Villa Arneles

Situated in Rías Baixas (or ‘lower estuary’), Aldán is a pristine inlet known by locals as the 'Galician Caribbean', and for good reason! The area is famous for its white sands and blue sea and shares the water with four beautiful estuaries: Ría de Muros e Noia, Arousa, Pontevedra and Vigo. 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, making them the perfect spot for relaxing on the beach and exploring the hidden coves.

The Aldán inlet is also perfect for hiking. Take a walk to Cabo Udra, a 13-kilometre circular route in a protected natural area where bottlenose dolphins and porpoises are quite 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 Rías 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 with the historical sights of Galician monasticism.

A forty-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 that continues well into the early hours.

The jewel in the crown of this region is undoubtedly the Cíes Islands, an archipelago comprised of three unspoiled islands: Monte Agudo, O Faro and San Martiño, 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!

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 tend to be 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 blessed with 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 almost 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. You will be glad to know that your waistline need not be a cause for concern though! Pontevedra is blessed with some of the best hiking trails, medieval monasteries, estuaries, and valleys within Spain. 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. Hop on and enjoy the view from your comfy seat; there's even a Galician Tourist Train pass! This discounted rail pass gives you access to various rail routes created by the Galician Regional Government and based on key elements of the region. Follow the Lighthouse Route along the northern coastline and stop to admire the lighthouses and gorgeous sea views, or hop on and follow one of the Ribeira Sacra Wine Routes to visit the lovely towns and wineries where acclaimed Galician wines are made and enjoyed. Check out the government website to grab your pass and plan your trip!

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.