Villa Sanreta

Located in the beautiful O Salnes province of Galicia, Villa Sanreta is ideally positioned to enjoy stunning views and explore the wild natural coastline. Less than a five-minute walk brings you to the nearby Paxarinas beach, with its long stretch of sand and clear blue waters sheltered between the rocky outcrops. Stroll down for a refreshing swim in the sea or take a picnic and enjoy the warm afternoons on the sand with all the family. The charming bay of Canelas is just a short walk in the other direction, where the slightly larger beach also features a restaurant where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch beneath the shade or sip on an afternoon beer whilst enjoying the view out to sea. To the other side of the bay is the bustling little town of Portonovo, with various amenities such as a supermarket and several restaurants and cafes. Stop at Lonxa de Portonovo for a coffee or sample some of their traditional tapas plates whilst watching boats pull up to the harbour arm.

Jump in the car and follow the coastal road for around half an hour to reach the charming city of Pontevedra. Surrounded by hills, the settlement is positioned at the mouth of the Lerez River and has a strong maritime heritage. An important stopover on the Portuguese part of the Camino de Santiago, the pedestrianised city centre has a rich history and boasts some beautiful religious architecture. It is possible to see the remnants of a Dominican convent and church dating back to the 14^th century at the Ruinas de San Domingos.

Picturesque squares dot the city, including the Lena square, where you can wander its grand colonnades and stone archways or browse the region's fresh produce beneath the covered market and sample some of Galicia's famous tetilla cheese or tarta de Santiago. The central square of Praza de Ferrería is lined with cafes and restaurants making it a great spot to sit over a drink and soak up the lively atmosphere. For some traditional food, seek out Restaurante Santa Clara, an informal affair priding itself on homemade cuisines such as casseroles and rice dishes. Alternatively, Eirado da Lena offers a more exclusive experience. Set between rustic stone walls, they serve a selection of creative tasting menus with a variety of local meat and fish dishes.

For those looking to make the most of the coast, why not make a trip over to the islands that can be seen from the villa? The beautiful archipelago forms part of the natural park, and it is possible to take a boat across to explore the hidden beaches, impressive cliffs and marine caves. Disembark at Ons Island and spend the day exploring the small village of sea houses and horreos (typical Galician granary houses). Travellers can grab a ferry from nearby Portonovo and to then enjoy one of the unspoilt beaches, with views back to the mainland.

The outlying coast receives steady offshore winds making the area popular with both surfers and windsurfers. To join the locals on the waves, head up to Praia de Lanzada, where there is a surf school with a b oard and wetsuit hire. The impressive 2.5km long stretch of golden sand is protected by wild dunes and gradually slopes down to the clear water. The beach also benefits from public amenities, as well as a restaurant and during the summer season, it is supervised by a lifeguard.

The cool maritime climate also makes Galicia a prominent region for white grapes, and a number of impressive wineries can be found nearby. Just 20 minutes by car into the Salnes Valley is Bodegas Granbazan. Occupying a striking neoclassical building covered in beautiful blue tiles, the winery was founded in 1981 and is surrounded by old Albarino vineyards. It is possible to visit and explore the estate or partake in a wine tasting whilst learning about their project.

Read more about Galicia

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.