The Galician community is in fashion, and it is because there are endless beautiful places to discover, a interesting historical heritage and an enviable gastronomy. One of the most popular places is the so-called Ría de Arousa, where there are well-known places such as Cambados, with its Albariño, Catoira, O Grove or Rianxo.
La Ría de Arousa covers a large number of populations and of places that have in common being near this estuary, where the Ulla river flows. In it we can see a large number of places of interest. Attentive to everything that this area of Galicia can offer us.
Padrón and the peppers
We begin our route through the interior of the Ría de Arousa, in a place known for a certain gastronomic product that has crossed borders. The quiet village of Padrón has much to offer visitors, as it is also the birthplace of Rosalía de Castro and where there is a museum dedicated to her in her old home. The Herbón area is where you can see the famous pepper plantations brought from Mexico centuries ago by the monks of the convent that is located in this part of Padrón. It is essential to go to one of the restaurants to taste the famous peppers in season.
Walk through the Ulla
At present some catamaran rides on the Ulla, the river that flows into the Ría de Arousa. It usually starts from the port of Vilagarcía de Arousa to go up towards the river, passing near the island of Cortegada and seeing towns such as Catoira or Dodro. You arrive at Pontecesures, where you can follow the route of the Portuguese Way to Santiago de Compostela.
Catoira and its towers
Catoira is famous for having been a place where the Vikings settled centuries ago. Remains of the old towers, called the Torres do Oeste. These towers are located in a natural area that has several wooden walkways that run near the river. Without a doubt it is a pleasant walk enjoying the beginning of the estuary.
Cambados
The town of Cambados is famous for its Albariño wine, since it is home to the vast majority of wineries and vineyards that are dedicated to making this drink with a designation of origin. But in addition to making a visit to the winery, we can see some other things. In this town you can see the famous Torre de San Sadurniño, a defensive tower from the XNUMXth or XNUMXth century. The Ruins of Sana Mariña de Dozo, in the heart of the town, are another place of interest.
combarro
Combarro is one of the most authentic and peculiar towns that you can see in the Ría de Arousa area. It is a small fishing village that stands out for its narrow stone streets. But above all it has been the protagonist of countless photographs thanks to the granaries that are on the shore of the estuary, along with the colorful boats of the fishermen. The environment could not be more beautiful. In addition, this is a well-known place in which to try the great gastronomy of the estuary.
Rail and Cut
The Carril area is before Vilagarcía de Arousa and is known for clam farming. In this place, located in front of the small island of Cortegada you can see an incredible landscape of the estuary, with spectacular sunsets. In addition, if we are lucky we can see the island of Cortegada, which was inhabited for centuries. At low tide it is even possible to walk there, but it is not recommended, since the tides change quickly.
Arousa Island
In the Illa de Arousa you can enjoy a very beautiful natural environment, with a protected park in which there are small coves. A perfect place to go for a walk and to also see the sunsets. Surrounding the island are numerous beaches and even a small lighthouse. The most typical postcards of the estuary can be seen in this place.
O Grove
O Grove is a small town located on a peninsula. The La Lanzada beach, which it shares with Sanxenxo is very large and beautiful, ideal for surfing. In the town of O Grove, the restaurants that offer seafood dishes stand out. A place that fills up in summer with a great atmosphere, especially if we go to the Seafood Festival.
Barbanza area
The Barbanza area also shares the Ría de Arousa. In this place there are several interesting coastal towns. Rianxo, a small fishing village, Boiro, Puebla del Caramiñal and also Santa Uxía de Ribeira, where you can find the complex of the Dunes of Corrubedo and Lagunas de Carregal y Vixán.