waters of the Ría de Pontevedra, in a very picturesque way.
It’s a lovely town that’s worth spending at least an hour or two in if you’re nearby or passing through.
6. O Grove and San Vicente do Mar
The port in O Grove. Photo: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The are two primary factors that bring most visitors to the O Grove Peninsula: The first is A Lanzada Beach, one of the main surfing spots in the Rías Baixas. A long, sandy, open beach, it’s very different from the small and cozy sheltered coves that are more typical of the area.
The other is the Náutico de San Vicente, a waterfont bar-restaurant located not far from A Lanzada that becomes a hub for indie and rock & roll bands from all around Spain during the summer months. Basically, these are the places to check out if you want to experience a bit of a hipster side to the Rías Baixas.
And I’ll actually add in a third appeal as well: the town of O Grove is known as an absolute mecca for seafood, and considering that this is Galicia (where the seafood is excellent everywhere), that says quite a lot.
7. Cambados
The 8th or 9th century Torre de San Saturniño outside Cambados. Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This is the center of the universe when it comes to Albariño wine, and the town perfectly represents the history of Galicia’s most famous wine, first produced by monks, then by members of the nobility, and now by family-run companies that seek to maintain their traditions.
The village is worth visiting in its own right as well, as it’s a charming town full of palaces, religious architecture, and Rococo parks.
And on the first weekend of August every year it also the Festa do Albariño - 48 hours of live music, food and, of course, lots of Albariño wine. If you like wine, you can’t miss it.
8. Corrubedo
A view of the park from above. Photo: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Nearby to the fishing hub of Ribeira (also worth a stop for sure), Corrubedo is a tiny village that is all but surrounded by the sea, located right next to the 250-meter wide and 20-meter high Corrubedo dunes, a spectacular shifting dune that can be seen even from far away.
Full of wildlife, the Corrubedo dunes are the perfect place to spend a morning or an evening before having a tremendous seafood meal at Bar O Porto. Watch the sunset from any terrace in town, go for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean, and walk the miles and miles of dunes. Corrubedo offers an Atlantic experience unlike any other in the Rías Baixas.
9. Muros
The port of Muros. Photo: L. Miguel Bugallo Sánchez, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Located in the northern extreme of this region, Muros is probably the best example of what the towns here looked like before tourism arrived. Built along hills beside the sea, Muros still offers an authentic maritime and fishing-town experience that no village in the south of Galicia can compete with.
Moreover, Muros is the point of entry to the wildest stretch of coast you can find in the Rías Baixas - the one that runs from from Area Maior to the beach of Carnota. This is an absolute must-visit if you’re looking for a quieter, more remote spot in the Rías Baixas.
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What to see & do
1. Do some cycling (either on the roads of the mountain biking trails)
The Iberian Peninsula has everything you would need in a celestial paradise for bicycle lovers —good weather, good roads, good hills, good forests, and good food to compensate for your efforts. But the Rías Baixas can match the offer of any other spot in the Peninsula, and even improve it.
Summiting mythological hills like Monte Aloia, Paxareiras, or Santa Tegra offers a unique feeling when seeing the Atlantic Ocean from the top of the mountain —and there is one only better feeling than that. Going actually down to the Ocean, diving in its frozen water, and going for a Galician meal. Nothing will help you recovering like that, trust me.
Just be aware that the roads here are physically demanding (it’s extremely hilly), and the traffic can be fairly heavy along the coast (especially around bigger cities and towns). Even so, drivers are largely respectful of cyclists, and the scenery is well worth the effort and potential annoyance of cars!
And for something flatter and off-road, the Via Verde do Salnés greenway (built along former train lines) just a bit outside of Pontevedra is a really pleasant 10-kilometer ride. There’s another shorter greenway in Vigo too.
2. Try your hand at surfing
Given that the Rías Baixas and it’s 500 kilometers of coastline all runs right along the wild Atlantic Ocean, it would be pretty weird if this region didn’t have a few remarkable surfing spots. Well, surfers will be glad to know that there are literally dozens of them. A Lanzada, Patos, Montalvo, and A Ladeira are some of the most famous surfing beaches here and you’ll find legitimately good swells at all of them.
But I have 2 personal favorites to recommend and both are located in the north of the Rías Baixas: the first is Area Maior, which has sandy bottoms and nice, managable waves perfect for beginners and those learning the sport. There are also surf schools there, so you can take a class or just rent the equipment.
My other favorite is the beach of Faro de Lariño. Just 5 kilometers north of Area Maior, this is a very different kind of surf spot, with rocky bottoms and much larger swells. Not suitable for beginners, this is a spot that expert surfers will love.
And surfing aside, both of these beaches are beautiful: they have crystal-clear waters and are surrounded by wilderness and mountains. Simply paradisiacal.
Faro de Lariño. Photo: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3. Visit the wineries and taste Albariño wine
I’ve already mentioned this a few times above, but the Rias Baixas are famous for producing Albariño wine, which is a highly regarded crisp and aromatic white wine. There are lots of wineries to choose from, but I’ve provided a quick overview of 4 of my favorites lower down in this article. It’s super easy and convenient to combine a winery visit with a day of other activities, so there’s really no reason not to.
Visits to the facilities are fairly affordable and will typically include a tour of the grounds and explanation of the production process, along with a tasting.
4. Party away at the summer festivals
During the summer months, the Rías Baixas are one of the busiest parts of southern Europe when it comes to festivals. And we have all kinds here: if you like music and beach parts, then the SonRías Baixas, in the town of Bueu, is the place to go.
Want something a little more hipster and indie? Then check out Sinsal, which offers three days of music with a secret line-up, all taking place on an island in the middle of the Ría de Vigo. Festival aside, the island has incredible views and a really interesting history as well.
For a great mix of music and food, you have PortAmérica. And combining urban sports, street art, and music is O Marisquiño in Vigo. And if food is your main motivator, you can’t miss the Festa do Marisco in O Grove or the Scallop Festival in Cambados. This is far from everything though, so check out the Festivals Galicia website to see what else is going on.
5. Get out on the water - sailing, paddle boarding, rafting, or kayaking
Posh Sanxenxo is probably the most touristy destination in the whole of the Rías Baixas - it’s a place whose population multiplies 10, 20, or maybe even 50 times during the summer. So if you want to escape the crowds for a bit, make your way to Sanxenxo Paddle Surf Club and join one of their paddle boarding excursions along the Umia River.
I promise you: there is no better way to relax, enjoy nature, and see the quieter, almost forgotten side of the Rías Baixas; the peaceful, far-from-the-crowds one that resides away from the coast and between the hills and rivers. Just 20 kilometers from the sea, you’ll feel a world away.
This is one specific suggestion, but the Rías, with their calm waters, are just generally perfect for sailing and paddling about (no matter how you choose to do it - rafting, kayaking, or paddle boarding), so you can do this activity just about anywhere. The province of Pontevedra is especially good though, with its many rivers, and you’ll find multiple outfitters organizing trips and/or renting out equipment.
For more information on the different water sports you can do here and the areas that are best for them, along with a list of adventure outfitters in the region, check out the related page of the Turismo Rias Baixas website. You’ll find tons of other ideas there.
6. Hit the trails and do some hiking
As I’ve mentioned various times, this is a largely rural area that’s absolutely blessed with natural beauty, so it’s very popular with hikers. And while it’s hilly here, it doesn’t get truly mountainous until you get further inland, so the trails are mostly easy to moderate difficulty. Some run along the rivers and through the hills, others will take you to the summits of the region’s mountains, and still more are coastal, leading you along the cliffs and fjords out to lighthouses, beaches, and lovely seaside villages.
To give you a few ideas:
There are short but lovely paths crisscrossing the Cíes and Ons Islands (Ruta de Los Miradores and Ruta de Los Lagos, respectively, are two of the best)
The 200 kilometer Rutas dos Faros runs all throughout the region (with shorter sections you can hike),
The 3-lighthouse hike from Donón to the iconic “Faro de Cabo Home” lighthouse
And to cap things off, the lovely coastal walk from beach to beach along the Sendeiro de Pedras Negras near the town of O Grove.
There are far too many other options to name them all, so take a look at AllTrails, Wikiloc, and this nifty map for more ideas.
Faro de Cabo Home. Photo: Javier Torres Pereira, CC BY-SA 3.0 ES, via Wikimedia Commons
6. Go for a meal at Casa Solla
Right next to the city of Pontevedra, Casa Solla is probably the most renowned and trendy restaurant you’ll find in the Rías Baixas. Led by chef Pepe Solla, the dishes here are seafood focused (of course!) and perfectly combine traditional products and methods with a nice mix of innovation.
The environment is friendly, the food is very creative, and the result is an unforgettable meal. They’ve already ot one Michelin star and are well on their way to getting a second.
7. Relax on the spa-like Illa da Toxa (Toxa Island)
Located off the coast of the Ría de Arousa, not far from the town of O Grave, the Illa da Toxa has been a premier wellness and medical retreat since the 19th century, when residents discovered thermal springs here (prior to that it was a largely undeveloped area used to graze cattle).
Furthering it’s spa reputation, the island’s name actually originates from pre-Roman times and can be translated as “muddy place”, which refers to the therapeutic thermal mud found here. Today, there are many healing springs and spas, a golf course, a dense pine forest, lovely beaches, luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants, and even Spain’s first casino.
8. Eat oysters in Arcade, and green peppers in Padrón (and seafood everywhere)
When Spaniards talk about the Rías Baixas, or even Galicia more broadly, one of the first things they think of is seafood. You’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who disputes Galicia’s claim to having the best and freshest seafood in Spain.
So if you want to feast on the bounty of the sea, just about any restaurant in any town in the Rias Baixas will serve up excellent percebes, mussels, clams, oysters, cockles, razor clams, octopus, squid, crab, shrimp, all choices of fish, and any other local seafood you can think of.
However, a few places are famous for some of these things, and you can’t miss trying them there. For oysters, you’ve got to head to Arcade in the Ría de Vigo, as this is the mecca for them in the region.
And for something from the land rather than the sea, Padrón, on the northern side of the Rías Baixas, is known for growing the best green peppers in Spain. Be careful though, as some are mild while others are shockingly hot. There’s even a saying about them in Gallego: “[pimentos] de Padrón, uns pican e outros non” (“Padron peppers, some are spicy, some are not”). There’s no way to know if you’ll get a hot one though, so be prepared either way.
Some other ideas: go for clams in O Carril, scallops in Cambados, and mussles in Vilanova de Arousa.
9. Spend the day on the Illa de Arousa
I’ve said from the very beginning of this article that the summer in the Rías Baixas is a perfect combination of three elements - wine, beaches, and seafood. Well, if there’s one place that perfectly embodies all of that, it’s the Illa de Arousa, a little island off the coast off Cambados, connected to the mainland by a single bridge.
The island is ringed by secluded, white-sand beaches with gorgeous turquoise waters, so you’ll be spoiled for choice on a sunny day. It also has excellent Albariño wine, which comes from the adjacent mainland town of Cambados, which is the biggest area for Albariños in the Rias Baixas.
And it has fantastic seafood, brought in daily to the port of Xufre, a town whose fisherman have long been known as some of Galicia’s best mariscadores. There’s also a nature preserve here (O Carreirón Natural Park) that protects bird habitats and offers some nice hiking.
Faro Punta Caballo. Photo: Holger Adams, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped
10. See the best beach in the world on the Illas Cíes
The Cíes Islands, like the Illa de Arousa, are a part of the National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia, and they are similarly renowned for their beautiful, undisturbed white-sand beaches, dramatic scenery, and pretty forests.
Just off the coast from Vigo, the islands are easily reached by ferry, and the star attraction is Rodas Beach, which is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world (the quieter Praia dos Viños is unbelievable too though).
As with the Illa de Arousa, there are also some pleasant hiking paths here, chiefly the Ruta de los Miradores, which takes you up to the highest point on the island for some spectacular views.
Daily visitor numbers are capped so as to protect the environment (which the government is working hard to rehabilitate), meaning that despite its popularity you’re unlikely to ever be overcrowded. There’s even a campsite near Playa de Rodas if you want to stay overnight!
Rodas Beach. Photo: juantiagues, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Praia dos Viños. Photo: Henrique Pereira, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lago dos Nenos. Photo: Javier Albertos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped
11. Experience a more remote side of the region in Carnota
Carnota is the most northern point of the Rías Baixas and it feels totally different from the more popular areas in the south. Far less visited, this little town is the place to escape away to when you need a vacation from your vacation. It’s a place that never sees crowds and provides the therapy of quiet mountains and empty beaches.
It also has two significant natural attractions: Monte Pindo, the highest seaside peak in Galicia is here, as is the longest beach in the region - the Praia de Carnota. If you want a chance to enjoy nature in almost complete solitude, look no further.
Wineries in the Rías Baixas
Of course, no guide to the Rías Baixas would be complete without a list of at least a few wineries to check out. There are tons to choose from, but below are a couple of my favorites. A quick Google search will turn up many more though.
Mar de Frades
Located in the heart of the Salnés, the triangular area formed by the towns of O Grove; Cambados; and Pontevedra, this is where albariño was born, making Mar de Frades the place to go for anyone who wants to feel that history.
The blue, oddly tall bottles from this winery founded in 1988 have become a symbol of albariño all around Spain, so a tour and tasting here is a reallyunmatchable experience.
Prices for the visit go from 12 to 32 euros, and you can be book on the company’s website.
Martin Códax
This is probably the most well known of the region’s wineries and you can find there bottles at many liquor stores around the world (and they’re quite good quality).
The firm is named after Martin Códax, the most renowned Galician poet during Medieval times. a man who spoke often of the beauties of the Rías Baixas coast. And while you won’t find poetry here today, the winery certainly pays adequate tribute to another beauty of this region: its Albariño wine!
Located in the town of Cambados, the uncontested albariño capital, there are three types of visits possible here: tastings, visits to the winery’s grounds, and complete enotouristic experiences.
Granbazán
Located in Vilanova de Arousa, not far from Cambados, the Granbazán winery would be worth a visit just for its magnificent chateux, which acts as the symbol of the estate - a beautiful neoclassical building covered in blue tiles with a remarkable influence from (again) migrants to America.
Completely surrounded by the albariño vineyards that give this house its great wine, an evening spent in the Granbazán winery might just be the best night of your whole trip.
Santiago Ruiz
If you want to learn about the history of Albariño wine, then Santiago Ruiz winery, which has been creating top notch wines since the middle of the 19th century, is undoubtedly the top choice. Located in the town of O Rosal, down in the very south of the Rías Baixas, the Santiago Ruiz family still run the place, maintaining their traditions and a family-owned atmosphere.
Best beaches in the Rías Baixas
Praia do Muiño. Photo: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In a region blessed with an absurd abundance of gorgeous, largely undeveloped beaches, a list of the “best” of them is genuinely ridiculous. There are far too many to name, and almost any one that you want to go to will be lovely.
You can literally just pull up Google Maps and start clicking on beaches and you’re sure to find tons of lovely ones, often with incredible views and gorgeous scenery all around them.
With that being said, I of course have my personal favorites, so that’s what the following list is going to include. Just make note that I make no claim to these being the best - they’re simply the ones that I like the most.
Here they are:
Carnota
The longest beach in Galicia, Carnota offers up 7 kilometers of white sand, all in the shadow of the magnificent Monte Pindo. Found between the towns of Caldebarcos and Carnota, this is probably one of the wildest, most beautiful, and best beaches to walk along in all of Spain. And without question, its water is among the coldest - legitimately freezing.
Area Maior
Located near the town of Muros and pretty close to Carnota, Area Maior is a landmark for surfers - due to its rough waters and big swells - and also one of the most iconic sights on the Galician coast: Monte Louro rising up from the sea just at the end of the beach. Along with Carnota, it’s another of the wildest beaches in the Rías Baixas.
Corrubedo (Complexo dunar de Corrubedo e lagoas de Carregal e Vixán)
Another long, wide beach, Corrubedo is part of the Dunes of Corrubedo Natural Park, which has the largest dunes in Galicia (up to 20 meters high!) along with the fresh and saltwater pools/lagoons of Vixán and Carregal. Covering around 1000 hectares, the park protects a diverse ecosystem, and its marshes and wetlands provide habitat for tons of birds as well as mammals, including otters.
This is the most visited park in the region, so it can get busy, but considering its size, it never feels cramped (he beach extends for a couple of kilometers). There are various paths that take you through the dunes, and you’ll even find Roman ruins! Tons more info can be found on the Xunta de Galicia’s website.
Area da Secada - on the Illa de Arousa
The Illa de Arousa is famous for its many coves and secluded beaches, but there is one that stands above any other - the Area da Secada. 420 meters long and just 20 meters wide, this cove is one of the pearls of the Rías Baixas. Surrounded by a pine forest, it feels like its own little secret. With super calm waters, it’s the perfect place to drop in a kayak or hop on a paddle board.
A Lanzada
The second longest beach in Galica, A Lanzada is an open, windy, wild beach that is an absolute hotspot for surfers. Right next door is the town of San Vicente do Mar, which has one of the coolest bars in Galicia - El Náutico.
Silgar
An urban beach in the resort town of Sanxenxo, Silgar has avoided becoming overly developed or commercialized, offering clean, quiet waters, and a fun, lively vibe all summer long. If you want a busy city beach without the typical downsides, this is the place to go.
Areacova
The Ría de Aldán is currently one of the most sought-after areas in the Rías Baixas due to its Caribbean-like waters, tiny coves surrounded by pine trees, and beachside chiringuitos (beach bars). There are quite a few of these in this Ría, but my favorite is Areacova. The bars stay open well into the evening, making this the perfect beach to head to later in the afternoon (and to stay at as long as you want!).
Praia de Melide
Another wild and open beach with freezing-cold water, Praia de Melide is ocated about 10 kilometers from the town of Cangas do Morrazo. Here, you’ll have the best views of any beach in Europe (in my opinion), looking out right onto the Cíes Islands, the most beautiful landmark in Galicia.
Praia das Rodas (and the others in the Cies islands)
Certainly the most famous beach of the Cíes islands, Rodas beach was chosen by the English newspaper The Guardian as the most beautiful beach in the world. With a nomination like that, what more really needs to be said? Caribbean-like waters in a lovely cove lined by perfectly white sand, all backed by the island’s steep hills, this is an iconic sight in Galicia. If you’ve come to the Rias Baixas, you simply have to visit.
Samil
The best beach in the city of Vigo, Samil is 1.7 kilometers long and lined by places to eat and drink along with a couple of sea-related museums. If you’re in Vigo and want to get away from the city for a bit, this a great choice. It’s also well served by public transportation.
Patos
Close to the towns of Nigrán and Baiona, Patos beach is another favorite for surfers. There are a few surf schools here as well as some bars and restaurants beside the beach, making it a nice spot to spend the day. And for non-surfers, I think the real draw are the great views of the Cíes Islands and the Monteferro Peninsula (at one end of beach), and the spectacular sunsets.
Praia de Camposancos
The most southern beach in Galicia, located right in the mouth of the Miño River (which serves as a border between this region and Portugal), Camposancos has calm waters and white sand. Sitting right in front of Portugal, the Miño estuary begins here, surrounded by dense forest. More of a river beach than an ocean one, this is quite different from most of the Rías Baixas, and the water here can be pleasantly warm when the tide is low.
Honorable mention - a few other beaches to check out:
Praia Das Furnas - a stunning little beach famous for its dramatic rock formations, hidden caves, and as the setting for the film Mar adentro.
Praia do Barreiriño - a small, peaceful beach near Cangas. Not very well known, so rarely crowded.
The beaches along the Sendeiro de Pedras Negras - this is a series of very nice beaches in San Vicente do Mar, which are reached via a pleasant wooden boardwalk trail.
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