Villa Souto

Villa Souto is located in Galicia’s south in northern Spain. Surrounded by forest and overlooking Vigo Bay, this region is well-known for its wild and beautiful landscape. There are a number of walking trails in the area, and bird watchers will enjoy spotting kestrels, spoonbills and white storks. The coastline is also dramatic and dotted with little fishing villages, long sandy beaches and unspoilt offshore islands. Galicia is also famed for having some of the best seafood plucked straight from the Atlantic. From the property, it’s 2km to the nearest restaurant, where you can sample the region’s signature dish of octopus sprinkled with olive oil and paprika. Other seafood delights include clams, mussels, and scallops, which can be enjoyed with a glass of local, fruity white Albarino wine.

Guests at Villa Souto also have direct access to their own private beach. Use the villa’s kayak and explore the coastline or spend the day swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters. Alternatively, it’s a 5-minute drive to Praia de Cesantes. This quiet, sandy beach is a good place to relax, and the calm waters make it safe for the whole family. Children can fly their kites here, while older ones can try their hand at windsurfing.

The nearby coastal city of Vigo is also worth exploring. A 20-minute drive from the villa, it’s considered to be Galicia’s artistic capital. Stroll through the Old Town with its art galleries and wicker shops and visit the cathedral dating back to 1811. There’s also a Museum of Contemporary Art where you can learn about Galician authors and admire the artwork of upcoming artists. Also worth a visit is the Castro de Vigo, an archaeological site featuring the reconstruction of pre-Roman dwellings. It shows what life was like in Vigo between the third and first centuries BC. From the site, walk up the Castro Mountain and be rewarded with spectacular views of the estuary from the top.

North from the property, it’s a 25-minute drive to another charming historic city, Pontevedra. This is where Columbus’ ship, the Santa Maria, was built and is a good place to spend a day. Stroll around the Old Town with its network of streets and squares and admire the ancient buildings and churches dating back to the thirteenth century. Browse the markets and shops, then enjoy a coffee in the buzzy Praza da Ferreria. The square is overlooked by the fourteenth-century Igrexa de San Francisco, founded (it’s thought) by St Francis of Assisi.

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.