Visit Pontevedra, Spain

The Galician province of Pontevedra sits on the Atlantic coast of southwest Spain and is home to two historically and culturally rich cities — Vigo and the eponymous Pontevedra. Spending time in both cities will give you a deep insight into the storied past of this celebrated coastal area.

Surrounded by hills, the city of Pontevedra is widely regarded as the second most architecturally and spiritually important city in Galicia, following hot on the heels of Santiago de Compostela. Built around a network of medieval squares, you’ll find Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture in Pontevedra’s historic heart.

Further south, Vigo boasts one of the largest natural ports in the world. Ringed by mountains and sitting on the shores of Ria de Vigo, it has a rich nautical history. Once a vital Roman seaport, wide tree-lined avenues here sweep you down to the historic Cidade Vella and old maritime quarter of O Berbés.

Pontevedra

This historic city is a revered stopover on the Portuguese Way path of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. You’ll find the route’s ancient scallop symbol throughout the city, from the eye-catching circular design of the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin — specifically built in the 18th century with a shell-shaped floor plan— to the small scallops sculpted into the city’s medieval Burgo Bridge.

The city boasts a network of historical squares and cobblestoned streets to explore. The Pontevedra Museum with its medieval and Renaissance art collections is also worth a visit.

Vigo

An ancient Roman marina, Vigo remains a dynamic maritime hub to this day. Home to a large fishing fleet, a bustling transatlantic port, and a dynamic cultural scene, it’s a fascinating city to explore. You can discover its seafaring past at the Galician Museum of the Sea, gain sweeping views over the Vigo estuary from Monte A Guía, and wander the timeworn maze of streets in Cidade Vella, the city’s historic quarter.

Meanwhile, lovers of fine food and wine might like to sample Vigo’s fresh-from-the-boat seafood paired with Rías Baixas Alberiño, a bone-dry local white wine known for its aromatic notes.

E-biking around Vigo

A guided coastal e-bike adventure gives you the chance to explore further along the Vigo estuary. Starting in the historical heart of the city, you’ll follow the Lagares River until you reach the coastline of Vigo, with views out across Samil beach and the Cíes Islands. You’ll have the chance to explore La Fuente beach and Alcabre before visiting the small fishing village of Bouzas, and returning to the city.

Combarro and Bodega Adega Eidos winery tour

We can arrange for you to spend time out of the cities, exploring the history and culture of the wider Pontevedra region. You’ll have a private driver for the day, who’ll take you firstly to the town of Combarro, with its distinctive 18th-century architecture of casa marineras (sea houses) and their hórreos (raised granaries). After this, you’ll be driven to the Bodega Adega Eidos for a small-group guided tour of the winery and tasting of the distinctive Alberiño wines produced here.

Visiting the Cíes Islands

Sitting in the Vigo estuary, the Cíes Islands form part of the Atlantic Islands National Park and are an unspoiled archipelago of white-sand bays, mountainous peaks, and clear turquoise waters. A visit here offers diverse wildlife and seabird-spotting opportunities together with a range of hiking trails. Tickets to the islands are strictly limited for conservation purposes, but we can book these in advance as a part of your visit to the area.

Best time to visit Pontevedra

With a temperate climate of mild winters and warm summers, Pontevedra is open to visitors year-round. Our specialists recommend visiting in May or September, when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer visitors. The area is hotter and busier with both domestic and international tourism during the peak summer months of July and August.