Galicia it has many wonderful destinations where one can enjoy summer or spring. For example, in the Arosa estuary is this beautiful island of the same name. It is a small island, with eleven kilometers of white sand beaches.
Can you imagine this charming little paradise? Well let's see today what to see in Arousa Island.
Arousa Island
It is part of the province of Pontevedra, in Galicia. barely measure seven square kilometers of surface, with 36 kilometers of coastline, eleven of which are beaches. People live concentrated on a fairly narrow isthmus and its surroundings. A two kilometer long bridge keeps it connected to the mainland.
The European Union has declared this island Natural reserve, for the beauty and extension of its coasts and white sand beaches. And for these same reasons it is a very valuable tourist destination for Galicia. It invites you to relax and is a little paradise.
The island it is in front of Villanueva de Arousa and between the cities of Villagarcía de Arousa and Cambados. It is not the only island in the estuary that is worth visiting, but it is true that it has super easy access thanks to the bridge that was built in the mid-80s. In other words, you do not have to use boats to cross, something that is necessary when we talk about other Galician islands such as the Cíes Islands or Sávora, just to name a few examples.
How can you go to Arousa Island? it arrives drive in a few minutes thanks to the bridge that connects the island and the mainland. The bridge is also one of the longest in Spain. At the time it was even the longest in Galicia, did you know? You can get there in just over half an hour from O Grove, Pontevedra is only 40 kilometers away and Santiago de Compostela 60 kilometers nothing more. That is to say, it is a paradise very close at hand.
What to see in Arousa Island
Although for some time fame eluded this island, today this is not the case and it is a well-known destination. That means that there are a lot of people in summer, it's true, because it's beautiful but also because it's super accessible.
You can start your visit to the island by taking a look at the Arousa Tourist Office. In addition to its tourist help functions, it is a very interesting site, since works in an old factory, a canning and salt company that at the time supplied the Spanish royal house with its products. It worked until the middle of the XNUMXth century and was later rebuilt. Today it has a permanent exhibition and a Conservation and Interpretation Center. You find it in the center of town and yes, it is the best starting point for your visit to the island.
As I said before, Arousa is so beautiful that in summer it becomes very popular. That is in july and august it can explode. Therefore, if you can, this September is a good time to go. Any weekend is great to enjoy the best of the island, its beaches.
And what beaches! Is about some of the best beaches in Galicia, and to this is added that in the extreme south of the island there is a natural park that is even more beautiful, with a virgin coast. But in addition to these beaches, which we will talk about later, there are others without the need to enter the park. For example, the beaches of Camañinas, Bao, GFradín, Naso, Da Secada and Lavanqueira.
When there is wind, something usual, it is best to take refuge in a cove. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the weather to see possible plan options. But are there only beaches? No, you can also visit a lighthouse, the Punta Cabalo Lighthouse, for instance. Watching the sunset from this point is a beauty, unless an infernal wind blows.
Around the lighthouse one can take a walk. From the lighthouse begins (or ends), a very simple path that reaches the area where the town is. The path runs along cliffs parallel to the coast, with tremendous views of the sea. And the good thing is that it is an easy path to walk, which can be done even with children. Even the area closest to the lighthouse that has wooden walkways. The little way travel 1.8 kilometers and is completed in about half an hour of walking. You can start at Playa do Nabal or that is the point of arrival. You choose.
El Panoramic Point With Do Forno It is one of the best on the island and the one that will give you the best photos. The lookout is amazing. at 68 meters above sea level. You see the whole island. You can get up here on foot or by car. You can see the bridge that joins the island to the mainland, the port area, the houses of the town and the Carreirón Natural Park. There is also a geodesic vertex and a sculpture of Christ.
You can also enjoy doing some nautical activity, such as boating or kayaking. The kayak thing works very well here. The island's estuary, like the entire Baixas estuary, is full of rafts. You can rent a boat or kayak from any of the many companies that offer these services. If you go with children it is great. You can also take advantage of the winds and make windsurf or dive into the coast and snorkel.
El Promenade of the town is another possible visit. Visit the Porto do Xufre It is worth it as it is the most important fishing port on the island. It is right next to the fish market and is a good starting point for a walk to the lighthouse. As you walk, you get to know the town with its traditional houses.
Is it possible to stay overnight on Arousa Island? In low season it is super quiet, but in summer if you want to stay for a few nights it is always advisable to book in advance. Yes indeed, there are no big hotels, so it is best to rent a flat. The offer is varied and there are good prices. There are also many that conveniently have ocean views. If you can afford one of these, all the better.
Finally, the Carreiron Natural Park, the treasure of the island. It is really spectacular. Have 1.3 square kilometers of surface, with forests and beaches that can only be explored on foot. That is, yes or yes you must leave the car on the outskirts of the park. There are parking lots and they are paid because you cannot leave the car anywhere. Calculate about 3 euros.
There is a circular route Without stopping, it will take you about an hour and a half to walk, but if you stop, it will surely take you longer. And it will be impossible not to do it since the views are great. Within the park there are not only forests, here in the south of the island there are also beaches. You jump from beach to beach and they are all beautiful. My advice is that you walk, explore and do not stay with the first one you find. There are always more people in these first options because in general nobody wants to walk a lot. So, if you dare to continue a little longer you will be fully rewarded with virgin and almost empty beaches.
In fact, the best beaches on the Island of Arousa are in the southwestern sector of the park: very white sand, transparent waters, almost a Galician Caribbean. And when there are no people, you can always practice some nudism. What beaches are good within the park? As Margaritas, Playa Lontreira, A Lameira and Xestelas, Espiños, A Cruxz and Punta Carreirón they will not disappoint you.
One last tip: In front of the Island of Arousa there is a small islet called Arenoso, a simple atoll that you can reach by rented kayak or excursion. It is a protected islet so you have to take care of the environment and not leave any kind of garbage.