The charming places of the southern Rías Baixas

Baiona

Two steps away is Baiona, the first place in Europe to learn of the existence of America, because there arrived in 1493 Martin Alonso Pinzon on board of La Pinta. The town, the epicenter of tourism in Galicia, has a long list of illustrious visitors beyond Alonso Pinzón. If the nobler Santiago Ramón y Cajal visited in his time his old spa (now disappeared), for something would be. Baiona, has 12,000 inhabitants that multiply during the summer. The offer of shops and hotels in a quiet environment is immense.

It is worth visiting the Monterreal Castle, a defensive construction erected between the XII and XIV centuries converted, since 1966, into Parador de Turismo. You can visit and well deserve it. Baiona also has its particular Corcovado, although somewhat less known than the Brazilian. The Virgin of the Rock, a stone sculpture from the 30s, is an impressive monument 15 meters high (half that of the Christ of Rio de Janeiro) from which you can see some clear views of the coast.

Cies Islans

The title of best beach in the world was given by the British newspaper The Guardian to the 1,200 meters of fine and clean sand that extends by Rhodes. The arenal is located in the Cíes, an archipelago formed by three islands (Monteagudo, Faro and San Martín) declared Natural Park in 1980 and with restricted visits to avoid massification and damage to the rich ecosystem.

Getting there is easy by boat from Baiona and tickets are handled from reception. The visit is an experience of a full nature. No cars, no noise, no pollution. Only pure air, high cliffs swept by the ocean and perfect beaches on the protected side of the estuary.

Lighthouse Silleiro

It is very advisable to walk to Faro Silleiro from the Atlantic Talaso. You will arrive in a few minutes and enjoy a clear view of the ocean. For something the lighthouse was installed there in 1862. In 1924 it was reformed and expanded becoming what it is today. The light beam of the lighthouse was, at that time, the most powerful in Europe, being able to be seen from 33 miles, something especially necessary in a coast beaten by the waves and in which the wrecks were sadly habitual. The lighthouse continues to save lives and its light can also be seen from the terraces of the Atlantic Talaso or from the windows of its restaurant.

If the visitor likes the adventurous spirit and discover curiosities, it will be worth it to climb a little up the slope to the abandoned military batteries of Cabo Silleiro. There they still remain the ruinous remains of the four canyons and the buildings and structures that gave them service to watch the access to the estuary by sea. They are in a state of abandonment, but they are equally impressive.

Baiona or the Cies, are well-known places, but we have a number of secret corners worth knowing.

Oia

Put your boots on and take a walk, there are lots of hiking trails that you can enjoy without touching the car. On the one hand, the sea, on the other, the mountains, you can choose. In addition to visiting the Silleiro Lighthouse, we recommend you to go into the mountains and visit places like Pozas de Mougás, a waterfall that falls on a small lake where you can also bathe.

If you are interested in a cultural route you can visit castros (A Cabeciña, A Chavella ...) and petroglyphs with thousands of years of history. At the reception we inform you how to get to these places, but if you prefer a guided tour, ask us, because we also organize it.

One step by car you have a thousand things to see. You are in the Rías Baixas, wine area par excellence, land of wines recognized throughout Europe for more than half a century. A visit, with tasting, to the famous wineries of Terras Gauda? We manage it.

Santa Tecla and Oia Monastery

If you want art and history the castro of Santa Tecla is an experience. The old settlement reached its apogee between the first and second centuries. C. and I of our era. Well preserved and located in the nearby municipality of A Guarda, the enclave is National Historic and Artistic Monument since 1931.

Also very close you will find the monastery of Santa Maria de Oia, an impressive construction started in the twelfth century and one of the few monasteries facing the sea.

And sports for all tastes. We are in a privileged place to practice all kinds of nautical sports. For surfing, we have the best open sea beaches. Routes on horseback, mountain biking and even paragliding. Ask us, surely we can offer you something that fits to what you are looking for.