Pontevedra, Spain

Pontevedra, Spain

Europe

According to thedressexplorer, Lanzada Beach is located on the west coast of a narrow isthmus that leads to the small peninsula of El Grove (O Grove), located in the vast estuary of the Ria de Arosa. El Grove is a popular family holiday destination with picturesque beaches surrounded by forests and developed infrastructure. Of the interesting places on the peninsula, Mount Ciradella (159 m) is worth attention – the highest point of the peninsula with observation platforms, from where beautiful views of the Ria de Aros estuary open, and places for picnics; located in the northwestern part of the peninsula, the Aquarium of Galicia (one of the largest in Spain), where about 100 species of local marine life are represented; the port of Pedras Negras in the southwestern part of the peninsula with the San Vicente nautical club, where there are rental shops and schools for those who love active types of marine recreation; farms for growing oysters, mussels and scallops, where excursions are organized from April to November; numerous restaurants serving excellent seafood dishes, and of course the beaches, among which the Blue Flag awarded As Pipas, Area Grande, Reboredo, Da Cruz and Raeiros.

From the eastern coast of the El Grove Peninsula, a road bridge is thrown across the sea, which leads to the small island of La Toja (La Toja island). La Toya is one of the most famous spa resorts in Spain., whose mineral waters and mud help in the treatment of skin diseases and respiratory diseases. The island has thermal and spa centers offering a wide range of wellness and beauty programs. The centers are located on the south coast of the island, surrounded by sandy beaches and pine forests. Also, shopping centers, restaurants and casinos are open to the guests. The northern part of the island is occupied by golf courses. The church of Las Conchas is interesting, the building of which is completely decorated with sea shells.

On the banks of the Ria de Arosa estuary, it is worth visiting the ancient city of Cambados (Cambados). Cambados is the center of the world-famous Rias Bajas wine region, where Albariño white wine is produced. In the city and its environs, you can visit numerous wineries, get acquainted with the process of wine production and taste it. Every year on the first Sunday of August, the Albariño Wine Festival takes place in Cambados. In the main city square of Fevinance, you will see buildings from the 16th century: one of the most beautiful traditional Galician mansions (“paso”) Figueroa, which now houses a winery, and the church of San Bieito. Also in Cambados, it is worth looking at the mansions of Batan Baron (17th century), which houses a chic hotel, and Montesacro and the palaces of Maceda (17th century) and Charigno Sotomayor.

A little to the north in the estuary of the Ria de Arosa is the island of Arosa. (Arosa island), which is connected to the mainland by a 2-kilometer bridge. The most popular beaches are located on the east coast of the island. Even children can swim in the local waters, because this coast is protected from winds and waves, as it is oriented to the mainland, and not to the open ocean. In the southern part of the island, the Carreiron natural park is located, created to protect sea birds, mainly herons.

Further north along the coast at the mouth of the Ulla River lies the town of Catoira. (Catoira). Of interest here are the ruins of a medieval fortress that protected the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela, located 37 km northeast, from Viking raids. From the fortress of the 9th century, two towers have been preserved, which are called Torres do Oeste. Every year on the first Sunday of August, a colorful performance is held here – a reconstruction of the Viking attack.

The city of Catoira is the border between the provinces of Pontevedra and La Coruña, and the northernmost section of the Rias Bajas coast is located in the province of La Coruña. Here is the Barbanza peninsula peninsula, which limits the estuaries of the Ria de Arosa from the north. On the peninsula, it is worth visiting Cape Corrubedo (Cabo Corrubedo), where a lighthouse is installed, and the natural park of the dunes of Corrubedo (Dunas de Corrubedo natural park) with an area of 1000 hectares, designed to protect the unique ecosystems of the local coast (sand dunes, salt marshes, lagoons, swamps and pine forests) and many species of waterfowl.

From the north, Cape Barbanza is washed by the waters of the Ria de Muros y Noya estuary, which is a vast mouth of the Tambre River. In the estuary it is worth visiting the city of Noya (Noya). In the Middle Ages, it was one of the largest ports in Galicia. Particularly attractive is the Old Town, where the remains of the medieval walls and Tapal fortress, the Gothic churches of San Martino (15-16th century), Santa Maria a Nova (14th century) and San Francisco (16th century) and traditional Galician mansions ” paso”, where the nobility lived in the Middle Ages. On the other side of the Ria de Muros y Noya estuary stands the city of Muros. Here you will see old residential buildings, the first floors of which are occupied by arcades, and the upper floors are crowned with balconies, Santa Rosa Square with an 18th century cross, Pescaderia Vieja Square with an old fountain and many taverns, the monumental building of the city administration, the Mercado de Abastos market building and the Church of San Pedro. Be sure to head to the nearby Monte Louro mountain, which has a lighthouse and great views. Muros is also famous for its beaches, which stretch for 25 km. Among them, the most popular are SanFrancisco beach, awarded the EU Blue Flag, Larino beach and Area Longa beach near Monte Louro mountain.

Pontevedra, Spain