Las Rías Baixas, one of our natural jewels, is the ideal destination for a four-day getaway. Fabulous beaches, green landscapes, first class gastronomy… Here we have everything you need to disconnect from routine and enjoy a unique experience.
Day 1: Vigo and surroundings
The first stop is Vigo, the largest city in Galicia, with a powerful fishing port, which combines a modern urban center with the natural spectacle of the estuary. The best plan is to spend the morning getting to know the historic quarter, with its cobbled streets, squares and monuments. Of course, without forgetting to go through the Mercado da Pedra and Peixaría street, where you have to taste the most typical delicacy of the city: oysters.
In the afternoon, crossing through the mouth of the estuary to the Cíes, the treasure of the Vigo estuary. The archipelago forms part of the Natural Maritime-Terrestrial Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia, together with those of Cortegada, Sálvora and Ons. It includes the islands of Monteagudo, Faro and San Martiño. Rodas beach, a natural bridge between Monteagudo and Faro, has been chosen on several occasions as one of the best beaches in the world. Crystal clear waters, fine sand, one hundred percent Atlantic air… What more could you ask for?
Day 2: Baiona and the south of the Rías Baixas
We continue our journey south. The morning is for Baiona, a coastal city with a lot of history, a lot of charm and a lot of sand, as it has up to six beaches in the own urban area. The Pinta stopped here on its return from America, and we find various reminders of the event in the city, including a replica of the caravel anchored in the port, which can be visited. In Baiona, the historic quarter, the promenade and the Paseo de Monte Boi stand out, which surrounds the peninsula of the same name by the edge of the sea. At the top is the Monterreal fortress, today a hostel, which offers us higher views of the Cíes, the Nigrán coast and the open sea.
18 km to the south, Oia awaits us, with the peculiar image of the monastery of Santa María de Oia, founded in the 12th century, practically embedded in the beach. After stretching our legs and filling our lungs with ocean air, in less than a quarter of an hour by car, we arrive at A Guarda. There, at Santa Trega mountain, we find natural viewpoints with incredible views over the mouth of the Miño, with Portugal in front and the Val do Rosal. As if that were not enough, along the way we are lucky enough to see one of the most important castro sites in Galicia.
Day 3: Pontevedra and its surroundings
On the third day we go to Pontevedra, in the center of the Rías Baixas. It is one of the most comfortable and ecological cities in Galicia, with an urban center full of history and well cared for, with many points of interest: the Museum of Pontevedra, La Peregrina, Santa María la Mayor, the Alameda, the river promenade… .
Following the Pontevedra estuary we arrive at Combarro, a fishing village in the municipality of Poio, famous for its well-preserved old town, and above all for the number of granaries and transepts that it has on the edge of the sea. Further north, already in the Arousa estuary, is Cambados, the capital of Albariño. The city has a high-level historical and artistic ensemble, with the ruins of the church of Santa Mariña Dozo, the Fefiñáns manor house and square, the Montesacro manor house, the San Sadorniño tower… To complete the visit and get to know the area thoroughly, the ideal is to drop by one of the wineries of the DO Rías Baixas.
Day 4: Ría de Arousa and Ría de Muros e Noia
Without leaving the Arousa estuary, there are other places that will leave their mark on us, such as Vilagarcía de Arousa or, already in the province of A Coruña, Rianxo or A Pobra do Caramiñal. To top it off, nothing better than strolling through one of Galicia’s natural parks: the Corrubedo dune complex and the Carregal and Vixán lagoons.
Take advantage of this last day to get to know the Muros y Noia estuary, the northernmost of the Rías Baixas, where there are many places to stop: the Baroña castro, Porto do Son, Serra de Outes… The final destination of the fourth day is Santiago de Compostela, the end of the road, which transmits the weight of history to us in each street.
So what? Do we still doubt? Impossible! The perfect destination for our four-day getaway at Easter is here, in the Rías Baixas. Pack your suitcase and… have a good trip!
