The house is a short drive to Portonovo, a charming fishing village in the Galician region of Spain which thrives with visitors during the summer months. Coves, bays and inlets dot the coastline of the region, and thanks to these, Galicia boasts the most extensive coastline in Spain!
A delightful promenade connects Portonovo with the neighbouring town of Sanxenxo, which is famous for its restaurants, beaches and bars. Visitors can join locals in a leisurely stroll from one town to the other, which is an event in itself, thanks to the stunning landscape. The path has spectacular views at every turn, and visitors are rewarded with a cool sea breeze as they make their way through the green forest with views of the blue water.
Be sure to visit the nearby city of Pontevedra, which prides itself on tradition and hospitality and has plenty of historic buildings, churches, monuments, attractive plazas, and a large shopping district. The old town begins to really thrive at night, with lively bars creating a vibrant atmosphere which continues well into the early hours.
Further along the coastline is Rias Baixas (or ‘lower estuary’), which holds a number of estuaries and inlets, including Aldan, Arousa, Pontevedra, and Vigo. The area is known by locals as the Galician Caribbean, and for a good reason! Between them, they hold more than 20 coves of fine white sand beaches, many of which are deserted and only accessible by boat. The estuaries are known for their calm waters and blue seas, making them the perfect spot for relaxing on the beach and exploring the hidden coves. The Aldan inlet is also perfect for hiking. Take a walk to Cabo Udra, a 13-kilometre circular route in a protected natural area where bottle-nose dolphins and porpoises are frequently seen in the waters.
The region of Galicia is famous for its history, seafood and wild beaches. It’s particularly well known for its shellfish pulled straight from the sea: think king prawns, king scallops, mussels, crabs and lobsters straight into signature Galician dishes like the pulpo a la feira (Octopus cooked with potatoes and seasoned with paprika), arroz con marisco (Galician paella) and mariscada (Seafood platter). Wine is also a staple of the cuisine here, and Rias Baixas boasts beautiful wineries which produce some of the world’s finest wines. Romanesque churches and chapels dot the same landscapes as the traditional wineries, and the region perfectly combines gastronomy and culture amongst the historical sights of Galician monasticism.
The Region
About Galicia
Like many parts of Spain, Galicia has its very own identity that has remained intact through its regional dialect and distinguishing culture. Although Galicia is recognised for its holy traditions, we urge budding tourists to also consider its astonishing green countryside & rivers and its UNESCO World Heritage sites. Occasionally you may even hear the gentle tootling of bagpipes, known locally as the Galician Gaita, along this northern corner of the Iberian Peninsula.
You're likely to fly into Santiago de Compostela, which is the capital of Galicia and is probably best known for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and its route. Many of the travellers embark on this journey by foot and are mesmerised by this fine city at the end of their trek. Casco Viejo, or the Old Town, is a good place to end or even start your holiday. This area of the city is full of markets, restaurants, bars and buildings from a bygone era. After exhausting yourself in the busyness of the city, take a day trip to Praia de Rodas, on the gorgeous Cíes Islands. These small islands, accessible by boat from Vigo, Baiona, or Cangas, have been noted as having some of the best beaches in the world. It has to be seen to be believed!
Galicia is divided into four key regions: A Coruña, Lugo, Ourense and our favourite – Pontevedra. A Galician proverb states that
'Pontevedra gives water to travellers'. We firmly believe this to be true, as this particular part of Galicia has everything a traveller could need for an unforgettable experience and it feels like this city is constantly giving back. Whilst you holiday in Pontevedra you will realise that days are structured around mealtime. And why wouldn't they be? With some of the best seafood you will experience in Spain and the noteworthy Albariño wine, you may notice your jeans feeling a little tighter toward the end of your holiday... but don't worry! Pontevedra is blessed with some of the best hiking trails, medieval monasteries, estuaries, and valleys in Spain to keep you active. Don't forget about the coastline either! Rarely you will you find so many empty beaches, so make the most of this privacy and just embrace the nature around you.
Galicia is still an unspoilt part of the world. It has everything a diverse group of friends & family need to have a glorious adventure.
Getting There
Galicia is served by either Santiago de Compostela Airport, A Coruña Airport, or Vigo Airport. Various train lines connect the main cities and towns of Galicia to other destinations in Northern and Central Spain (and even Portugal). There are also various coach routes that you can take throughout the region and to other cities in Spain.
From the UK:
Direct flights are available from London with easyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, and many others. Although, travellers should be aware that Vigo Airport only receives domestic flights, so a stopover is needed if you wish to travel to this airport. Chartered flights are also available from several other UK airports.
