The Galician coast offers a perfect combination of landscapes, gastronomy and leisure centred, above all, around the Rías Baixas. From Cape Finisterre to the Vigo estuary, they have become one of the most popular tourist destinations in northern Spain. In this article, we tell you how to plan the perfect road trip through the Rías Baixas.
How best to organize your road trip through the Rías Baixas?
Touring the Rías Baixas by car has a unique charm due to the mixture of sea and vegetation in this area of natural beauty. It's also a very interesting way to explore small coastal towns that are home to real treasures.
To discover them, a good option is to rent a car at Santiago de Compostela airport and, from there, reach the starting point: Cape Finisterre. Make a note of this route!
From Finisterre to Ribeira
We start with what is probably the least visited part of the Rías Baixas, which begins at Cape Finisterre. In fact, this is the first stop, as it is the most westerly lighthouse in Europe and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic.
From there, you can head towards the estuary of Muros and Noia. A stop at the Baroña Hillfort, an ancient Celtic settlement at the foot of the sea, is more than worth your while.
If you like to enjoy nature at its finest, you can visit Fervenza de Cadarnoxo, an imposing waterfall, and the Monte Enxa viewpoint. Just before you reach Ribeira, you can stop to contemplate the dolmen at Ateixos.
Arousa Estuary
The second stage of this road trip through the Rías Baixas takes you along the Arousa estuary, from Ribeira to the island of Arousa. One of the most interesting sites is located in the municipality of Rianxo, the hórreo of Araño, a typical regional construction that was used as a granary. It is particularly interesting because it is the longest in all of Galicia.
From there, you can continue on to Vilagarcía de Arousa, one of the largest cities in this area. In fact, if you continue south, you can drive across the bridge that connects the island of Arousa with Vilanova de Arousa. A tour of this island is the perfect way to round off this stage.
Pontevedra estuary
The next destination that is very worthwhile is Cambados, where you can visit the Pazo de Fefiñáns or one of the many wineries of the Rías Baixas appellation of origin in the albariño grape variety.
At lunchtime, head to O Grove, where the food market is one of the hotspots. In fact, this is where the well-known seafood fair takes place every October.
Following the route along the Pontevedra estuary, the next stop is Sanxenxo, where a walk along the port is always interesting. After a short break, continue along the estuary to Pontevedra.
In this city, there are a host of tourist spots you can explore, starting with the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. The ruins of Santo Domingo, the Plaza das Cinco Rúas and the convent of San Francisco are other highlights. Undoubtedly, though, a stroll through the streets of the old town and the arcades is one of the greatest pleasures in Pontevedra.
Vigo estuary
Approaching the Vigo estuary, your first stop can be in Bueu. It is a small coastal town where you find Cape Udra, with some of the best views of the Rías Baixas.
Moving down towards Nerga, you can make a stop at the lighthouse of Cabo Home, a short distance from the Cíes Islands. Afterwards, continue to Cangas, one of the most popular beach tourism destinations in this area. Specifically, Rodeira beach is a great spot.
Finally, a quick hop along the estuary will take you to Vigo, the most populated city in Galicia. Of course, before you get there you can make a stop at the viewpoint of Campo de Rata, in the municipality of Redondela. Here you can enjoy incredible views of the entire Vigo estuary.
Once in the city, you can stroll through the historic centre, where you will find a well-known statue, El Sireno, in Porta do Sol. You can also relax and have a drink in the neighbourhood of Bouzas, or visit the Pazo Quiñones de León, located on the outskirts of the city.
As you can see, the road trip through the Rías Baixas is a real wonder. Not only because you can enjoy sites of great historical value, but also because you can do so with total freedom, stopping wherever you like and without moving too fast. Believe us when we say that this is the best way to enjoy it, and at OK Mobility we can help you make it happen.
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