The small Spanish town of Tomino is close to the River Mino valley, which homes four spectacular beaches. Naturally formed by the estuary of the river, the beaches run along the last two kilometres of the river delta and offer spectacular views of Portugal. Surrounded by pine woods, the beaches provide all the rest and relaxation of the surrounding sea beaches, plus pleasant shade for the sizzling summer weather.
A thirty-minute drive from the villa is Baiona, one of Spain's most memorable coastal towns. A historic medieval city, the town features a beautiful bay surrounded by pretty, cobbled streets steeped in history and is home to Monterreal Fort and its famous Principe Tower with three kilometres of defensive walls. Construction on the fort began in the 12th century and was completed in the 16th century. In 1493, Baiona was the first town in Europe to learn of the discovery of the Americas, thanks to the arrival of a fleet of ships bringing the news. A replica of La Pinta, one of the ships from Christopher Columbus' voyage, is there to visit in the harbour. If you're a history buff, the 18th-century Santa Maria Collegiate Church is also well worth visiting to admire the flourishes of romanesque architecture.
The town perfectly combines gastronomy and culture. From the castle, you can watch the sunset and then settle down for a seafood dinner at one of the many restaurants serving up delicious tapas. If you feel like letting your hair down, Baiona has a typical "wine area", which gets very lively in the evening. Head to one of the taverns where you can enjoy Galician cuisine in a relaxed and familiar atmosphere, have a drink after dinner and enjoy this authentic Spanish area full of bars, tapas shops and restaurants.
The jewel in the crown of Baiona is undoubtedly the Cies islands, an archipelago comprised of three unspoiled islands, Monte Agudo, O Faro, and San Martino, known for their stunning bays, crystal waters, lush flora, and unique wildlife. The islands are a protected environment, and there are four walking trails, all boasting spectacular views and even a bird observatory!
A fifty-minute drive away is Pontevedra which prides itself on tradition and hospitality. The city 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. If you're feeling really adventurous (and remember your passport), you can head south to Portugal's Costa Verde region and take in the endless beaches and pine woods which hug the coastline.
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.
