Things to do in
Pontevedra

Our most recommended things to do in Pontevedra

From Santiago: Tour to Rias Baixas with Boat, Seafood & Wine

1. From Santiago: Tour to Rias Baixas with Boat, Seafood & Wine

Stop at O Grove Town, the perfect village for spending time in tranquility, and experiencing the sensations of the real and genuine Galicia. Enjoy the rural atmosphere away from tourism and have a pleasant break and Galician meal. Take a walk through the vineyards of the very prestigious Albariño. Have the opportunity to learn about the production of this excellent wine as well as engage in a tasting of three wines of the denomination Rias Baixas in good company.  Next, stop at the shrine of “la Lanzada.” Get a full overview of this mystical place, established in the 9th century, and take a beautiful walk. Cross part of the bay of Poio, and see beauty contained on a giant rock upon which it is built. See the granaries that surround it, the houses overlooking the sea, and the several stone crosses typical of Galicia, called Cruceiros, which are on the site. Tour the characteristic streets and squares of this place, and have the possibility to take a real and authentic journey through time, as well as visit an area of great ecological value.  Next stop at the island of Toja, famous for the production of soap and for its hot springs, located in an area called Red Natura 2000. Discover a small museum of the old soap factory and a chapel completely covered with shells. End with a tour of the sea, during which you will admire and face directly the production of mussels, oysters, and scallops, making different stops to contemplate the watering holes.  Taste steamed mussels in great quantity accompanied by one of the best local Albariño wines (Condes de Albarei) and shots of Crema de Orujo.

O Grove: Boat Tour with Mussel Tasting and Wine

2. O Grove: Boat Tour with Mussel Tasting and Wine

Come and enjoy a one hour boat ride on the calm waters of the Ría de Arousa with a guided tour while you discover how the cultivation of mussels, oysters and scallops works and enjoy a delicious tasting of steamed mussels and traditional wine from the Rías Baixas. Enjoy the Ría de Arousa, the largest of the five Galician estuaries, known as Rías Baixas. It is one of the most interesting environmental areas of Galicia. The bird life is rich and varied and, without a doubt, the Ría de Arousa is the richest in fish and seafood of all the estuaries, both for its cultivation and its fishing. The most important activity in these inland waters is the cultivation of mussels, oysters and scallops, which is already a typical tradition in this area. The cultivation is done in rafts. With this one-hour boat trip you will discover amazing landscapes and views of the seabed. The excursion is fully guided. Plenty of mussel tasting, drinks (white wine, soft drinks and water on request) and music to give the best to our customers. This excursion is worthwhile!

From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour

3. From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour

Enjoy a day trip from Santiago de Compostela and discover the best of Rías Baixas. Immerse yourself in Albariño wine and Galician seafood. Enjoy a boat cruise along the estuary and learn about mussel, oyster and scallop growing. Learn about each site from your guide and enjoy stops at each location. Meet at 10 AM at Plaza de Galicia and begin your tour from Santiago to the Rías Baixas. At the first stop, take a walk along local vines of Albariño grapes and learn about the production of this wonderful white wine from local guides of one of the most exclusive cellars in the region. After the visit, taste one of the most know Albariño wine which can't be found in normal markets or restaurants, wines which are sold at the best restaurants of Europe and the most exclusive markets of the world. Move onward to one of the most spectacular beaches in Galicia, the beach of La Lanzada. Travel back in time to the 10th century to get acquainted with its history and legends. Next, the island of La Toja waits for you with its thermal history and interesting industrial past in making Spain's best soap. Discover the world of shellfish breeding on a boat cruise. Sail on a route passing through countless "bateas" from where the best mussels, oysters and scallops come from. During the cruise, you will able to eat as many mussels as you wish, freshly picked from the water and boiled in albariño wine. All this is accompanied by as much white local wine as you want, soft drinks, water and liqueur shots. After the cruise, get dropped off at O Grove, the "seafood paradise" of Galicia. Spend 90 minutes enjoying lunch at a restaurant. Your guide will recommend you the best ones depending on what are you looking for. Experience the coast of the Arousa Estuary travelling south towards the estuary of Pontevedra. Cross the towns of Portonovo, Sanxenxo, and Raxó and visit the fishermen's village of Combarro, with its cobbled stone streets, small shops, and beautiful bars and restaurants. Finally, leave the Rías Baixas and return to Santiago de Compostela for drop off.

Granbazán Winery: Guided Tour and Wine Tasting

4. Granbazán Winery: Guided Tour and Wine Tasting

Explore the Granbazán Winery on a guided tour that includes a tasting of its fine wines paired with typical Galician foods and the opportunity to unwind as you stroll throughout the vineyard.  Discover the origins of viticulture in the Rias Baixas as your guide leads you around the complex. Admire the beautiful landscapes that make this winery even more special and taste 4 Granbazan wines accompanied by traditional Galician aperitives.

Rías Baixas: Guided Day Tour from Santiago with Boat Ride

5. Rías Baixas: Guided Day Tour from Santiago with Boat Ride

Discover the beautiful Rías Baixas of Galicia on a day tour from Santiago de Compostela. Discover charming towns, beautiful coastal scenery, and taste mussels on a relaxing boat ride. Depart Santiago de Compostela in the morning by bus for a day excursion to Rias Baixas. Firstm visit the old town of Pontevedra and discover one of the best-preserved historic centers in Galicia. See the ruins of Santo Domingo, the Church of the Peregrina, and other monuments on a tour of the most interesting parts of the monumental area. Stop to admire the picturesque seaside village of Combarro that’s the perfect example of popular architecture, and features an abundance of granaries and stone crosses. Take a riverboat ride with a visit to the mussel rafts and the island of Tambo. Enjoy mussels and wine onboard. Afterward, you’ll have free time for lunch. Travel to the picturesque peninsula of Lanzada and visit Lanzada Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Galicia. See the Romanesque chapel of A Lanzada. Continue to the town of Cambados. Explore Plaza de Fefiñanes, a charming space that’s home to the 17th-century manor giving the square its name. See the arch bridge, the Church of San Benito, and a group of houses built in the popular architectural style. After a day of exploration, return to Santiago de Compostela in the early evening.

Rias Baixas Tour; Arousa and Toxa islands, Combarro & boat

6. Rias Baixas Tour; Arousa and Toxa islands, Combarro & boat

We leave Santiago de Compostela at 9:30 The first stop is Padrón, a town closely related to the Camino de Santiago (Portuguese Way) and with the history of the arrival of the Apostle to Galicia. We visit the church of Santiago (where the "Pedrón" is located), the Alameda and there is time for a coffee. Then you reach the island by crossing one of the longest bridges over the sea in Europe. Once there you can choose between taking a walk through the natural park with the guide, having a drink sitting by the sea or taking a dip in one of the fantastic beaches on the island! After an hour and a half on the island, the next stop will be Cambados. Once there, you cross the town's main square, Fefiñans, with its impressive "Pazo" and the interesting church of San Bieito. In this town you will have free time to taste local products in one of the many restaurants and also to try the famous wine of the area, the Albariño. Before entering the Ría de Pontevedra, the route visit the island of A Toxa. This island was the first vacation resort in Europe back in the late nineteenth century, it is also known for the soaps that were made here with the mineral salts of the water springs. You will see the historic "Gran Hotel LaToja", the old soap factory and the curious "Capilla de las Conchas" (completely covered with scallop shells). Already in the next estuary, the inlet of Pontevedra, the route reaches the town of Combarro. This is a wonderful example of popular architecture. We will walk through its granite alleys between granaries and stone crosses. There is an option to try mussels and local wine on the ship that sails from Combarro. The Marina of Combarro is the place where this activity starts. You'll seeing the mussel farms, the towns of Combarro and Marín from the sea and the island of Tambo. The return is around 7:30 p.m.

From Portonovo: Return-trip Ferry Transfer to Ons Island

7. From Portonovo: Return-trip Ferry Transfer to Ons Island

Experience island life for the day at Ons Island. Hop onboard a ferry in Portonovo for a return transfer, choosing to return at the time that best suits you. Ons is a former pirate refuge and one of the most important islands of the Galicia Maritime-Terrestrial National Park. Embark on an exciting boat journey from Portonovo to visit one of the most emblematic places in the Rías Baixas. On the island, spend the day exploring the white sand beaches, pristine coastal walking paths, and traditional restaurants at your own pace. Return time from August 1st to August 15th scheduled at 8pm; returning time from August 16th to September 4th scheduled at 7pm.

Rias Baixas Tour from Santiago de Compostela

8. Rias Baixas Tour from Santiago de Compostela

Ready to dive into the heart of Galician charm with a sprinkle of adventure? Our Rías Baixas extravaganza kicks off in Santiago de Compostela and promises a day bursting with unique experiences and scenic delights! First up, we’ll swoop into a traditional winery tucked in the verdant landscapes of Rías Baixas. Here, you’ll get a firsthand peek at the meticulous craft behind the region’s famed wines. Swirl, sniff, and sip your way through a guided tasting that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and deepen your appreciation for Galician viticulture. Then, it's all aboard for a serene boat ride across the crystalline waters, where you’ll witness the art of aquaculture at the floating "bateas." Opt in to crack open endless mussels, sip on crisp local wine, and treat yourself to a dash of orujo cream. Whether you're a shellfish aficionado or a sea-loving soul, this segment is a palate-pleaser! Once docked, our journey continues to the quaint harbor town of O Grove. Take a leisurely stroll through the harbor and the beginnings of the historic center. You’ll have ample time to explore local eateries and discover O Grove’s whimsical sculptures that pepper the village, adding an artistic twist to your visit. Next, we venture to the enchanting island of A Toxa, famed for its therapeutic muds and the iconic La Toxa Bridge that binds it to history and the mainland. Uncover the island’s transformation from a humble pasture to a luxurious retreat—a true island fairy tale! Our narrative then carries us to the mystical A Lanzada hermitage, nestled where wine and ocean secrets mingle. Here, delve into ancient rituals of fertility linked to the enchanting lore of the nine waves—a story that ebbs and flows like the sea itself. Finally, we'll drop anchor in the picturesque village of Combarro. This enchanting locale is a living postcard with its iconic granaries perched by the sea and narrow, winding streets that beckon with their timeless allure. As our day winds down, we return to Santiago, hearts full of Galician wonders. Curious to learn more or ready to claim your spot on this unforgettable tour? Reach out anytime—we’re here to make your Galician getaway as magical as the destination itself!

La Estrada: Pazo de Oca Gardens Ticket

9. La Estrada: Pazo de Oca Gardens Ticket

Secure your admission to the historic Pazo de Oca gardens, a traditional representation of Galician country estates. Experience the three pillars of the gardens: water, stone, and vegetation, on a self-guided walk to discover each gorgeous corner at your own pace. Step into this magical site and enjoy the beauty of a location seemingly taken right out of a fairytale. Get lost in a maze of perfectly manicured shrubs, feel the calm of the running water coming from the fountains, and snap postcard-worthy photos of the scenery with the palace in the backdrop. With its first construction dating as far back as the 12-century, this estate provides you with a distinct fusion of styles that all come together to work in harmony, creating a one-of-a-kind complex waiting for you to explore it. Admire the heavy Baroque influence seen in the palace and gardens.

From A Coruña: Rías Baixas Day Trip

10. From A Coruña: Rías Baixas Day Trip

Visit the region of Rías Baixas on this day trip from A Coruña. Take a guided tour in the historic center of Pontevedra, visit the fishing village of Combarro, and see the natural landscapes of Illa da Toxa. Also, enjoy a boat trip with a tasting of mussels and wine. The first stop of your day trip is in Pontevedra, where you will have a walking tour of its historic center. Wander through the city's pedestrian-friendly streets and see the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin, the Ruins of San Domingo, and many more important sites. After your tour head to Combarro. Arrive at the fishing village of Combarro and be charmed as you tour its cobbled streets and see the facades of its buildings. After your tour, leave Combarro and head to Illa da Toxa. Illa da Toxa is a popular travel destination, known for the Chapel of the Shells, the soap factory, and its natural landscapes. Take another guided tour and then take a boat trip through the Ría de Arousa. During your boat trip see the mussel rafts and enjoy a tasting of local quality wine and mussels. Make a stop in O Grove and have the opportunity to taste local dishes during your free time for lunch. Afterward, head to Cambados, the capital of Albariño, and one of the most important points of the Rías Baixas. Finish your day with a visit to an Albariño wine cellar, where you will taste 3 different varieties of wine. Learn the entire process of wine elaboration, labeling, and production.

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What people are saying about Pontevedra

Overall rating

4.7
(484 reviews)

Fun day trip out of Santiago. The tour brought us to many beautiful parts of Galicia I wouldn't have otherwise known about or gotten to. Plus I greatly enjoyed the unlimited mussels and wine on the boat trip!

An experience to repeat, everything perfect from the location, the staff, the experience, the food. Totally recommended.

Great activity, Ana was a great guide. This tour packs a lot of different things in, I would recommend it highly.

No complaints! Very nice excursion, very good value for money. I highly recommend!

A very complete activity, I loved it, we will return 😊