If you are thinking about renting a boat in Galicia to make a getaway, a summer vacations or a trip through the Rías Baixas you should know that the Galician coast has numerous options to explore it thanks to all the estuaries that make it up.
Galicia has no less than 1,500 kilometers of coastline, and is the community with the longest coastline in Spain. If you wanted to see all the Rías Baixas (Vigo, Pontevedra, Arousa and Muros e Noia) you would need three weeks.
So to help you plan your route we have compiled those places that are a must according to the estuary you want to visit:
Vigo estuary
The Vigo estuary is the deepest of all the Rías Baixas.. Starts south at Cabo Silleiro – BaionaBaiona, a medieval and seafaring village whose old town has been declared “Conjunto de Interés Histórico Artístico”. This small historic town offers a multitude of plans for the whole family, and it is precisely where we are located.and it is precisely where we are located.
As we start our navigation from this point we will pass through Monteferroa mandatory stop for hiking enthusiasts who wish to make the route along its cliffs or visit the remains of an ancient Roman settlement.
On our way to Vigo we will pass by some of the largest beaches in the area: Playa América, Patos, el Vao, and Samil. Vigo is the largest city in Galicia and its fishing port is the most important in Spain, so there are plenty of things to do in a day. plans that you can do in a day in the city in the city are very varied.
If we go further into the estuary we will cross the Rande BridgeDid you know that in its waters lie dozens of sunken galleons loaded with gold from the Americas? And we will reach the San Simon Islanda place full of legends that captivated Jules Verne himself.
We recommend visiting the peninsula of O Morrazo, which has some of the best beaches of Galicia beaches of Galicia: Limens, Nerga and Barra.. Our route ends at Cabo HomeThis is also the end of the Vigo estuary. An impressive natural space for its capes, cliffs and landscapes. Do not miss the route through its lighthouses and beaches.
The Cíes Islands belong to the National Park of the Atlantic Islands and are the greatest treasure of the Ria de Vigo, so they deserve a separate mention and a mandatory stop on your route. The best beach in the world is here according to The Guardian newspaper, and the archipelago is a natural treasure and a candidate for World Heritage Site. However, keep in mind that to navigate and anchor in its waters it is necessary to request a permit permit.
Pontevedra estuary
The Pontevedra estuary is the third largest in Galicia and in it you can find some of the most touristic towns of this land. It starts in the south in Cape Udraa natural space with a small route with spectacular views of the Cíes and Ons Islands.
On your journey along the south shore you should include stops in the towns of Aldán, Bueu and Marín. Aldán, Bueu and Marínall of them with a great natural and cultural heritage for its architecture, historical sites and beaches.
We will arrive to PontevedraThe city is the capital of the province, whose historic center is one of the best preserved in Galicia and has been declared a “Site of Historic and Artistic Interest”. It has also received numerous awards for its pedestrianization project and is “the most comfortable city to live in” according to the UN. Be sure to stroll through its parks and avenues.
If we continue along the estuary we will pass by CombarroIts old town has been declared of Cultural Interest for its distinctive granaries, sailor’s houses and cruisers. In addition, it has been recognized as best village of the year on several occasions.
On the north shore of the estuary are the ports of Sanxenxo and Portonovo. Sanxenxo and Portonovotwo very popular locations for being one of the star destinations in Galicia in summer. So much so that during the summer months, Sanxenxo (“The Marbella of the north”) becomes the third most populated town in the community, only behind Vigo and A Coruña. The municipality of Sanxenxo is perfect to enjoy the sun, the beach and also the nightlife.
But undoubtedly, the jewel of the peninsula of O Salnés is A Lanzadaone of the best beaches of the European Atlantic as it forms a dune and intertidal complex of incomparable beauty.
The Ons Islands are located at the entrance of the Ría de Pontevedra and also belong to the National Park of the Atlantic Islands, are considered “sisters” of the Cíes Islands and deserve a mandatory stop on your route. In its archipelago you will find beaches, caves, cliffs and spectacular landscapes. We recommend you to request access authorization in advance.
Arousa Estuary
The Ría de Arousa is the most extensive of the Galician estuariesIts waters are home to some of the best seafood in Europe, including the famous Carril clams.
You can start your journey in CambadosA seaside town known as “the capital of Albariño” that offers a unique wine tourism experience. Its historic center is declared of Cultural Interest and houses one of the most important noble manors in Galicia.
When you continue your route towards the interior of the estuary you can also stop at Vilagarcía de Arousa and visit the popular Arousa Island. It has 36 km of coastline and almost half of it is occupied by practically virgin beaches.
On the northern shore are the seaside towns of Catoira, Boiro, Pobra do Caramiñal and Ribeira.. Pobra do Caramiñal has been chosen on several occasions as the most beautiful village in Galicia, and is home to the renowned writer Valle-Inclán. In fact, its historic center houses a museum dedicated to his life and works. We recommend stopping in the village to climb the Viewpoint of A Curotawhich has impressive views because it is the highest point from which you can see the Rías Baixas in its entirety.
The star of the Ría de Arousa is the Dune Complex of Corrubedo. Corrubedo. Its natural park occupies about 1,000 hectares and is home to Corrubedo beach, the lagoons of Vixán (fresh water) and Carregal (salt water), and an extensive dune system that has the largest mobile dune in the northwest peninsular.
Muros and Noia estuary
The estuary of Muros e Noia is the most unknown of the Rías Baixas, but perhaps the most authentic. It begins in the Castro de BaroñaA magical enclave and one of the most emblematic castros of Galicia located on the coast. At its feet is the beach of Arealongaof excellent white sand.
Continuing our journey we will arrive at Porto do SonThe town with more beaches in Galicia because it has no less than 20 white sand beaches in 25 kilometers of coastline. And next to it is Portosínanother fishing village with a modern marina.
The estuary offers countless beaches, most of them with white sand, such as San Francisco, Aguieira, As Furnas or Basoñas. San Francisco, Aguieira, As Furnas or Basoñas.. The beach of As Furnas is particularly special because among its rocks there are natural pools and canals, famous because it is where the scenes of the movie “Mar Adentro” were filmed.
Walls is one of the most beautiful and authentic fishing villages of Galicia and is declared a Historic Site, because almost the entire town is a historic center. Its stone streets will transport you to past times.
If we continue our route we will arrive at Mount and Lagoon of Louro, which delimits the end of the Ría de Muros e Noia, and has been declared a Special Area of Conservation and Geological Point of Interest. Its complex of dunes is of unquestionable beauty, as well as the beaches of Area Maior and do Ancoradoiro that it shelters at its feet. From the Louro LighthouseWe will be able to enjoy excellent panoramic views of the estuary.
And the big question is, how many days should I dedicate to each estuary? That will depend on the number of stops and activities you want to do… But for the Rías de Vigo or Pontevedra you should spend at least 7 days. The entire Ría de Arousa can be covered in 5 days, and the Ría de Muros e Noia, in 4 days.
In Julio Verne Náutica we have our own boat rental service from our from our headquarters in the Monte Real Club de Yates de Baiona, with or without professional skipper, and we can help you plan your route and customize it according to your interests. Discover our fleet, check our rates and contact us without obligation!